Brigadier-General (BG) CAI DEXIAN is new Chief of Army

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Singapore names new Chief of Army​

Brigadier-General (BG) Cai Dexian will take over from Major-General (MG) David Neo on Mar 21, 2025.

Brigadier-General (BG) Cai Dexian (left) and Major-General (MG) David Neo. (Photos: MINDEF)

25 Feb 2025 12:56PM (Updated: 25 Feb 2025 01:40PM)

SINGAPORE: Brigadier-General (BG) Cai Dexian will become Singapore's new Chief of Army on Mar 21, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced on Tuesday (Feb 25).

He takes over from Major-General (MG) David Neo, who has served in the position for close to three years.

"This change is part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)," said MINDEF.

BG Cai, the current commander of 3rd Singapore Division, joined the military in 2003 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship.

The 40-year-old, who is an armour officer by vocation, has held various roles within MINDEF and SAF, such as Commanding Officer of the 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, Commander of the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, Head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department and Director of Personnel Policy.

"BG Cai drove many capability development and force transformation efforts for the SAF, such as establishing the Digital and Intelligence Service and developing the SAF 2040 long-term plan," said MINDEF.

He was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of SAF’s contribution to the international reconstruction efforts in the country.

Outgoing Chief of Army MG Neo has held the position since Mar 10, 2022.

"Under his stewardship, the Singapore Army maintained a high level of operational readiness, expanded its range of capabilities, and enhanced its interoperability with government agencies," MINDEF noted.

The 47-year-old also led the Army 2040 transformation plan. He played key roles in the "operationalisation of new warfighting concepts, inter-service integration, acquisition of cutting-edge warfighting systems, as well as workforce development, innovation and digitalisation initiatives", said MINDEF.

Prior to his appointment, MG Neo - the first commando officer to become army chief - oversaw the SAF’s contributions to the national fight against COVID-19.

Asked about MG Neo's future plans, MINDEF said that his immediate focus is on his current responsibilities as the Chief of Army and to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

"As per past practice, Chiefs of Services who have just handed over command after their terms will be in MINDEF to complete transition and other administrative matters," said a ministry spokesperson.

 

[joemartini]

So??

 

[firehyrant]

S'pore Army 3rd Div commander, 1st S'porean to get US Bronze Star Medal, shares Afghan war experience​

He received the award after serving in Afghanistan for a six-month tour.

Khine Zin Htet |

December 18, 2023, 12:09 PM

When Brigadier-General Cai Dexian was 27 years old and freshly married, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a six-month tour, serving in the Multinational Coalition Force.

At the end of his stint, he was the first Singaporean to receive the Bronze Star Medal, an American military combat decoration given to those who have displayed heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook

Now, as the 3rd Singapore Division commander, Cai shared more about his experience in Afghanistan through a Facebook video posted by The Singapore Army.

Experience in Afghanistan​

Cai said he has a mix of "fondness and a lot of nostalgia" for his deployment to Afghanistan.

He fondly remembers celebrating his 28th birthday with his colleagues in Afghanistan.

However, being newly married, he had a tough time being separated from his wife.

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook

Learning experience​

Regardless, Cai said it was an incredible learning experience that allowed him to engage in combat in an operational environment and use his skills and training.

In an interview with The Straits Times in 2013, Cai said that not a week would go by without incoming rocket attacks.

Cai coordinated information crucial in helping commanders decide how and where to deploy tens of thousands of troops on any given day.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal at the end of his six-month tour.

But the humble man does not see it as a personal award.

"SAF officers over the years have contributed to the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. I was fortunate enough to come after a very long line of very capable officers," he said.

"Bak Kwa diplomacy" in Afghanistan​

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook
When he first arrived in Afghanistan, Cai had to think of how to "break the ice" with other comrades.

He said in preparation, he brought chicken Bak Kwa.

He shared that it was a great way to break the ice and a simple way of introducing himself.

3rd Singapore Division​

The 3rd Singapore Division is an interdisciplinary combined arms unit consisting of Infantry, Armour, Artillery, Combat Service Support, Combat Engineers, Signals, Intelligence and Air Defence, according to the Ministry of Defence.

"What is really unique about us is that we have the largest number of active units in our army," Cai said.

Other than active servicemen, National Servicemen (NSmen) form the bulk of the division, he added.

This adds up to many talents and types of interest within the division.

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook
Cai also shared that some of the senior NSmen have gone "way past what is statutorily required by law to serve" and are choosing to serve out of pure passion, duty, and responsibility.

This is not just in their formal capacities but, more importantly, as mentors to younger NSmen, he added.

Communicating and engaging with people​

Cai's 10-year-old daughter had a keen observation of his job, saying:

"Papa, you really spend all your time in the Army talking. You just do nothing but talk."

That observation rang true for Cai, who said much of his work involves engaging people, listening to them, and communicating messages.

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook
On developing and leading people, Cai said that one crucial aspect is to give and expose them to opportunities to upgrade and develop themselves.

Additionally, Cai said it is essential to help them understand what is available and match their interests with the organization's needs.

Younger generation of soldiers ​

Cai gave his two cents on the younger generation of soldiers, saying that what they really want is to understand the meaning and purpose of why they are doing what they are doing.

As such, they spend a lot of time in the Army and the 3rd Division trying to convey this to the soldiers, Cai explained.

For example, joining the National Day Parade is one of the ways soldiers learn the importance and meaning of their work.

"It's a lot of hard work, with many weekends and Saturdays burned in terms of preparing, rehearsing, and executing on the actual day," Cai said.

Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook
When the soldiers learn that the parade is essential because it gives Singaporeans confidence and pride in their country, that really motivates them, Cai added.

"And you can see it on their faces every time that they're involved, because they understand why it's so important."

Top photos from The Singapore Army/Facebook

 

[A Singaporean]

SAF ? What a joke. I have confidence in the maids.