EARNING THEIR CHEVRONS

Specialist Cadet (SCT) Ou Jianle was not always this fit or motivated. However, that began to change when he managed to shake off 16kg during Basic Military Training. Fast-forward to 24 Jun, SCT Ou found himself at the Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp receiving the Golden Bayonet award for his excellent performance in the Specialist Cadet Course.

On this change in himself, he said: "I wanted to go through the motions to serve my National Service, but as I gained physical fitness, I started to feel motivated and even began to enjoy military life." SCT Ou has taken it a step further and signed up to become a Regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

During his training to become a Signals Specialist, he learnt not only to lead soldiers, but also to watch out for the finer points in setting up and operating sophisticated military communications systems in the field.

To help them do that, the trainees went through a series of professionally-accredited courses - learning about network system security and switches - to help them gain an in-depth knowledge of similar systems used in the SAF of today.

"I feel confident to lead my men after all the training we have gone through and I am ready for any future challenge," said SCT Ou.

This view was echoed by fellow trainee Corporal (CPL) Sharmil Rizza Bin Shamsul Kamil who was trained to become a Transport Supervisor who oversees motor transport operations.

"We were drilled in both peace and war time operations, be it troop lift or transporting supplies. We are definitely ready to fulfil our duties. I would say that it's a privilege to learn as much as we did," said CPL Sharmil.

The two were among the 1,244 who received their 3rd Sergeant rank chevrons at the parade. Speaking at the parade, guest of honour Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai reminded the cadets of their responsibilities as the backbone of the SAF.

"As Specialists, all of you will hold important appointments and bear heavy responsibilities in the 3rd Generation SAF," said Mr Wong.

While specialists are expected to maintain and enforce discipline in the unit, they also have to manage complex systems and equipment. "Most of all, you have to earn the confidence and trust of your men," he added.

His message was certainly not lost on SCT Jayaraj s/o Somasundram: "It's about reaching out to our men and making them follow you, not out of fear but because they want to. The way to do that is to be sincere and make them feel that you truly care for them. SCT Jayaraj also received a Golden Bayonet award for his performance in his course to become an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist.

"I would say that our experience has been very enriching and we are all ready to serve as Specialists of the SAF," concluded CPL Sharmil.