SPECIALISTS' FIGHTING SPIRIT PAYS OFF

What does it take to shed 50kg in 13 months?

Dogged determination, support from commanders, a careful diet and plenty of exercise, according to Specialist Cadet (SCT) K Karthikeyan Rajah Jefferson.

When he began his Basic Military Training (BMT) in May last year, the 20-year-old full-time national serviceman, who is now an Armament Specialist Technician with the 1st Army Maintenance Base (1AMB), weighed a hefty 130kg because of a sedentary lifestyle and a diet that consisted mostly of fast food.

He lost about 30kg after his BMT stint, but it was at 1AMB that he was motivated to do more. His commanders had felt that he had the potential to become a specialist. But there was a catch.

In order to qualify for the Maintenance Section Commander Course (MSCC), his Body Mass Index (BMI) had to be below 25.

He lost more weight and achieved a BMI of 23 and was placed on the course's reserve list. His commanders fought hard for him to be placed in the course and eventually, he got in.

"Jefferson has a lot of fighting spirit. When things are tough, he's always the first one to say 'let's go, let's do this, don't give up'. What convinced me to send him for MSCC was... he was willing to lose the weight and he displayed a lot of leadership," said Military Expert (ME) 2-2 Ramesih Chandra, who is a Master Tech Trainer at 1AMB.

SCT Jefferson did not disappoint. Today, he weighs a healthy 76kg and has a BMI of 23.

Not only did SCT Jefferson achieve his weight loss goals, he was also one of the 22 recipients of the Golden Bayonet award, given out to SCTs who top their vocational courses.

He was one of the 982 SCTs who received their 3rd Sergeant (3SG) chevrons in a graduation ceremony held at Pasir Laba Camp on 21 Jun. The SCTs were from the Army and Air Force.

At the ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Transport Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim reminded the cadets of the new challenges they would face, and greater responsibilities they would take up in an increasingly complex operating environment.

A/P Faishal, who was the Reviewing Officer of the 15th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade, said: "As leaders of small units, you will be equipped with networked systems to call upon the full resources of the rest of the SAF.

"For you to make tough decisions on the ground, you will require not just your deep expertise in specialised skills, but also a good understanding of the big picture and mission imperatives."

Air Defence Systems Specialist (ADSS) SCT Marvin Soh has personally experienced the benefits of focusing on the big picture.

He had failed the air grading test that would have qualified him to be a pilot trainee, but he used disappointment as a stepping stone. Undeterred, he enrolled into the ADSS course and emerged a Golden Bayonet recipient.

"I felt that I had matured through the whole NS journey. I continued to give my best. Although there were disappointments, I finally understood that working hard, at the end of the day, does pay off," said the 22-year-old.

When he goes back to the 18th Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion next week, he will be looking at ways to improve the ADSS course's training programme.

The sports science diploma holder said he was very excited about the opportunity to make a difference and give back to the unit which had made him the person he was now.

Another Golden Bayonet recipient was fitness specialist SCT Abdul Hakim Bin Abdul Razak. He never imagined that he would top the Fitness Specialist Course as he had weighed 92kg when he enlisted in August last year. He is a trim 65kg today.

"I did everything to the best of my abilities, and with the support of my peers and commanders, I got it," said the 22-year-old of his achievement.

SCT Hakim said he hoped to pass on the spirit of striving for excellence and fitness to the men he would be leading. "I was fat and now I am fit. I think I can teach them a few things," he said with a laugh.

The ceremony marked the end of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course which trained the SCTs to become competent, confident junior commanders who can lead and instruct their men.

The quarterly Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade is traditionally held outdoors but was shifted indoors on this occasion because of the haze.