LEADING, HER WAY

Six different women embark on careers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for the same reason - for a different experience.

The six female commanders featured in this story are different in many ways.

Some command more than 300 men, while others lead a group of fewer than 20. Some have been serving in the SAF for almost two decades; others are fresh out of training institutes and barely two years into the job. Some are married with children, others are single and available.

But they are similar too, not least because they chose the SAF as the place to develop their careers, which already sets them apart from the majority of the female population.

They are similar because they possess an indomitable spirit and perseverance in the face of challenges; women leaders, who are resolute and firm when making decisions, yet never lacking in gentleness of heart.

They lead by example, and show exceptional concern for the men under their charge, earning praise from both their superiors and subordinates.

PIONEER uncovers their stories to find out how they lead "like a boss" (with pizzazz).

MAJ (Dr) Shalini Arulanandam, 33
Head, Naval Underwater Medical Centre,
Navy Medical Service

Respect and friendship

Nearly six years after the incident, Major (MAJ) (Dr) Shalini still clearly remembers responding to a call for medical help during Operation Blue Orchid (OBO) in the Northern Arabian Gulf in 2006.

"It was really dark, it was a high sea state, and it was raining. A colleague and I went out with our life jackets and I remember both of us hanging on for dear life, enjoying the ride in the rain.

"We went onto the oil platform, brought (the patient) back to the ship, and sent him off to the hospital the next day. It was the most exciting and dramatic evacuation that I had ever performed," said MAJ (Dr) Shalini, whose unit specialises in medical support for diving and submarine operations.

The opportunity to deploy for operations like OBO is an aspect of her job that MAJ (Dr) Shalini enjoys. Another is meeting and interacting with the Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) doctors who serve their National Service (NS) stint in the Navy Medical Service.

"Meeting NSF doctors who come through for two years and having the chance to interact with them, then meeting them again in hospitals. I've seen so many NSFs come and go in my years with the Navy, and they've all remained good friends," she said.

She added: "NS brings out a lot of emotions in people. It's very important to make sure that we have as friendly an environment as possible, work as closely as possible, treat each other with mutual respect and become firm friends."

The first female medical officer in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), MAJ (Dr) Shalini leads a team of 20, which includes NSF doctors, military medical experts and chamber technicians.

On her leadership style, she said: "I'm a doctor after all and when I sit down to talk to my subordinates, I talk to them like I would talk to a doctor, patient, colleague or nurse."

Her boss

Colonel (Dr) Tang Kong Choong,
Chief Naval Medical Officer
"MAJ (Dr) Shalini is a dedicated naval medical officer who is committed to excellence. As a leader, she is constantly looking out for the welfare of the men and women under her charge. She provides important feedback on how her staff are performing, and the issues they are facing."

Her subordinate

Military Expert 1
Maheswaran Manickam,
2nd in-charge of submarine medicine,
Naval Underwater Medical Centre
"When it comes to work, she doesn't beat around the bush; she goes straight to the point. She will understand if you face difficulties trying to accomplish the task but she does have her rules. When it comes to work, we have to work hard. But when it is time for a break, she will definitely give us the time to relax."

ME4 Kirsten Yuan, 28
OIC for S-70B Seahawk and
CH-47D Chinook helicopters,
Fire Control Flight, 816 SQN

Sincere and diligent

"Make the right decisions at the right time, and bear the consequences of your decision - that is something important I have learnt in my time here," said Military Expert (ME) 4 Yuan, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the radar and electro-optical systems on board the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters and CH-47D Chinook helicopters.

With her team of about 10 air force engineers, ME4 Yuan takes care of the aircrafts' systems as part of 816 Squadron (SQN) in the Air Logistics Group - Rotary Wing.

Having just graduated from the Military Domain Experts Course about a year ago, ME4 Yuan had loads to learn initially. "Being the youngest and most inexperienced person in the unit, I had to learn a lot from my enciks (what warrant officers are affectionately known as), because they are more experienced than I am," said the 28-year-old.

To get to know her men and the aircraft types better, ME4 Yuan would stay late into the night with her men when they had to perform challenging rectifications on the aircraft systems. Her sincerity and diligence paid off and today, ME4 Yuan and her team share a supportive working relationship.

Most of the men in her team are older, so ME4 Yuan taps on their experience and works closely with them to come up with the best solutions to rectify defects.

Though ME4 Yuan's role takes place behind the scenes, it is, to her, no less satisfying. "We ensure the serviceability of the aircraft so that they can fly missions to defend the country. I do my part to make sure my aircraft can fly, and I feel satisfied."

Her boss

Military Expert 6 Yit Seek Onn,
CO, 816 SQN
"John Maxwell says in his book Law of Navigation that 'anyone can steer a ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course'. The 'ship' is our new naval helicopters and the 'course' is how to maintain them in tip-top condition. Although it can be very rough and challenging at times, Kirsten is able to lead our engineers through."

Her subordinate

Military Expert 2 Hon Csia Ming,
Senior Assistant Engineer for Naval Helicopter,
Fire Control Flight, 816 SQN
"When she came in, she learnt fast and picked up all the traits of the different aircraft platforms and their history quickly. When our aircraft has defects, she walks the ground to learn more about the defects and helps us in the troubleshooting."

LTC Koh Ee Wen, 34
CO, 160 SQN

Supportive and responsible

During the months when the Ground-Based Air Defence unit 160 SQN was undergoing its readiness audits, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Koh was pleasantly surprised to find that on many occasions, some of her men were still around at 10pm working on their tasks.

"They do it because they know it's necessary and it's their job, and not because the Commanding Officer (CO) says so," said the 34-year-old, whose squadron operates the 35mm Oerlikon Anti-Aircraft Artillery gun and the Giraffe Agile Multiple Beam Radar, a low-level air surveillance platform.

"As the CO, I am responsible for my unit's operational readiness. To achieve that, I need to train my people well, equip them properly and most importantly, motivate them so that they will do their jobs well even when no one is looking. Once everyone understands what's expected of them, things fall into place," she added.

While she may sound like it, LTC Koh is not all work and no play. For the mother of a five-year-old son, it is important that her men enjoy coming to work too.

"They must feel like this is their extended family; that they have supportive colleagues," said LTC Koh, who is in charge of 170 NSFs and Regulars, and about 800 Operationally Ready National Servicemen.

LTC Koh started her career in the RSAF in 2001 as a Platoon Commander (PC) in 160 SQN. In between staff appointments in Air Force headquarters, she was also Officer Commanding of the same squadron, before becoming the CO after an overseas study stint.

Having spent a year in this role, LTC Koh derives the greatest satisfaction from seeing her unit work as a cohesive team and perform well in various unit readiness assessments. "My people have often surprised and humbled me with their ingenuity and passion for their job. The SAF gives you a great opportunity to be responsible for a group of people, and this opportunity is what you make of it."

Her boss

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Chia Chien Wei,
Commander, Air Defence Group
"Ee Wen is a dedicated and strong leader. She is level-headed and objective and can make the necessary decisions to move issues. More importantly, she is able to connect well with her people, who include active and Operationally-Ready National Service personnel."

Her subordinate

Master Sergeant Vija Kumar,

Section One IC, Radar Flight, 160 SQN

"On a scale of 1 to 10, LTC Koh scores an 11 in my books. It's very reassuring to have her as CO. I know that whether it is work or family problems, she's always there. The guys look up to her. Although she emphasises that our job is a priority, she also emphasises work-life balance and the need to take care of our home because when we are happy at home, we are happy at work."

LTC Jerica Goh, 38
Executive Officer,
RSS Intrepid, 185 SQN

Flexible and perceptive

"Why did you decide to join the SAF?" is one question that LTC Goh has been asked more times than she can remember.

But the Executive Officer (XO) of RSS Intrepid, one of the RSN's frigates, always gives the same answer.

"I had just finished my A level examinations and decided to give it a try, and one thing led to the next. But I always tell others it doesn't have to be a lifelong ambition before you join. It's more important that when you join, you like the place and the people you work with," said the mother of two young children.

As the XO, LTC Goh assists the ship's CO in the day-to-day operations of the ship, and manages the morale and welfare of the 70 sailors - including a mix of NSFs and veteran sailors in their forties - who call RSS Intrepid their workplace.

For LTC Goh, there is no one style in dealing with people. Instead, she relies on a work ethos which assumes that "all of us just want to get the job done properly".

"Some people need more guidance; some don't, so that determines how you interact with the different groups of people," said LTC Goh.

She added: "Sometimes, you can be more direct; you give very clear instructions to your subordinates because you know that the person needs it. But there are times when you've seen the person at work... you've developed that kind of understanding where you just have to tell that person your end goal and that person knows how to work towards that."

Her boss

Colonel Frederick Chew, CO, 185 SQN
"Jerica is blazing an exciting trail for younger female naval officers. The responsibilities shouldered by the frigate's XO are enormous - basically, she runs the entire ship together with the CO. Given that it is the principal maritime strike craft of the RSN and SAF, the frigate has many tasks. Jerica has been taking the challenges of being a frigate XO in her stride and is doing well on board."

Her subordinate

Military Expert 2 Yap Pei Chen,
Frigate Cluster Supervisor, RSS Intrepid
"LTC Goh is firm and collected. She is always able to make clear and concise decisions (thus) the team is able to fight in an orderly and fast manner during training scenarios. She's always aware of what is happening and what she is supposed to do; she's always thinking one step ahead."

CPT Tong Wei Lynn, 24
Platoon 8 Commander,
Charlie Company,
1st Battalion, Singapore Guards

Hard work and perseverance

Captain (CPT) Tong almost did not get her Guards tab.

During the Guards Conversion Course, she had difficulty completing 12km in 108 minutes - a course requirement - and very nearly gave up hope.

But she completed the fast march in time on her last attempt and made the cut.

As a guardswoman, CPT Tong certainly has much to be proud of as the road to the khaki beret is an arduous one.

But the highlight of her time in the Army is not the moment her parents put the Guards tab on her uniform but, rather, her current PC tour.

"(Becoming a guardswoman) allowed me to enter and be accepted as part of this formation, which I'm grateful for. But the real work began when I got this beret," said the younger of two siblings.

As a PC, CPT Tong's primary work is to manage all aspects of military life for 30 men, who include sergeants and NSFs, and she takes this very seriously.

"I want to know everything that is going on with them, like if they get injured, or if they face problems. Everything they tell me, I will follow up," she said.

CPT Tong admits that it was not easy at the start as her men took time to warm up to her. But because of her tenacity as well as care and concern for her men, it was only a matter of time before she won them over.

So it comes as no surprise that the happiest moment of her time in the Army was after an outfield exercise.

"One of my section commanders asked, 'Mdm, after this outfield (exercise), do you want to eat at Little India?' I was so happy. I went that day, and it was the best dinner ever."

Her boss

Lieutenant Colonel Tan Cheng Kwee,
CO, 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards (1GDS)
"Wei Lynn has successfully won the hearts and minds of those under her charge. What she might lack in physical strength and stature compared to her male counterparts, she more than makes up for with her stoutness of heart, grit and genuine care for the people around her."

Her subordinate

2nd Sergeant Prasad Rathakrishnan,

Section Commander,

Charlie Company, 1GDS

"She's very hardworking and very caring towards the men. Even though she is a Captain, she never once showed the 'I'm a Captain, and you're supposed to listen to me' mentality. The men also appreciate her because whatever she says, they will do. She has given a lot, which is why we are willing to listen to her."

2WO Sareka Bidi, 42
Deputy Wing Commander
of the Basic and Individual
Training Wing, SAF Military
Police Command

Firm yet caring

Growing up with two older brothers, 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Sareka was often fascinated by the stories about NS that her brothers, who won accolades like best trainee and best marksman, shared.

"When my brother told me the stories, I wanted to know what they were doing, so I signed on, even though I was small (in size). My father was very sceptical. He asked, 'Are you sure? Maybe when you fire the shot, instead of the round flying off, you'll fly off," recalled 2WO Sareka with a laugh.

Far from "flying off", 2WO Sareka went on to take up courses like the General Purpose Machine Gun commanders' course and the 84mm recoilless rifle commanders' course. She continues to share her expertise and knowledge with the 20 instructors she leads as a Deputy Wing Commander at the SAF Military Police Command.

Before the interview with PIONEER, 2WO Sareka had just completed a 4km route march with her men. For the mother of four, being on the ground in order to better relate to her men is an essential part of her leadership style.

"My philosophy is to be one of the guys, but at the same time, to be firm. After a while, they get to know your character. When the men see that you are there for them, it makes a difference," added 2WO Sareka.

In her two decades with the SAF, 2WO Sareka has taken on many appointments and played several roles. When she was a weapons instructor at the Officer Cadet School, she was like a sister to the female cadets.

Now, she plays the role of a mother, and tears like one too, at her men's graduation parade.

"I really like this place because of the rapport with the men and the instructors, and also when you see the trainees change. The day they graduate brings tears to my eyes because I am so proud of them."

Her boss

Master Warrant Officer

Ramasamy Rajagopal, Chief Instructor,

Military Police Training School (MPTS)

"She's a very good commander who cares for her soldiers. She's a mother of four children but, despite that, still takes part in all the training activities. When the men see a female trainer who's very caring, they are more receptive to her instructions."

Her subordinate

3rd Sergeant Tan Xiang Jian,
Platoon Sergeant,
Specialist Cadet Course, MPTS
"She's like a mum to everyone in MPTS. Everyone looks up to her to see how she works and learns from her. (I've learnt) about determination, because I think as a lady, it's not easy to go through all this training. It shows something about her, that she's strong and tough."

CPT Fong, whose base was in charge of supplies like uniforms and tools, inspecting engine parts in this photo taken in 1979.

Leading the way

The first batch of National Servicemen was called up in 1967, but unknown to many, three young women also answered the call to serve the nation through conscript service that same year.

When she heard about the first Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) lady officers' course, Captain (CPT) Agnes Fong Song Har, who was then a clerk at the Ministry of Defence, responded immediately.

Together with CPT Nancy Tan Soo Keow and Lieutenant Patricia Koh Kim Toh, both of whom had previously served a stint at the Singapore Police Force, they were the only female officers who attended the 2nd People's Defence Force School's Army Officer Cadets (Girls) Course in 1967. On 1 Sep that same year, all three became full-fledged officers.

CPT Fong went on to become the first female Commanding Officer (CO) in the SAF when she took on the appointment of CO, 1st Air Supply Base on 1 Jul 1979.