Brothers in arms

There’s no doubt that brothers Major (MAJ) Shivashanker Ragavel and Military Expert (ME) 4A Sri Sakthi Ragavel are close – their banter is punctuated with laughter that fills the room.

MAJ Shivashanker, 31, was the first to join the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2016 when he signed on as an Air Warfare Officer (Air Traffic Controller), or AWO (ATC) for short, in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

Six years later, younger brother ME4A Sri Sakthi R, 27, joined the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a Senior Military Intelligence Expert.

Stuck together for life

ME4A Sri Sakthi R literally doesn’t remember life without his brother, who has taken him under his wing through every phase of life.

“Since we were young, my brother would always say, ‘Come, annan* teach you’.

“This has remained true even after we grew up – I see him not only as my brother, but also my mentor.”

Smiling bashfully at his brother’s heartfelt words, MAJ Shivashanker explained: “When I knew I was going to have a younger brother, I told myself that I needed to be someone that he looks up to.”

Beyond life lessons, his hobbies have also rubbed off on his younger brother.

“Actually, there are lots of things that he does today because of me – for example, his interest in expensive tech products and expensive Legos!” MAJ Shivashanker added with a smirk.

Finding his calling early

The SAF has always been a part of the brothers’ lives, as their father used to serve in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)!

For MAJ Shivashanker, growing up with a father in the military ignited his interest in serving the nation.

“The discipline he possessed, along with his work ethic, in always doing his best for the country really rubbed off on me.”

Being an AWO (ATC) in the RSAF also allowed him to pursue his longstanding passion for aviation, an interest that began when his primary school teacher-turned-mentor encouraged him to chase his dreams.

After completing a diploma in Aerospace Electronics, the 31-year-old, who later earned a degree in Aerospace Systems, decided to join the RSAF.

He signed on in 2016 after his full-time National Service (NS), in which he served as a Commando.

Continuing the family tradition

ME4A Sri Sakthi R’s decision to become a soldier came about after he completed his NS with the Singapore Police Force.

Seeing his father and subsequently his brother in military fatigues influenced him to give the SAF a shot.

“After identifying my strengths and with my interest in mathematics, I believe that the DIS is where I can fulfill the best version of myself.”

He added: “With the DIS being an up-and-coming Service, I will be able to play an important role in its growth.”

An unexpected path

It may appear obvious now, but did the brothers ever expect to end up serving together in the SAF?

“Never! My brother never came across as somebody who would sign on as he doesn’t really enjoy the outdoors,” said MAJ Shivashanker with a laugh.

“In fact, I thought he would become an accountant or even a banker, with his passion for mathematics. So, when he told me he wanted to join the DIS, I was quite surprised.”

ME4A Sri Sakthi R agreed: “Truth be told, I was also quite surprised when I decided to join the SAF.

“But at the end of the day, I’m very happy that I made the decision to choose a military career!”

Different services, same vibe

Both brothers agree that serving together in the SAF has deepened their relationship, as they can relate to each other better now.

Said MAJ Shivashanker: “When I come back home and share (my work day) with him, he is able to understand, and that’s one thing that I really appreciate.”

For ME4A Sri Sakthi R, his elder brother has become a mentor that he can rely on for good advice not just in his personal life, but also at work.

“(When I first embarked on) a military career, there were many things that I did not know. Having my brother there to guide me has really been a huge help.”

They make it a point to have dinner once a week as a family and say that these dinners have become noisier now.

ME4A Sri Sakthi R explained: “As both of us are in the SAF now, and with our father previously in the RSN, there’s a lot more in common to talk about. It’s definitely made the discussions more interesting for all of us!”