BECOMING INSPIRING LEADERS

A military parade is often a display of force and discipline, but for 907 specialist cadets (SCTs) on 21 Dec, it was more than that.

Their graduation parade at Pasir Laba Camp marked the end of 22 weeks of rigorous training to hone their leadership and combat skills.

Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh, who reviewed the parade, reminded the graduands of their responsibilities in leading the men under their charge: "Respect them as soldiers, and you will earn their respect as a leader.

"Ultimately, your greatest aspiration should be to make a difference in the lives of your soldiers, to transform them into good soldiers and good young men."

SCT Rovik Jeremiah Robert, a combat engineer who received the Golden Bayonet award for being top in his formation, spoke of how the training in the Specialist Cadet School (SCS) changed him: "Before going to SCS, I was unsure of my abilities and whether I was capable of being a leader, but after being given many opportunities to lead, I'm now confident of motivating my men and leading them in missions."

He added: "I've also learnt how to be more proficient in my combat skills, and that's very important when you lead men, because you need to show them that you can do the job as well as, or even better than them."

Sharing similar sentiments was Silver Bayonet recipient SCT Shaikh Ahmad Bin Shaikh Mohsin Alkhatib.

The infantry specialist, who has been posted to the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) to lead recruits, is eager to embark on his next journey. "When I was a recruit, I looked up to my commanders, who guided me through BMT and changed me from a civilian to a soldier. Without them, I don't think I can be who I am today.

"Because of that, I want to contribute back to BMTC, to guide new recruits and help them adapt to military life."