THE WILL TO EXCEL

At 31, Specialist Cadet (SCT) Rajaretnam S/O Perananamgam is easily a decade older than his peers undergoing the Specialist Cadet Course.

He has been a Regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for the past 13 years, serving in the Headquarters Guards (HQ Guards).

"If there is a will to learn, nothing can stop you from gaining the knowledge you want," said SCT Rajaretnam who joined the SAF in 2001.

He came to Specialist Cadet School on the second recommendation of his superiors. His first was in 2005 but SCT Rajaretnam felt he was not ready. "At the time, I felt that I still had a lot to learn, and I wasn't ready to lead."

"My attitude is that I always want the best outcome for anything I do. I don't want to be second best," said SCT Rajaretnam.

This attitude served him well. On 26 Sep, he received the Golden Bayonet award from Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Perry Lim. The award is presented to the top SCT of each Formation.

Speaking at the parade, MG Lim said: "Generations before you have done their duty to keep Singapore safe, secure and strong. It is now your turn to step up to take responsibility to defend our home "

He also asked the new Specialists to engage the men they would eventually lead. "Learn to maximise their strengths, unlock their potential and motivate them to give their best during National Service."

The message resonated with SCT Peter Ang Nielsen, another Golden Bayonet award recipient. "I get along well with everyone. People trust and confide in me and I will bring these (qualities) when I lead my men." The 19-year-old is a Naval Diver.

He remembers a training scenario where he had to lead his 11-man team through ambushes while carrying simulated casualties. "That really taught us about teamwork and it was very memorable," said SCT Nielsen, who has been selected for an interview to see if he can make the cut for Officer Cadet School.

For fellow Golden Bayonet awardee SCT Jia Songshan, his motivation to do well was simply that he wanted to give back to the country.

He came to Singapore at age 10 with his family who have since become Singapore citizens. "I'm grateful for the opportunities, and I'm very proud to do my National Service as a Singaporean."

The 21-year-old serves in the Republic of Singapore Air Force in a Ground Based Air Defence unit. "I have seen all of us really come together and forge strong bonds to emerge as a strong team," he said of his training at SCS.

"I think these friendships will last way beyond my NS and into the future."

Fellow SCT Muhammad Marzuqi Bin Nasrullah also treasured the friendships forged. He said the course also developed him into a well-rounded soldier, and taught him "more about the larger SAF".

"I have a better understanding of how my job fits into the SAF," said the Silver Bayonet award recipient, who is a Military Policeman.

This cohort saw 1,003 SCTs from the Army, Navy and Air Force graduating. Celebrating with them were their family and friends, as well as senior SAF officers.