Page 12 - MustangEbook

Message from

SAF Sergeant

Major

So what is a healthy military culture? It is a

recipe of many ingredients that provide a
basic framework for our moral and
The observance of the customs and traditions
of the Army is an integral part of military life organisation values. Additionally, it is the rich
and their retention will continue greatly to the Army history interwoven with customs,
maintenance of esprit de corps. traditions and a “warrior spirit”. Over time it
will evolve and mature into the foundation of
The words ‘customs’ and ‘traditions’ hold our organisational principles.
important meaning for soldiers.
Throughout the course of our military history,
The Army’s customs include the people, the Army has developed a distinct culture that
events and ideas from the past that influence portrays an identity to its members and the
the present. Customs are often manifested in general public. Service members throughout
ceremonies, museum exhibits, memorials on the Army do not consider themselves as part
Army installations such as named streets, of a generic Armed Forces but instead identify
buildings, or landmarks. themselves by vocations, eg. Infantry,
Armour, Artillery, etc.
Traditions are daily visible reminders of our
Army’s core values and proud heritage. They Thus, I am confident that we live by the
remind us of the need for units to work Army’s customs and traditions and embrace
together so that traditions can be fostered and them in our daily life as our own. We must not
perpetuated. You will be surrounded by, and only understand them; we must believe in
be part of the tradition as long as you are them, model them in our own actions and
associated with the Army. teach others to accept and live by them.

A strong well-defined culture built on the past
traditions and history of the Army is critical to
a healthy military organisation. A vibrant
military culture is so vital, if absent or weak,
may have a devastating impact on the
military’s readiness. SWO GUNGA
SAF Sergeant Major
Singapore Armed Forces