Military mum

Before embarking on a new chapter in the Army, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Genelle Soh En Ning was working at ST Engineering, where she handled administrative duties. 

“I’ve always been more of a hands-on person, but it was necessary (for me to take on administrative work then) so that I could make time for my kids (when they were younger).”

In 2024, she decided to take the leap of faith and signed on as a Signals specialist. 3SG Soh credits her family’s unwavering support for allowing her to make the career switch. 

“I see this (joining the military) as a calling that not only challenges me physically and mentally, but also allows me to lead by example.”

Driven by example

3SG Soh's motivation to excel was simple yet inspiring: to be a role model for her three young daughters. 

Basic Military Training (BMT) was tough, and she wanted to give up several times. Her platoon sergeant 1SG Vanessa Tay, however, saw a leader in her – one that she had not yet seen in herself. 

“She would allocate time for me to speak to my family, and checked in on me regularly,” recalled 3SG Soh.

Thanks to 1SG Tay’s encouragement, she pushed herself in BMT and made the cut to Specialist Cadet School. 

"There, I began to truly understand what it means to be a leader. Leadership is not about giving orders, it is about setting an example.”

Strong support system

The greatest challenge for 3SG Soh was time management and having to navigate a tightrope walk between her roles as a mother, wife and cadet. 

There were moments of physical and emotional fatigue, but she overcame them through mental resilience, discipline, and strong family support.

Her husband, for example, adjusted his schedule and took on many responsibilities at home so that she could fully commit to training. 

“During my time in BMT, he stepped up and took on more responsibility in caring for the kids, updating and reassuring me regularly,” she recounted.

Lifelong bonds 

Beyond her family, 3SG Soh was also blessed with a strong network of friends and mentors. 

"The camaraderie I have built with my fellow servicemen and servicewomen is something I deeply cherish," she said. 

Despite being older than most of her platoonmates, she found that the age difference helped her forge stronger bonds with them.

“I became a mother figure to them. I would wake them up every morning and they would even look for me when they needed help with personal matters.”

Completing the Specialist Cadet Course has been an incredibly fulfilling milestone, added 3SG Soh. 

“I feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I have completed this course alongside my fellow cadets despite the additional responsibilities I carry outside of camp.”

Golden moment

On 21 Aug, 3SG Soh was among 1,086 cadets who graduated as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces in a parade held at Pasir Laba Camp. 

Receiving the Golden Bayonet for being the top cadet from her vocation in the cohort was a defining moment that validated all her efforts.  

"I’m very honoured as this was something I never expected,” said 3SG Soh, who dedicated much of her success to the commanders who guided her through her journey. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”

What she’s accomplished tells her daughters an important lesson: Hard work pays off.

"I hope they will grow up understanding the value of commitment, service, and perseverance.”