GIVING THEIR BEST TO BECOME LEADERS OF MEN

Specialist Cadet (SCT) Mikhail Gormi Manik is no stranger to challenges. Hailing from the Institute of Technical Education, he was surprised when he was presented with the opportunity to undergo the Specialist Cadet Course (SCC) after his Basic Military Training to assume a leadership role. As part of the course, SCT Mikhail had to assume leadership roles, which he found challenging.

"I have a fear of talking to big groups," said SCT Mikhail. "During the Professional Term of my Infantry Specialist training, I was given a lot of opportunities to lead my platoon, and sometimes, even my company."

"These leadership opportunities (helped me) to overcome my fear of talking to, and leading, a large group of people."

SCT Mikhail not only overcame the challenges in his course, he went on to graduate from the SCC as a Golden Bayonet recipient.

His tenacity and fighting spirit are what soldiers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) should possess. As Reviewing Officer, Minister of State for Education and Communications and Information Sim Ann said: "The strength of the SAF lies not in its advanced military hardware, but in its people."

Speaking at the 21st Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade on 23 Dec, Ms Sim advised the newly-minted specialists, saying: "As a specialist and leader, you are asked to give nothing short of your very best."

"Your soldiers will be looking to you to uphold the specialists' creed of leadership by example, excellence, fighting spirit, and dedication to Singapore. You will be in a position not only to train them, but also to guide, befriend, and mentor."

Also giving his best was the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Golden Bayonet recipient, SCT Tay Beng Hoe, an Air Defence Systems Specialist, who found his training challenging.

He said: "The I-Hawk system is a complex one, consisting of many different attachments, hence it was difficult to master."

He recalled one experience which was particularly challenging: "Our summary exercise was held at 1am. Night deployment was something we were not familiar with. But I am glad we eventually succeeded (in our mission) and it was a very good experience for me."

For SCT Tay, the SCC might have been tough, but it was fulfilling. He said: "Through the course, I realised my leadership potential. Before this, I did not know that I could lead such a large group of people towards accomplishing a mission."

The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week SCC, where SCTs trained to develop leadership and combat skills. Also present at the parade were family and friends of the graduands, as well as senior SAF officers.