Facts about our Army Interesting Facts 1967 Introduction

Facts about our Army

Interesting Facts • 1967 – Introduction of Code of Conduct • Dr. Goh Keng Swee promulgated the SAF Code of Conduct consisting of 6 rules at the SAF Code of Conduct ceremony at Pearl's Hill Parade Square. • 1978 – Hokkien banned as language of instruction • Hokkien was commonly used as a language of instruction for trainees. From Oct 78, all instructions are to be passed only in either English, Malay or Mandarin.

• 1980 – First NS Mono-intake • The first mono-intake batch was introduced in 1980 to create greater cohesiveness within the Army companies. • 1983 – Rewarding the Hardworking Private • A new rank was introduced in 1983 - the Private (First Class) - to recognise the good service in the SAF.

• 1989 – SAF Flag revealed • On 1 Jul 89, the new SAF flag was unveiled. It served to promote pride, maintain morale and generate a sense of loyalty and identity. • 1994 – ROD changes to ORD • From 1 Jul 94, The term "Run-Out-Date" was changed to "Operational Ready National Service Date".

ORIGIN OF SALUTE • Saluting with the open hand indicates friendly intentions and can be traced back to the middle ages when travellers also held their open hands up in order to indicate that they had no weapons in their possession capable of injuring others. It also dates back several hundred years to the days when fighting men wore armour. Thus, when outside the safety of walled castles, people often had to defend themselves. Therefore, as the knight rode through the forest, he rode with his hand near his sword. When he met someone he recognized as a friend, he raised his empty hand to show he was not challenging the person. This action was a sign of trust and respect.

POSITION OF HONOUR • In walking with a senior or riding in a vehicle the junior is on the left. The national flag is carried or displayed on the right of all others. The right is the point of honour in heraldry. This practice probably originates from the days when gentlemen carried swords for protection. The stronger swordsman was given the position of honour (the right) so that his sword arm would be unhampered for a fast draw.

ORDER OF RELIGIONS GROUP • Today, the consecration ceremony is carried out by the recognised religions in Singapore and they are as follows, in order of precedence: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Hinduism Judaism Zorastrianism Buddhism Taoism Christianity Islam Sikhism Baha’i Faith Jainism

THE PARADE SQUARE • In the British army, when the retreat was sounded after a battle, the unit would assemble to call the roll and count the dead, a hollow square was formed. The dead were placed within the square and no one used the area as a thoroughfare. Today, the parade ground represents this square and hence, the unit’s dead. It is deemed to be hallowed ground, soaked with the blood of our fallen and the area is respected as such by all.