Nay Pyi Taw December 8
The Passing-out Parade of the 65th Intake of Defence Services Academy was held at the parade ground of DSA in PyinOoLwin this morning with an address by Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present at the ceremony together with the Senior General were wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Thiri Pyanchi Sithu Maung Maung Aye and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Zeya Kyawhtin Sithu Moe Aung and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Zeya Kyawhtin Sithu Tun Aung and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Union ministers, the chief minister of Mandalay Region and wife, the Central Command commander, military attaches of foreign missions in Myanmar, the DSA commandant, officials from PyinOoLwin Station, officer instructors and faculty members of the academic wing and training wing of DSA, who are the guardians of the cadets, and guests.
First, the Senior General took the salute of cadet companies and inspected the graduating cadet companies.
Then, the cadet companies saluted the Senior General with slow-march past and quickmarch past. The Senior General presented Best Cadet Award to Cadet No. 35743 Cadet Thurein Oo, Excellent Award in Training to Cadet No. 35778 Cadet Hein Htet Aung, Excellent Award in Studies (Arts) to Cadet No. 35486 Cadet Zay Lin Maung, Excellent Award in Studies (Science) to Cadet No. 35425 Cadet Chan Nyein Lwin and Excellent Award in Studies (Computer Science) to Cadet No. 35738 Cadet Han Hpone Myat.
In his address, the Senior General said today is a great rejuvenation day for the Nation and the Tatmadaw as it marks the fostering of a new generation of young leaders. I would like to impart that it is intended to efficiently utilise the integration of knowledge and expertise instilled by the alma mater, Defence Services Academy, along with personal experiences and cognition in practical fields, to becoming well-rounded and calibred officers who can be entrusted by the Nation and the Tatmadaw, aligned with the academy’s motto, “The Triumphant Elite of the Future.”
The alma mater, Defence Services Academy, has already nurtured comrades into young leaders through training aligned with the ethos, “Honour, Valour, Wisdom”. Honour embodies the virtue of remaining steadfast in the commitment to the assigned duties; Valour accentuates the courageous confrontation of threats to the Nation and the Tatmadaw; Wisdom encompasses the acquisition of a sound knowledge in military science and the arts and science subjects, all essential for enabling a military leader to excel. The senior brethren, the alumni officers, made strenuous efforts to serve their assigned duties successfully to the Nation and the Tatmadaw in successive terms. The alma mater, Defence Services Academy, radiates glory as the alumni officers fulfil the solemn duties of the Nation and the Tatmadaw in the present time. Thus, I would like to impart to those aspiring to become exemplary officers who can be entrusted by their superiors and respected by their subordinates to carry out assigned duties, in the pursuit of upholding the esteem and prestige of the Tatmadaw and the alma mater, Defence Services Academy.
As for the comrades who will soon be inducted into young leaders to serve practical duties in the respective corps and units of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), it is important to understand the characteristics of leadership.
A leader must not only have commendable moral character, justice and prudence, and goodwill towards subordinates but also must lead them with empathy. Accordingly, success could only be achieved by virtue of your words and deeds. As regards empathy, a leader must consider that humility is contrary to magnanimity and it must be exercised with a focus on long-term considerations with magnanimity, rather than short-term initiatives associated with mere humility. To ensure successful administration, it is crucial to lead subordinates prudently, devoid of any form of discrimination. The assignment of the right person at the right place must be executed with an understanding of individual attitudes, capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Regardless of the varied responsibilities shouldered, as every single military personnel can engage in battle and fulfil the mantle of national defence, comrades are required to epitomise the virtues intrinsic to a genuine soldier. Beyond a mere grasp of military awareness and consciousness, true mastery requires adeptness in the imparted military science. Embracing the motto “Study, Practice, Comply” is pivotal for effectively applying learned military tactics in real-world scenarios. I would like to urge that the imperative study of state-of-the-art military equipment and leapfrogging technology, rigorous training for optimal fitness and efficiency, and strict adherence to military doctrines and principles, are paramount in ensuring readiness and competence in modern warfare.
Aspiring to embody the epitome of a commendable soldier, as discipline is the soul and backbone of the Tatmadaw, comrades must be obedient and disciplined. In fulfulling the responsibilities for national security and defence, obedience and steadfast discipline are imperative traits to be upheld. Being well-disciplined is synonymous with being obedient. The imposition of discipline in our Tatmadaw aims to be systematic and well-organised. Furthermore, as individuals vow to sacrifice their lives for each other on the battlefield, disciplinary imposition is to dutifully perform assigned tasks in an obedient manner and avoid unnecessary fatalities. Hence, comrades are to grasp the profound rationale underlying the stringent imposition of discipline and personal growth thrives amidst the cultivation of a steadfast and welldisciplined approach.
Furthermore, as comrades stand not only as military personnel but also as citizens, adherence to national laws and orders, including rules and regulations issued by the Tatmadaw, becomes paramount. Alongside personal compliance, individuals bear the responsibility of supervising their subordinates’ adherence to these mandates.
I would like to emphasise that comrades must be loyal to the last not only to themselves and their duties but also to the Nation and the Tatmadaw whilst executing assigned duties. In this regard, upholding high morale and perception stands as a collective responsibility, impacting not just the individual but also resonating profoundly for the Nation and the Tatmadaw.
The primary duty of the Tatmadaw is to fulfil the imperative role of national defence. Comrades, as military personnel, must fully embrace the Three Capabilities such as “Military Capability, Organisational Capability, and Administrative Capability” to effectively safeguard the Nation. Augmenting military capability hinges on the relentless pursuit of knowledge in military science. Likewise, elevating administrative capability entails methodical oversight and rigid adherence to hierarchical directives.
Within the realm of administration, comrades must adeptly switch between active participation and astute guidance, mastering both approaches.
The Three Capabilities intertwine intricately and bolstering administrative capability fuels the morale of military personnel. Consequently, a fortified administrative capability elevates military capability and augments organisational capability.
The Nation’s strength lies within and the strength of the Tatmadaw must be built in its cohesive forces. As our Tatmadaw, comprised of individuals from diverse regions and ethnicities, shoulders the national duty, cultivating a familial sense of unity becomes imperative.
Unified strength magnifies the great magnitude, rendering the institution formidable. Overcoming adversities becomes feasible when military personnel, families, and the entire people unite. Thus, comrades ought to prioritise not solely the intraunit organisational measures but also the public organisational measures, aligning to harness the collective strength of the entire people.
Embracing the intricacies of the organising process, comrades must recognise its enduring nature, devoid of swift accomplishment in a solitary moment. This intricate process delineates into two realms: the practical and the elusive. Given its dependence on behaviour and the need for a delicate approach, its success hinges upon a steadfast commitment to the meticulous roadmap orchestrated by the Tatmadaw Organising Committee.
Amidst the intra-unit organising endeavours, comrades have to take into consideration that internal cohesion ascends magnificently when all military personnel meticulously uphold the prescribed codes of conduct.
Tatmadaw inherently fosters a strong Nation. Therefore, I would like to put an emphasis on the crucial need to cultivate internal unity, safeguard the Nation’s sovereignty, and preserve the lasting integrity of its territories.
During the public organising endeavours, I would like to urge comrades to embrace the ethos of “Mother Figure People, Father Figure People”, actively entailing in regional development, swiftly engaging in relief initiatives during natural calamities, irrespective of minority, ethnicity, or religious backgrounds in the areas of service and wholeheartedly participating in public rendering services encompassing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid.
The warfare of the 21st Century unfolds in asymmetric, multidimensional forms of attack, emerging from diverse sides and sectors. Comrades must anticipate the metamorphosis of warfare and the fluidity of military strategies due to the state-of-the-art weaponry and ordnance. It is incumbent upon comrades to adeptly comprehend modern command and control system, meticulously observing and assimilating evolving military doctrines that align with technological leaps. Reflective of the prevailing circumstances, comrades who are going to serve as young leaders must persistently pursue knowledge, delving into not only military affairs but also the dynamic realm of contemporary international affairs.
Every country worldwide shapes the Union system based on its historical background, traditional culture, customs, and resident ethnic groups. Drawing from our country’s historical experiences, two political visions corresponding to the Nation and its people: “To cement a disciplined, genuine multi-party democratic system and build a Union based on the democratic and federal system” will be implemented to ensure success.
A Nation functions through its national, economic, and defence driving forces, with the economic force being the primary pivot amongst them. Bolstering the economic force holds great importance, as the vitality of the other two forces hinges on its strength.
Hence, “Prosperity of the Nation and food self-sufficiency” is implemented as two national visions in our government’s administration.
The State Administration Council has arisen as the constitutional government, seeking to deter the previous NLD government’s wrong forcible means to seize State power through instance of voting irregularities.
Consequently, the government is actively committed to organising a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, prioritising it as a paramount goal. In the pursuit of ensuring absolute nationwide voting rights without any space left, safeguarding the electoral privileges of all eligible citizens, and orchestrating a methodical election, the government actively endeavours across diverse sectors. As the foundational steps for a successful election are underway, I would like to impart that our collective goal swiftly materialises through the active involvement of every single individual.
All must strive to endeavour to evolve into exemplary leaders, embodying the Three Capabilities of high morale, disciplined conduct, and steadfast obedience; strive to evolve into proficient, well-trained soldiers, attentive to their food and shelter to sustain optimal health; persist in ongoing learning across diverse subjects, comprising cuttingedge military technologies, and conscientiously apply and adhere to the acquired knowledge; fulfil designated duties as a responsible citizen and a devoted soldier, contributing to the establishment of a Union based on the democratic and federal system; and aspire to be the triumphant elite of the future, devoted to embracing Our Three Main National Causes, as national duty, and demonstrating steadfast loyalty to our motherland and the Tatmadaw.
After taking salute from the cadet companies, the Senior General left the parade ceremony.
After the parade ceremony, the Senior General met with five cadets who won outstanding awards at the parlour of the headquarters of the DSA and spoke words of honour.
In his praise of the outstanding cadets, the Senior General said that they won the outstanding awards as they had tried very hard for the past four years in their educational and military lessons and good discipline.
Their efforts are acknowledged.
They must maintain their good basic habits of exercising self-control and having good discipline and continue to try hard for the rest of their life.
They must continue their studies on academic and technological knowledge to become brilliant persons on whom the country can rely.
They must pursue the life of a good soldier and acquire valuable experience from seniors who are shouldering the national and military duties. They must continue to strive to be dutiful and loyal towards their organizations and the State.
They must pay back the debt of gratitude they owe to their parents who had nurtured them to become outstanding. They must never forget the gratitude they owe to Tatmadaw and DSA which had trained them to become junior military leaders during the four-year period. They should listen to their parents, ensure a happy life for them, provide all basic needs to the most possible degree as it amounts to paying back their gratitude they owe to them.
Likewise, having self-control and pursuing the life of a good soldier also amount to uplifting reputation of the country and Tatmadaw. In shouldering duties as junior leaders, they continuously improve their life with never exhausting perseverance, unyielding spirit, honesty and loyalty.