EMERGING AS BETTER LEADERS AFTER SPECIALIST CADET COURSE

At a parade on 21 Sep, 1,014 young men and two ladies graduated as Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Specialists after completing a demanding 22-week course. The course was aimed at developing their leadership and combat skills.

Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo, who reviewed the graduation parade at Pasir Laba Camp, reminded the cadets of their leadership roles: "Always be mindful of the training you have received and the values that have been instilled in you."

"These will put you in good stead to lead with pride, excel in your field, overcome adversity with your fighting spirit and serve in this new role with honour and integrity," she added.

At the parade, Mrs Teo presented the Golden Bayonet Award to 20 cadets who topped their formation. One of the recipients was Specialist Cadet (SCT) Sattish Segaran from the Combat Service Support Command (CSSCOM) (Maintenance).

The Silver Bayonet Awards were presented separately. Military Expert (ME) 1 Trainee (T) Jaclyn Tan from the CSSCOM (Medical), SCT Abdul Malik bin Mohd Hussin and SCT Kyle Tan from the Military Police Command were among the Silver Bayonet recipients.

cyberpioneer caught up with SCT Sattish, ME1 (T) Tan, SCT Abdul Malik and SCT Tan, and asked them about their experiences:

What was challenging about the course?

SCT Sattish: "Being in a support unit, my course was different from the rest of the cohort, so I did seven weeks at the Ordnance Engineering Training Institute. As I was the Logistics In-Charge (IC) during the course, it was stressful because the instructors didn't just tell you what to do; they expected you to use your initiative and think on your own before they guide you.

"So it was rather challenging having to plan out the logistic needs of any event, think about any contingencies, and ensure I don't miss anything out."

What was a defining moment for you?

SCT Sattish: "Knowing that I got the Golden Bayonet. Before I enlisted, my aspiration was to go to OCS (Officer Cadet School) and serve in a combat unit. However, I was given a PES (Physical Employment Status) C grading because I injured my right shoulder in secondary school, and got posted to a support unit.

"I was very disappointed at first, but I told myself that I was going to be the best that I could be, so I aimed for the Golden Bayonet when I entered the course. To achieve my goal, I worked on my fitness by going to the gym three to four times a week, and volunteered to be the Logistics IC so that I could have the opportunity to shine."

ME1 (T) Tan: "For me, the defining moment would be completing the 28km route march at the end of my foundation term during the course. As a female, my physical capabilities can't be compared to the guys', and most of the equipment we carry as medics is more suited to a man's body frame.

"Marching 28km while carrying heavy loads was tough, and I only managed to get through it because I had a lot of buddies who cheered me on and told me not to give up. One guy even walked the entire 28 km with me!"

Has the course changed you?

SCT Abdul Malik: "Back in my poly (Polytechnic) days, I was a 'slacker', but during the course, I decided that I didn't want to disappoint myself; I couldn't afford to slack any more because I wanted to become someone who could command others. I started bonding better with my section mates, and took more initiative to help anyone who was struggling."

SCT Tan: "I realised that my leadership skills have improved. In the past, I didn't have the courage to take the lead. During the summary exercise of my course, I was one of the section commanders for a mission, and when I saw how much effort my men were putting in for the mission, I decided that I had to buck up in order to lead them."The exercise taught me how to communicate my goals to the people I'm leading, when to be firm in directing them and when to relax as friends."