WELCOME TO THE WARRANT OFFICERS CORPS!

In the mind of every Full-time National Serviceman (NSF), there will definitely be this everlasting memory of a warrant officer.

"Encik", as he is affectionately known as, could be your Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) who is always making sure that your turnout is in tip-top condition.

Or he could be your instructor teaching you how to operate the Singapore Assault Rifle 21.

The Warrant Officer is the one person most NSFs will turn to when they have problems or need advice.

On 28 Dec, another 63 Master Sergeants (MSG) from the Army, Navy and Air Force joined the ranks of Warrant Officers after completing the 34th Joint Warrant Officers Course (JWOC) at the Singapore Armed Forces Warrant Officers School (SAFWOS).

Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Yat Chung reminded the graduands that they had to shoulder a heavier responsibility as the SAF transformed into the third-generation force.

"All of you will have to learn to adopt a different mindset, more sophisticated managerial skills and more differentiated leadership styles," said LG Ng.

"I hope all of us will learn continuously, and together, we will achieve a vision of SAF as a World-Class Organisation with First-Class People," he added.

The two-month course saw 32 participants from the Army, 11 from the Navy and 20 from the Air Force.

Classes and lectures, which focused on topics like management, leadership skills and counselling, gave them a better insight of their new roles as warrant officers.

Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Ang Chee Wee from the School of Infantry Weapon (SIW) felt that he had benefitted from the JWOC.

"I've learnt to be more diplomatic and my confidence in public speaking has grown too."

Having served close to 15 years in the SAF, 2WO Ang told cyberpioneer that he enjoyed life in the service.

"The interaction and close bonding between my men and I are what I enjoy most," he said. "We are all so close that nobody wants to report sick so that they won't hinder the training of everyone."

Concoction ceremony

cyberpioneer witnessed an interesting concoction ceremony, which marked this significant milestone in the careers of the newly-promoted warrant officers.

The newly-promoted warrant officers ended their memorable night toasting each other with the Warrant Officer Prestige concoction.

The drink is made of three main components, each representing one Service.

While red vermouth signifies the efficiency and quiet confidence of the Army warrant officers, the dark rum represents the valour of the Navy warrant officers, and the blue curacao typifies the trustworthiness of those from the Air Force.

Completing the ingredients of the drink were: mango - which stands for the pride with which warrant officers discharge their duties, water - symbolising vitality and raw energy of the warrant officers, and tonic water, which represents the professionalism which the newly-promoted warrant officers will embrace.