SAF COC - Rule Five

We are courageous but not reckless

We are devoted to duty, not to ourselves.

Courage

Courage is the virtue of virtues, because all other virtues, for example. Honesty, charity, faith, do not become virtues unless we have the courage to exercise them. Courage is both a physical and a moral quality.

Physical courage means overcoming the feeling of fear so that we can perform what is expected of us even though our lives may be in danger. This should not be confused with foolishness or rash actions. Courage is never stupid nor fool-hardy. A brave man acts reasonably: his actions are never dictated by panic nor the desire to show off.

Moral courage is what urges us to pursue a course that we are convinced is right, despite all temptations to act otherwise. To be really great, a man or a nation must possess both kinds of courage. Courage is a long-term virtue. Anyone can be brave for a little while, but true courage endures and strengthens us through the most trying circumstances.

We, as members of the Armed Forces, must have both physical and moral courage. We must have self-reliance, resolution and fortitude to enable us to surmount difficulties. We must be brave and act correctly despite our natural fear of physical injury or death. We must have the courage to risk our lives when the occasion demands. To risk our lives for the sake of our countrymen is the greatest proof of loyalty and service to the Republic. We must be ready to do this when we are ordered into battle. To feel fear on such occasions is only natural and is nothing to be ashamed of. But to overcome that fear is the duty of every member of the Singapore Armed Forces.

A man who has lived a disciplined life and taken his training seriously will have learned to control his fear and to act with apparent coolness even under the most formidable and dangerous circumstances. We must, however, have the common sense to take no risks that are unnecessary or even foolish. We must always remember that our lives and physical fitness are of great value to the Republic, especially in time of war or emergency. We must ensure that our courage is supported by our physical fitness and endurance. For this reason, we should take good care of our health in order that our reactions are always fast and our minds always clear. We should be careful not to endanger our health nor slow down our reactions by excuses, especially drinking and other addictions.

Dedication

We should always take our job seriously. We must remember that “Service” comes before “Self”. We belong to an organisation charged with the vital responsibility of ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens. We will work – or fight and if needed, will give our last ounce of effort for our people. All of us count in the Singapore Armed Forces. If any job is to be done, we think of the good it does for the Nation and not for ourselves. We must be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice to preserve the freedom of our people and the Nation.

We must bear in mind that in whatever we do, we should not be selfish and careless, but thoughtful and generous. We live in a community depend upon us. We may seem unimportant in ourselves but we are of the utmost importance to others. Whether at peace or at war, we must be determined to prove that we are worthy of our Country’s trust in us. We must not neglect our duty, or be rude to our fellowmen, or make trouble, or nurture hatred and suspicion. Our first obligation is that we, as members of the Armed Forces, must care for the welfare of those who live with us and must always be ready to accept responsibility to serve the people.