WOMEN WHO WEAR COMBAT BOOTS

When it comes to defending the country, women are no longer taking the back seat. Six women share their experiences and achievements in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The next time you pass a five-tonne military truck on the road, steal a glance at the driver as it might well be Staff Sergeant (SSG) Winnie Oh. Looking pint-size behind the wheels of such recovery vehicles, or the M3G Military Float Bridge, and even the Land Rovers, this instructor at the Engineering Training Institute at Nee Soon Camp trains specialist cadets in basic engineering and demolitions and the operation of the M3G.

Uncommon as it is to see a lady driving huge vehicles, this is one example of how women have risen to the challenge of assuming more appointments in previously males-only domains.

Today, servicewomen in the SAF show that while a career in the military is physically and mentally demanding, it is fulfilling as well, as they are exposed to a gamut of exciting experiences and opportunities.

Stepping out

When Captain (CPT) Lim Sing Hui wanted to join the Youth Flying Club in her teens, she faced vehement opposition from her concerned mother, who viewed it as a dangerous activity. She was even mocked by a male classmate for having the audacious dream to be a pilot.

Imagine her parents' reaction when told she wanted to join the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) as a pilot after her A levels in 1995.

"I wanted to prove to my classmate that I could do it... My dad, seeing how adamant I was, persuaded my mum to let me sign up for the Air Force," said CPT Lim, who now flies the C-130 transport aircraft which has a maximum capacity of 70 passengers.

For women, taking on combat roles has always been the road less travelled, one that requires fierce determination and personal adjustments.

Recruited as a Naval Officer in 1991, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Serene Chua, Commanding Officer (CO) 194 Squadron, a Mine Countermeasure Vessel (MCMV) squadron, recalled being among the second batch of females to enrol in combat vocations. "During that time, females were very new to the Navy, and women didn't hold appointments on board ships."

And although she could have had her own cabin on a ship upon her appointment as the Navigation Officer, she rejected it as the norm was for the Navigation Officer to take turns sharing a cabin with the Executive Officer.

LTC Chua elaborated: "I didn't want the men on the ship to make changes because of my presence. So instead of having a cabin all to myself, I took turns with the male Executive Officer to use the same cabin, in view of the alternate watches we had to do at the Bridge."

The Navy has since made arrangements for female personnel working on board all its ships except the submarines.

"Although the public doesn't see what the Navy does, my job is fulfilling because I know I'm contributing directly to Singapores sea defence." - 1SG Chua

Being a soldier, wife and mother

As these servicewomen play multiple roles at work and at home, another challenge they face is the irregular and long working hours.

For 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Noraisah Binte Abdul Jalil, a Senior Investigation Officer with the Military Police Command, a phone call any time will send her running off with her team of five men to investigate a crime.

On top of the demands of her job, participating in last year's two-month 38th Joint Warrant Officer Course was an additional test of 2WO Nora's ability to juggle classes and assignments, besides work and family commitments.

"Thankfully, my husband and sister are very supportive of my job and they help to look after my seven-month-old daughter. When I was on course, I didn't even have time to cook for my family. My husband was understanding and we ate out for a month," said 2WO Nora, whose hard work paid off when she received the Book Prize Award after scoring among the top 10 percent of her cohort in the management and leadership course.

Experiencing similar challenges is LTC Chua, who is a mother of two boys aged six and 11. "Being in an operational environment, I'm fire-fighting, handling several demands and responsibilities every day. I have less time to spend with my children...to read bedtime stories to them and to take them to the park."

However, she is grateful for her family's understanding: "When I got my children to come to my change-of-command ceremony when I was appointed Commanding Officer of 194 Squadron last year, they saw the magnitude of my job requirements.

"Now they have adjusted to my long working hours, and are being independent and sensible children...They also take care of their studies so I don't worry much about their academics."

"Whatever the men do, women stand an equal chance at competing for the job." - LTC Chua

Level playing field

Women today are still a minority in the SAF, but their achievements in their careers have shown that they are just as competent as their male counterparts.

Citing her appointment as Squadron CO as her biggest breakthrough, LTC Chua, who commands about 150 people, said: "It's a meritocratic system. Given the same exposure and training, whatever the men can do, women stand an equal chance at competing for the job."

MAJ Malini Sitaram, an Air Warfare Officer, who was appointed last year as one of the flight commanders of 201 Squadron, agreed: "It's really not that much about gender.

"As long as you show your men that you can do the job well, and engage them in knowing why they are doing what they do, they will naturally follow you."

201 Squadron performs surveillance and air situation picture production.

While these women testify to being on the same playing field as their male colleagues, they find themselves having to do more to be recognised as being just as capable as men.

Said CPT Lim: "As a woman, I contribute as much to Singapore's defence as the men in the SAF. But I would say it takes more mettle and determination for a lady to step out in a male-dominated environment. Being a minority, your every action is magnified, so you have to do an excellent job."

"As long as you show your men that you can do the job well, and engage them in knowing why they are doing what they do, they will naturally follow you." - MAJ Malini

Out of the ordinary

As manifold as the challenges of a military career are, it also offers a wide variety of experiences.

Fancy joining the Air Force, and later getting the opportunity to sail on a ship with the Navy and to operate with the Army? That is the experience of MAJ Malini.

As the mission commander of the mobile Air Land Tactical Control Centre (ALTaCC), she manages the air space in the Armys and the Navy's area of operations.

"Having to operate with the Army and Navy is really something that is out of my comfort zone. I have to learn their modus operandi, and understand their lingo in order to have synergy with one another during operations. But it is this aspect of my job that I appreciate, which allows me to experience the military from a tri-Service perspective," said the only female officer in her squadron.

For 1st Sergeant (1SG) Chua Shin Hui, who serves on board stealth frigate RSS Steadfast as a Weapon Control Specialist 2 operating the Gun Fire Control System(GFCS), the wide range of skills acquired from her training in the Navy is something not often found in other jobs.

She elaborated: "I'm trained in fire-fighting and damage control, chemical defence warfare, and I know how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) which can re-establish one's heartbeat after the heart has stopped beating."

"As a woman, I contribute as much to Singapore's defence as the men in the SAF." - CPT Lim

For the country, for my children

The opposition these women faced when they chose to join the military in combat roles, and the demanding training and working hours on the job, has not led them to beating a hasty retreat.

Instead, such challenges spur them on further, knowing that their job is something worth excelling in.

Having a 12-year-old son who is proud of his "soldier mum", SSG Oh wants her career to be a story that she can share with her children.

"When my children grow up, I can tell them what Mummy has achieved in the Army... Hopefully when they enlist in the future, they will treat their National Service as a positive experience, just like how I view my career."

For 1SG Chua, it is the big picture that motivates her through the challenges of her job.

"Although the public doesn't see what the Navy does, my job is fulfilling because I know I'm contributing directly to Singapore's sea defence. In a way, I'm also protecting Singapores maritime economy."

Agreeing, CPT Lim said: "Knowing that I'm part of the work behind Singapore's peace and security makes what I do so much more meaningful."

She added with a triumphant smile: "Having understood the impact and significance of my job, my mum now tells everyone proudly that I'm an RSAF pilot."