BEATING THE ODDS TO GET TO THE TOP

When we think back on our school days, most of our biggest "challenges" were probably keeping our grades up and maintaining an active social life. But imagine if you had to look after your toddler and care for your pregnant wife while awaiting your child's birth.

That was Major (MAJ) Danny Poh Tze Yuen's challenge when he was attending the 41-week Command and Staff Course (CSC) at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC).

"It was an internal struggle for me: on the one hand, I had to meet the demands of the course, and on the other, I had to answer' to my wife," said the 34-year-old Guards officer. He added: "It was especially tough when my daughter was born in May, during a peak period of the course. My wife had to take care of the kids so that I could focus on my studies."

Luckily he had not one, but three remarkable women behind him: "My mother and mother-in-law came over to stay and help us. And just last week, my wife revealed that she has since used up her childcare leave and annual leave. She sacrificed her time to care for the kids, and I'm really grateful for the support."

He said: "They are really the reason we serve, and they are the motivators behind what we do. Without them, we cannot achieve what we achieve."

Their sacrifices paid off. On 27 Oct, MAJ Poh's wife looked on proudly as he was named the top Army graduand at the GKS CSC combined graduation ceremony.

Held at the Istana, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented certificates and awards to 220 graduands of the 47th CSC, 17th CSC [National Service (NS)] and 6th and 7th CSC (Executive).

The CSC, CSC (Executive) and CSC (National Service) are the highest level of formal military education offered in Singapore for regular and National Service (NS) officers, and prepare officers for senior command and staff appointments in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

This year's cohort comprised 118 regular officers, 34 Military Experts (MEs), two Warrant Officers, 50 NS officers from the SAF, one officer from the Singapore Police Force, and 15 international officers from 11 countries.

Addressing the graduands in the presence of their families and friends, Dr Ng reminded them of their duty to the nation: "Lead well and keep Singapore safe and secure. Upon your duty, the progress and prosperity of our country, or your country, depend."

For MAJ John Nehemiah Samuel, the opportunity to meet and learn from his international counterparts was one of the highlights of the course. "There's a very diverse student population, with both local and international students. That makes the lessons very rich. It's like a melting pot where you sharpen each other's perspectives and expand horizons," said the 30-year-old Unmanned Aerial Vehicle pilot. He was the top Air Force graduand of the CSC and valedictorian.

He was also happy to graduate alongside some of his oldest friends: "We are kind of like growing up together in the SAF. Some of us were BMT (Basic Military Training) and OCS (Officer Cadet School) course mates and now we are on the cusp of mid-level command and leadership. So that's a good feeling when you move forward together."

As for ME5 Denise Lim Puay San, 43, the CSC (E) offered her invaluable insights into the interoperability of the Army, Navy and Air Force: "The course allows me to understand how the three Services work together. As (the SAF is) a small armed force, the interoperability among the Services is very important. Through the course, I now understand the culture of the other two Services, and their operations and missions."

The Head of the Supply Chain Planning Resource Group in the Naval Logistics Department was also thankful to her peers, who had attended the CSC (E) before her, for sharing their notes and advice on the course.

Like ME5 Lim, MAJ (NS) (Dr) How Choon How was also grateful to his bosses at Changi General Hospital (CGH) for giving him the time to attend the CSC (NS). "My immediate bosses see the value of NS the chairman of my medical board himself was extremely enthusiastic about his own NS obligations. So there was strong support from my bosses and colleagues for me (to attend the course). Without their support I would not have been able to serve in this capacity," said the 39-year-old medical officer. He is a Family Physician Consultant and Head of the Department of Care and Health Integration at CGH.

He also found the CSC (NS) useful to Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), like himself, who were preparing to take on key appointments: "The uniqueness of the NSman officers as commanders is that we are well-versed in our scope of work, by virtue of the number of years we spend in the position. But we only see within our own scope of work. Hence, to have an overview of what others do and to be updated on changes, helps in our specialised scope."

During the event, Dr Ng also launched the SAFTI Golden Jubilee Book, a commemorative book to mark the 50th anniversary of SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI).

Dr Ng said: "Understanding our origins helps explain who and what we are. This applies to organisations as it does individuals. Without this epiphany, we risk either losing what is precious or perhaps more importantly, become ineffective if we want to chart the next lap for SAFTI MI."

Three thousand copies of the book will be produced and distributed to various institutions and well as SAF units and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) departments and staff. A signed copy of the book will be displayed in the SAFTI Heritage Centre. An electronic version will also be available for download on the MINDEF website (www.mindef.gov.sg).