LEADING AND TRAINING WITH EXCELLENCE

The Republic of Singapore Navy's Base Defence Squadron was set up shortly before the 9-11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

When the incidents happened, Captain (NS) Poh Sek Khim - one of the recipients of the NSmen of the Year Award 2007 - recalled that his batch had just completed training and that it was a sombre wake-up call for all of them.

"It gave the whole group of us a realistic scenario," said the Officer Commanding of 'D' Company, Tuas Defence Squadron.

"Whatever we learnt came into reality and we had a real feel of the situation."

For the following weeks, they found themselves on high alert and equipped with live ammunition.

That incident remains fresh in the mind of CPT (NS) Poh, who was one of the pioneer Navy personnel who made the switch from shipboard life to base security duties.

"I had no idea what I was heading into, since I had spent all my time on board the ships," he told cyberpioneer.

"So the mindset had to be changed, especially since even the equipment we are handling is different."

However, he tried to get into his new role quickly because he firmly believes in doing the best in whatever he has been entrusted to do, and to lead his men to excel in training.

"Singapore is for us to defend. As officers, we are entrusted with the task to lead, to excel and to overcome, so we need to prepare the guys for what is to come," he said.

"I make it a point to talk to them about their training, to understand their mindset and the way they think. I tell them what is happening in other countries and slowly instill in them the correct values."

"The guys eventually appreciate what they have learnt, and that it is worthwhile coming back for National Service (NS)," CPT (NS) Poh added.

For his commitment to the defence of Singapore, the assistant electronics sales manager was duly recognised at the annual NSmen of the Year Award ceremony held on 27 Sep.

CPT (NS) Poh, who was a Formation NSman of the Year award winner last year, said he felt honoured by this latest accolade, and that it was only possible with the support of his family and bosses at work.

"The company has been very supportive," he said. "Mine is a regional position so I need to travel quite a bit, but I have always managed to reschedule things, so I have never deferred my NS."

His wife Loh Choon Siang is more than ready to chip in to help.

"I can help him get ready his In-Camp Training stuff, ensure he moves on time by waking him up, and of course, by giving him morale support!" she said with a big smile.