READY TO LEAD AS SAF OFFICERS

With a brother who finished Basic Military Training (BMT) as company best recruit and went on to receive the Sword-of-Merit after completing Officer Cadet School (OCS) training, the pressure was on for Officer Cadet (OCT) Surein Sandrasageran when he enlisted for National Service (NS) a year ago.

"Being the elder brother, I couldn't 'lose' to him so there was definitely some pressure to perform well in NS!" laughed OCT Sandrasageran.

Like his brother, OCT Sandrasageran completed BMT as company best recruit, went on to OCS and graduated with distinction to receive the Sword-of-Honour (Air Force). "The time in OCS taught me the value of team work; that everyone must work together to achieve common goals," said OCT Sandrasageran.

"After all, no man is an island."

OCT Sandrasageran recalled an incident which showed the power of teamwork; a fellow OCT wanted to achieve a Gold award in his Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), but he was not able to complete the 2.4km run fast enough for the award. "All of us chipped in to help him train, and when the next IPPT came around, I ran alongside him and told him to follow my pace." said OCT Sandrasageran

"He wanted to give up halfway but we encouraged him and cheered him on. He managed to get (IPPT) Gold and really started to believe in himself. That was very satisfying," added OCT Sandrasageran, who will join 165 Squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

When asked what motivated him to do well during NS, OCT Sandrasageran said: "I went into NS with the mindset of doing my best. It's something my parents have instilled in us since we were young." OCT Sandrasageran comes from a family of three siblings, including a younger sister currently studying in the United Kingdom.

"I want to make full use of these two years in NS to make myself a better person," added OCT Sandrasageran, who concurrently completed his diploma and part-time degree studies before entering NS.

On 13 Oct, OCT Sandrasageran was among the 297 commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at a parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute, marking the end of 38 weeks of tough, rigorous training. The cohort of graduands includes 233 Army and 64 Air Force cadets.

"We've all grown together and I'm better able to bounce back from setbacks. The training at OCS boosts not only your physical endurance but also mental strength," said OCT Sandrasageran.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran, who reviewed the parade, reminded the graduands of their roles as SAF officers. "With this honour (of being commissioned as officers), you will be entrusted with the solemn responsibility of training and leading the men and women under your charge to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore."

"As their commander and their mentor, you must lead by example and make good soldiers out of them. Imbue them with a strong sense of mission and motivate them to serve a higher cause - to defend Singapore, our home."

This message was not lost on the graduands. Said OCT Ivan Lim: "Your men will not trust you if you are not on the ground with them."

During their 38 weeks in OCS, the OCTs were given many opportunities to assume key leadership roles among their peers, such as Platoon or Section commanders.

"All the tough training we went through together really bonded us. Apart from leadership skills, I also learnt how to better communicate with people and these are important skills even in civilian life," said OCT Lim who received the Sword-of-Merit (Artillery). He will be joining the 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery.

Said fellow graduand OCT Cheong Ting Wen: "At the end of the day, the responsibility as an officer is to ensure that all of my men come back safely, no matter how tough the training may be."

Sword-of-Honour (Infantry) recipient OCT Cheong cited his family's support for his stellar performance in OCS. His father was an officer in the Singapore Civil Defence Force and his elder brother is also an infantry officer in the SAF. "They (my father and brother) told me to do my best, and above all, to enjoy my time in NS," said OCT Cheong who will be heading to the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards.

On top of learning military and leadership skills, OCT Cheong said his time in OCS strengthened his character, and made him more disciplined and independent. He added that to be given a chance to lead at such a young age was "a privilege and an honour".