Recognising decades of dedication

You are preparing for the largest edition of Exercise Wallaby (XWB), where you’ll need to lead your company and integrate drone technology into your operations – a first for your unit.

Then, just three weeks before your flight to Australia, a family tragedy occurs.

This is what Mr Syed Mahazir, who held the NS (National Service) rank of captain, faced when his grandmother passed away in August 2024.

"My grandma was like a mother to me; my grandparents raised me since I was in diapers," said the 45-year-old.

Despite the heavy loss, his sense of duty kept him focused.

Knowing he had an important role to play in leading his soldiers in the upcoming exercise, Mr Syed took time to grieve and gather himself.

“(But) there was never a thought about missing Exercise Wallaby,” he said.

Moving into unchartered frontiers

As Officer Commanding of the Security Company for 33rd Combat Service Support Battalion (33 CSSB) then, Mr Syed understood the importance of being present and leading his unit during that year’s exercise.

They were the first NS unit in Combat Service Support to deploy drones in an operational setting. This included using drones to survey and gather intelligence.

During the exercise, Mr Syed and his team adapted their operating procedures to address challenges such as launching drones from uneven terrain and operating safely with personnel nearby.

The lessons they learnt from integrating drone use in their operations were later shared with Army Logistics Training Institute.

Recognising NSmen for their commitment

Mr Syed’s efforts were recognised by Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) NS Appreciation Dinner held on 26 May at Temasek Club.

“Syed led a pioneering effort (at XWB 2024 and) guided his team in refining tactics, techniques and procedures (of integrating drones in security operations), translating a new capability into an effective operational asset,” said VADM Beng.

“(He also) demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to duty in the face of personal loss, continuing to lead his men while making arrangements to support his family at home.”

A total of 116 Key Appointment Holders, ROVERS (Reservists on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service) and Volunteers were recognised for their contributions towards NS at the dinner.

ROVERS are Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who serve beyond their NS training cycle, while Volunteers are those who serve past their statutory age.

Among them was Mr Surindranath, who last held the rank of Master Warrant Officer and has served 30 years of continuous NS.

The 51-year-old has seen the evolution of the Armour Formation, with firsthand experience training across platforms ranging from the M113 Ultra armoured personnel carrier to the SM1 tank.

Guiding the next generation

Mr Surindranath, who works as an Administration Manager at Kheng Cheng School, extended his service in 2007 to mentor the next generation, knowing the value of shared struggles.

"When you tell them, 'I'm also an NSman', they can relate to you much better, and it's easier to get their buy-in."

As the former Brigade Sergeant Major of 56th Singapore Armoured Brigade, he spent up to 30 days a year visiting units, checking the men’s morale, and mentoring the Company Sergeant Majors (CSMs) – a role he intimately understands.

"The CSM job is the hardest of the whole lot, because you can't even go to the toilet in peace!" he said with a laugh.

Putting his empathy into practice, Mr Surindranath makes sure to protect his soldiers' time. "I've always told the CSMs under me, do not have that 'wait to rush, rush to wait' mentality.

“Time is very important to everyone, and you mustn’t take (the NSmen’s) time for granted.”

A long journey

Both men ended their ROVERS journey last year and stepped down from their roles, passing the baton on to a new generation of NSmen.

He may have relinquished his role, but Mr Syed still meets ups with and remains close to his NS buddies.

"Hand to heart, the bonds I have with my fellow brothers-in-arms, I can never replicate that elsewhere."

And Mr Surindranath’s advice to fellow and future NS commanders?

“It is important to have an open mind and to try to understand (your men) instead of imposing our ideals. This ensures that the soldiers will be receptive to guidance.”