Hi guys. Do we have NS generals or major generals or some higher-ranking post in our SAF?
Does that mean we have some 18 yr old who is actually a "general," a rank which in other militaries (i'd imagine) would require combat experience, age and a lot more seniority (but surely not in your 20s).
Just curious. Thanks.
Public statements by the defence minister on the fastest possible rate of advancement state that General rank can be had by the age of 40. Reference: MG Chan Chun Sing.
That said, Lee Hsien Loong was the youngest General in SAF history at 32. Even more unusual, this was in 1984 when SAF scholarships were extremely rare and "selective".
There are no 18 year olds with General rank, but there are those on track for it. That's the scholar scheme for you. You might find this local blog very informative
kementah.blogspot.com
Generals are targeted and groomed with opportunities and appointments from an early stage. Merit does not play as large a role as one might assume.