MUM JOINS THE MILITARY

Military Expert (ME) 4 Goh Mei Lan chose the unconventional route of entering Basic Military Training (BMT) at the age of 41.

Looking at her petite frame and smooth, wrinkle-free complexion, you would never have guessed her age. Put her in the Army No. 4 uniform and she blends in with the rest of the recruits at BMT.

But what made ME4 Goh stand out was her determination to succeed despite tough training with peers who were half her age.

A lack of growth opportunities in her previous sales job prompted the mother-of-one to flip through the newspapers, where she chanced upon a recruitment advertisement for women in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Said ME4 Goh: "I didn't even tell my husband and son about it; I just sneaked off when my son was having lessons, and headed to Suntec to have a look. I wanted to find out if they had anything for a woman who was in her late 30s."

With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, she was recommended to sign on in the Military Domain Expert Scheme as an Army Engineer, and she filled up the application form on the spot. Military experts can enjoy a career up to age 60.

It was only later that she revealed her plans to her husband. "Luckily, he was very supportive and said that signing on (with the military) would suit me very well," explained ME4 Goh, who got married at 25.

ME4 Goh with her supportive husband and son during her BMT graduation parade on 11 Apr.

Diving into BMT

With her husband's blessings, she enlisted into BMT on 6 Feb. The first three days of BMT almost made her give up. "The physical training and culture was not something I expected, so it was a huge struggle. I kept thinking to myself, 'Can I really do it?" said ME4 Goh with a laugh.

But the former track-and-field athlete in Polytechnic soon regained her spark of confidence and began to enjoy her training, which re-ignited her passion for strenuous exercises and keeping fit.

In fact, she achieved Gold in all three rounds of her Individual Physical Proficiency Test.

Her eagerness to learn soldiering skills also made her stand apart from the rest and earn the respect of her peers, said Captain Chen Xiang Jie.

The Officer Commanding of Scorpion Company, BMT Centre, added that ME4 Goh often became the source of inspiration and motivation for her platoon mates when the going got tough.

The eldest of three, ME4 Goh shared that when she was younger, her father was not around most of the time. This taught her to be independent and strong at a young age, as she had to take care of her two younger siblings.

"This was why I always had this feeling that what men can do, women can do the same. It was also part of the reason I wanted to join the Army," she explained.

ME4 Goh (second from left) practising her graduation route march days before her BMT Graduation Parade.

A mother's heart

Like all mothers, ME4 Goh may be away from home but her heart and mind were always on her son. From missing him to worrying about his homework, she always looked forward to daily phone conversations with her 11-year-old son after a day's tough training.

Since ME4 Goh's enlistment, her son has bombarded her with questions about BMT.

Having watched the popular Ah Boys to Men movies, he was curious about what she did during BMT and asked if she experienced anything similar to scenes in the movie.

ME4 Goh added that the bond between mother and son has grown stronger. "It has opened up another level of communication between us. He's more aware of what Army life entails and is quite excited about it!"

For her husband, she has only fond words for his support. ME4 Goh shared that when she was doing her university degree at the age of 33, her husband was the one taking care of the family.

"I'm very grateful and thankful to have such a loving and supportive husband who allows me to have the freedom to do what I want," said the Nanyang Technological University graduate with a smile.

Leaving BMT and entering Officer Cadet School will be another challenge that this spunky lady is determined to pull through. "No matter what, I will try to hang in there and persevere...because when I set out to do something, I will not give up."

When asked if she had any advice for those who were thinking of a mid-career switch, she paused for a moment before saying: "Never be fearful to step into the unknown. Pursue what you desire, and if you face obstacles, just keep on trying till you succeed."

Spoken like a woman of true grit.

Never be fearful to step into the unknown. Pursue what you desire, and if you face obstacles, just keep on trying till you succeed. - ME4 Goh's advice to those thinking of a mid-career switch