SAF WELCOMES NEW 1,100 SPECIALISTS ON BOARD

When 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Abdul Hadi told his mother that he wanted to sign on with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), she was not too supportive in the beginning.

"She didn't believe I have what it takes, but I tried hard to convince her that this was what I wanted to do, and that I could achieve good results in the Specialist Cadet Course."

3SG Abdul Hadi lived up to his promise. Not only did he receive a Golden Bayonet - awarded to the cr me de la cr me of the cohort - the 22-year-old was also the parade commander at the Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade held at Pasir Laba Camp on 23 Sep.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman was the Reviewing Officer at the parade, which marked the end of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course.

Commending them for successfully completing the course, Dr Maliki said: "It was a tough and rigourous course, which tested your physical and mental abilities All of you have shown the ability, drive and determination to push the limits and excel."

He also urged the newly-minted leaders to earn the confidence and trust of their men by being "their guide, friend and mentor", as well as being technically and tactically proficient at their jobs.

During the course, the Specialist Cadets (SCTs) underwent a comprehensive and realistic training programme to develop their leadership and combat skills.

Each cadet had to go through the 8-week foundation course, which trained them in basic leadership skills, followed by 13 weeks of specialised training in their respective formations. The cadets then came together again in the last week of the course to consolidate and share their experiences.

For 3SG Jasper Chan, his defining moment during the course was when his team of four grasped the basics of operating the Leopard Tank.

The 18-year-old National Cadet Corps alum, who was trained as a tank commander, said: "It gave me a sense of achievement as I saw how the tough training that I had endured over the last few weeks came into use."

The Golden Bayonet recipient added: "I didn't realise it when I was training, but I now see the purpose (of the training) and how much I want to protect my loved ones."