Page 25 - MustangEbook

STATE ARMS the SAF Crest. For all Singaporeans, it
represents our integrated armed forces.

The origins of the SAF Crest dates to 11
March 1961 and fittingly, are intertwined with
the story of Singapore’s first and oldest
battalion (1 SIR). What started as a battalion
logo was later adopted as the identity for the
whole SAF.

Inaugurated on 1 July 1989, the SAF Flag had

the SAF Crest emblazoned on the bottom
right-hand corner of the State Flag. It
symbolised for the first time, the Army, Navy
The State Arms consist of a shield and Air Force working together as an
emblazoned with a white crescent moon and integrated force. By operating as a whole
five white stars on a red background. system, the SAF’s capability was multiplied
Supporting the shield are a Lion on the left manifold as compared to if the Army, Navy
and a Tiger on the right. Below the shield are and Air Force were to function individually.
the words Majulah Singapura (“Let Singapore Consecrated at the 1989 SAF Day Parade, the
Flourish”). The lion represents Singapore and new flag was handed over to then Chief of
the tiger the island’s historic links with General Staff, LT GEN Winston Choo by the
Malaysia. late President Wee Kim Wee.

SAF CREST The SAF Crest comprises the inscription,
“Tentera Singapura” (Singapore Armed
Forces) encircling the State Crest. This
symbolises the protection and preservation of
the values of democracy, peace, progress,
justice and equality represented in the State
Crest.

NATIONAL SERVICE

Flags and symbols have a powerful emotive With the decision to build our defence forces
influence over people. Throughout history, around the citizen-soldier concept, 2 SIR as
they have been used by governments and well as 1 SIR were converted into National
organisations to rally and garner support and Service units. In 1968, both battalions took in
affiliations. In the SAF, military colours and their first batches of full-time National
logos are probably the most recognisable Servicemen (NS). The officers and NCOs
marks of identity. They forge a sense of (non-commissioned officers) from 2 SIR were
belonging, esprit de corps and pride. While among the core of instructors selected to train
each of the three Services has its own crest, the NS recruits. Their experience in actual
the one that undeniably binds all servicemen is
operational situations (Indonesian