MILITARY JOBS ON THE TUBE

Not everything in the military is top secret. A new web mini-series featuring various vocations in the Army, Navy and Air Force sheds light on what people do in camps and bases.

Work in the military isn t all about charging up knolls, flying planes or sailing on ships.

In the weeks to come, getting a sneak peek at what people do in the military will be just a click away.

The "Story"

Through a video project initiated by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), a 12-episode web mini-series titled I'm a Soldier, Sailor, Airman will feature different vocations in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

These vocations range from combat and combat-support to logistical roles, from people at the front line to those who work behind the scenes.

Among the vocationalists featured are an Army Command and Control Information Systems (CCIS) Specialist, a Naval Diver and an I-Hawk surface-to-air missile Fire Unit Commander.

"The impetus behind the project is for Singaporeans to get a glimpse of the wide-ranging vocations in the Singapore Armed Forces," said Ms Clara Tan, Head of MINDEF's Defence Media Centre.

"We wanted the series to be about the professionals behind the jobs and that strong sense of duty and commitment that keeps them going," she said.

"The stories are told by the servicemen and women themselves - people who have been there, done that. We hope our viewers will find the series interesting and appreciate the challenges found in each featured vocation."

MSG O setting up communication devices in the field.

The "Cast"

Anchoring each episode is a serviceman or servicewoman, who gives a personal account of what the job entails, the challenges faced and the rewards of their hard work.

These 12 men and women are no superstars, but they were selected to be profiled because of the enthusiasm they exhibit in their jobs.

Master Sergeant (MSG) O Kah Tat, for example, is a CCIS specialist and his job is to ensure that troops can communicate in the battlefield.

"I'm thankful to be doing something I really enjoy, but it means more to me than that," he said. "When an order needs to get through quickly, like when an injured soldier needs to be evacuated to a hospital, I'm proud to be part of the system that makes it work."

For Naval Diver Major (MAJ) Tony Tan, he feels that the feature on his vocation may help to change common perceptions about a diver's job.

"Most people only know that a diver's job is physically demanding. I hope that after watching the episode on the naval divers, viewers will see that it's not so much about how tough the job is, but why we enjoy what we do," he said.

I-Hawk Fire Unit Commander Captain (CPT) Clarence Ong agreed, adding that the feature on his vocation will also help to boost the morale of his peers.

He said: "It's good that the public gets to see what we do and our involvement in air defence 24/7. It gives our guys recognition for the work they put in."

On what he hopes viewers will take away from watching the series: "We want people to have the assurance that there's a group of us here constantly working to protect the lives and properties of Singaporeans."

Fast facts

TITLE: I'm a Soldier, Sailor, Airman
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 12
AVERAGE LENGTH OF EACH EPISODE: 3 min
WHEN THE SERIES DEBUTS: The week of 19 May
WHERE TO CATCH IT: cyberpioneerTV channel on YouTube

Professional Soldiers

Being in the military is not just a job for the servicemen profiled in I'm a Soldier, Sailor, Airman. Meet three of the 12 individuals in the mini-series.

Occupation:
I-Hawk Fire Unit Commander

"Singapore is a small country with small airspace, so it's important we are vigilant to track hostile aircraft and take it down quickly and accurately."

Occupation:
Command and Control Information Systems (CCIS) Specialist

"The CCIS allows the commander to have a better understanding of the entire battlefield situation and give orders to his troops quickly. I'm responsible for keeping this system running."

Occupation:
Naval diver

"Many people know that the job of a naval diver is tough. There's no doubt about it, but I enjoy it precisely because it's challenging."