Carrying on Dad’s legacy

MAJ (Ret) Aidil Bin Juma’at may have retired from the Singapore Army, but that doesn’t mean his legacy has ended.

The 50-year-old father of two is proud to see both his children put on the green uniform and combat boots.

His younger daughter, 2LT Aleena Binte Aidil, 20, joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on 2 Apr 2025 and is currently serving at Headquarters 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade (2 SIB).

Just three months after 2LT Aleena joined the SAF, elder brother 3SG A’qil Bin Aidil enlisted for Basic Military Training (BMT) on 1 Jul 2025.

The 23-year-old signed on earlier this year and now serves as a Section Commander at 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (9 SIR), where he leads security troopers and supports guardroom operations.

Before his retirement in 2023, MAJ (Ret) Aidil served as Head Subject Matter Expert at Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC).

Even today, he continues to serve in the Singapore Army as a Defence Executive Officer.

The Assistant Director, Training Analysis, at the Infantry Training Institute (ITI) analyses the training performance of units to identify what has gone well and which areas require improvement.

We speak to this military family and hear about the joys of growing up and serving together!

MAJ (Ret) Aidil, what were 2LT Aleena and 3SG A’qil like growing up?

MAJ (Ret) Aidil: A’qil is a warm and caring person who always puts others before himself. Aleena is determined, competitive, and very task-oriented.

Growing up, they always pushed each other to become better versions of themselves – that’s what makes them so close!

2LT Aleena: When we were younger, I remember getting scolded often, and my brother would always step in to defend me.

MAJ (Ret) Aidil, did you influence your children’s career decisions?

MAJ (Ret) Aidil: I’ve always told them that I grew to become who I am today because of the Army, and I believe that my stories (of my military experience) left an impression on them.

My advice is simple: Don’t just sign on because your father is in the Army – make the decision yourself. As long as they are happy, I am happy. I just told them to give it their all!

2LT Aleena: I witnessed how his subordinates saw my dad not only as a leader, but a role model they could turn to for help.

I felt that the Army would give me the best opportunity to grow as a person and a leader. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small.

3SG A’qil: Since young, I’ve been interested in being a soldier. I admire the discipline, strength and teamwork in the military. My parents also supported my passion in serving the country, which motivated me to choose this path.

3SG A’qil and 2LT Aleena, did Dad give you any advice before you enlisted?

3SG A’qil: Dad gave me a lot of advice! He told me to stay disciplined and never give up when training gets tough. He also reminded me to respect my commanders, work well with my teammates, and always stay focused on my goals.

2LT Aleena: Dad told me to always believe in myself. He believes I have what it takes to succeed in this career, having gone through it himself.

What’s been the most memorable part of your military journey?

MAJ (Ret) Aidil: One of the most memorable parts of my career was serving as a Liaison Officer at the Defence Attaché office in Brunei from 2015 to 2018. The role allowed me to build a strong rapport with the SAF personnel stationed there and their families, and gave me a deeper appreciation of defence diplomacy.

3SG A’qil: One of my most challenging experiences was during an overseas training in 2025 as part of my Specialist Cadet Course. It was physically and mentally demanding, but that experience strengthened the bond between me and my batchmates, and taught me the true meaning of teamwork, resilience, and leadership!

2LT Aleena: During my Single Vehicular Battle Course at Officer Cadet School, I was appointed as the vehicle commander for the Terrex (Infantry Carrier Vehicle). At first, I felt overwhelmed by the complex voice procedures but, with practice, I eventually managed to adapt and overcome my fears.

How has being in the SAF brought all of you closer?

3SG A’qil: Aleena and I keep each other motivated by working out together! We always aim for the Gold award for our Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT).

As for Dad, he understands what I’m going through, so it’s easier for me to share my NS (National Service) experience with him. He always gives me meaningful advice, whether it’s about training, overcoming challenges or life in camp.

2LT Aleena: During OCS, whenever I had any difficulties or queries, I could always ask Dad what he would do if he were in my shoes. This gave me a better understanding of what I wanted to achieve in different situations.

With Father’s Day coming up in June, what would you like to say to Dad?

3SG A’qil: Thank you Dad for always supporting and guiding me through every stage of my life! Your sacrifices and advice have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am proud to follow in your footsteps.

2LT Aleena: Thank you so much, Daddy, for always providing a listening ear for any troubles I have. At the end of the day, I know that you and Mummy will be there for me. I love you always!