NEWLY MINTED SPECIALISTS WITH HEARTS TO SERVE

From being an uninspired pre-enlistee to becoming a Golden Bayonet winner, Specialist Cadet (SCT) Muhammad Syazwan Bin Mohamed Zin's journey in the Specialist Cadet Course was filled with many changes.

"I dreaded National Service (NS). The thought of losing my time and freedom was just too much for me. I had to set aside my planned future for two years just for NS," said the Infantry soldier.

"But after I enlisted, I started to realise the importance of NS and how every Full-time National Serviceman plays an important role in the defence of the nation.

"I told myself that I'm not going to waste two years of my life slacking off. I'll make full use of my time here to upgrade myself and, at the same time, contribute to the nation by being a dedicated soldier."

SCT Muhammad Syazwan added: "Now, as a leader, I am able to touch more people's lives and change the mindset of soldiers who think the same way as I used to."

He was one of 1,126 specialist cadets who received their chevrons at the 30th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 23 Feb.

Speaking at the parade, Minister of State for Communications & Information, and Health, Chee Hong Tat highlighted the importance of NS in strengthening Singapore's defence against increasingly complex security threats such as terrorism.

He noted that 2017, which marks the 50 anniversary of NS, is an opportune time to reflect on the challenges that Singapore has faced in the past 50 years and the lessons that can be learnt from them.

"In these six months (of the course), you would have realised that it is through struggle that growth happens. I am confident you have learnt much about being a soldier of the SAF," he concluded.

SCT Vibulan Ilango echoed Mr Chee's views, saying: "Before entering the course, I would always take things for granted. During the course, there were times when I had to sit in the pouring rain and I realised how lucky I am to have a shelter over my head at home. I've definitely learnt how to appreciate the little things around me more after this journey."

Elaborating how he had benefitted from the course, the Air Defence System Specialist from 3rd Divisional Air Defence said: "The Specialist Cadet Course has also taught me how to work with many types of people... It taught me how to communicate with others better and adapt to their working style so as to complete tasks efficiently.

"I believe that teamwork goes a long way. As my fellow course mate says, If you want to go fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you go as a team'."

Recalling how one of his teammates had to fall out during a training exercise due to a back injury, SCT Vibulan said: "Even though we knew that it would be very tough for only three of us to complete the task, we pressed on and ran 700 metres and ran up five floors while carrying a combined load of 300kg. During the training, we constantly encouraged and helped one another, and this helped us to stay on track and finish the task."

For SCT Zachary Yeo Jun Yu, he was inspired by his father and his elder brother to strive for excellence in the course. His effort paid off as he clinched the Golden Bayonet award.

His father was a former Battalion Regimental Sergeant Major at 2 People's Defence Force, and his elder brother currently serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in MINDEF's Military Security Department.

"My father and my elder brother are my role models. They always support me and give me valuable advice to help me through the Specialist Cadet Course."

The Navigator from Sensory Systems School recounted: "When I was young, I wondered why my father was always at work and had little time for me. As I grew up, I learnt that he was in the Army and when he wasn't around at home, he was protecting the nation. I felt a sense of pride for having such a noble father.

"As for my brother, I look up to him for his resilience, enthusiasm and competency. I hope to follow in his footsteps."