LEADERS IN DEED

Months of gruelling training was a distant memory as the stoic faces lined in neat rows broke into cheers of jubilation, complete with cap-throws and elated hugs.

Families and friends could only experience the overwhelming joy vicariously from the stands as they witnessed the commissioning of 548 officer cadets at the Officer Cadet Course (OCC) Commissioning Parade, held at SAFTI Military Institute on 13 Dec.

The course, which spans 38 weeks, trains officer cadets in combat, planning and leadership skills. After which officer cadets will assume operational, instructional or staff appointments in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

"My stint in OCC taught me to overcome physical and mental hardship. It also imbued in me the discipline to perform even under trying circumstances," said Officer Cadet (OCT) Chen Jingkai, who won the prestigious Sword of Honour award and Best in Knowledge prize.

When the going gets tough, the tough band together.

Winner of the Silver Bayonet award and Best in Knowledge prize, OCT Thevathasan Arthur Indran, recalled of his training: "There were times my fellow cadets and I got lost in the jungle and we thought we were not going to make it out, but we did. It's through the tough training that we really bonded together."

In getting the awards, both cadets paid tribute to their parents for their support.

"I practised voice procedure drills with the help of my mum! She would give the signals and I would rattle off the drills," OCT Chen said with a wide grin.

"My parents always made the effort to pick me up from school, and whenever I shared with my mum about upcoming tough trainings, she would always send SMSes to encourage me. And the good food that she cooked whenever I was home was support in itself!" quipped OCT Thevathasan.

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, who reviewed the parade, exhorted the cadets to guide national servicemen under their charge.

"Help them understand the importance of having a strong defence for Singapore and build their belief in what they are doing," he said.

"Motivate and train them to live and fight as one cohesive unit. Make good soldiers out of them."

As respect is not demanded but earned, the responsibility to lead and inspire servicemen of various backgrounds is a heavy one.

Undaunted by such a mammoth task, OCT Thevathasan, who is considering to sign on with the Army, said: "Through the course, we learnt to lead by example. It's not so much what I say, but more of what I do."

"If those I lead can see the dedication and attitude I have towards National Service, that's the most powerful message I can send to them," he added.