FROM CORPORATE TO COMBAT (ENGINEER)

She joined the Army as a way of honouring her late father's wishes.

But this wasn't the only driving force. The idea took root during Lieutenant (LTA) Ivory Teo's university days, when she started talking to her male friends about their National Service (NS).

Back then however, she didn't feel confident about her physical fitness, so she put the thought on hold and joined the corporate sector.

After graduating from Singapore Institute of Management in 2019, she did Human Resource (HR) work in several companies for close to three years.

During that time, she had more conversations with people from the Army and learnt that she could go through progressive fitness training. Realising that a desk-bound job was not for her, LTA Teo decided to call it quits.

"I was also getting older and thought I should just do what I really wanted – which is to join the Army."

With that, LTA Teo started ramping up her fitness – running about three times a week – before enlisting into Basic Military Training (BMT) in September 2022.

Despite the physical challenge, she enjoyed her time in BMT, especially when it came to bonding with her fellow platoon mates during outfield.

From bashing through the jungle to going through tough times together as a platoon, she had many memories to look back on, said LTA Teo.

"It felt like a dream and before I knew it, BMT was over!"

Honouring her late father

Her greatest challenge, however, took place during Officer Cadet School (OCS).

During her Service Term in January 2023, she sprained her ankle in the last 200 metres of an exercise while running downhill.

Thankfully, her section mates supported her and made sure that she was not left behind, completing the mission together.

Apart from the strong camaraderie with her fellow soldiers, thoughts of her late father kept her going amid physically intense moments, such as doing fast marches while carrying a 23kg load.

"I would think back on how my dad was harsh and stern towards me when I was younger and how I understood that it was for my own good, so I projected that to boost my determination and push on," said LTA Teo, whose father passed away in 2007.

The 28-year-old was also reminded of how he always wanted to join the Singapore Army but was unable to due to a skin condition. Instead, he became a police officer.

"I feel that joining the Army has helped me to fulfil his ambition. This is also my way of honouring and remembering him."

LTA Teo's determination to give her all also inspired her fellow NSF (Full-time National Serviceman) officer cadets to do the same.

"There were a couple of NSFs who told me they felt motivated when they saw how hard I pushed myself throughout the tough training. I'm glad that I inspired them," said LTA Teo, who commissioned on 9 Dec 2023.

Choosing the route less travelled

A combat engineer by vocation, LTA Teo is currently one of three servicewomen in 39th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (39 SCE).

Asked why she chose this vocation, the platoon commander said that with the rise of terrorism and lone wolf attacks happening in the world, units like Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defence (CBRD) are more relevant than ever and she wanted to be part of that.

Despite of her enthusiasm, LTA Teo got a shock the first time she donned the MOPP (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) 4 suit.

"Wearing the mask made me claustrophobic as it was very near my face, and it was really hot too!

"But after a few rounds of combat circuit in the suit, it became more bearable and I realised that I just had to breathe slower and pace myself."

Currently training and guiding NSF combat engineers, LTA Teo sees it as a learning journey and an opportunity to hone her confidence.

"I enjoy talking to people, even though I can be nervous and shy. So being in this role helps to build up my confidence as I have to speak to a larger crowd," explained LTA Teo, who has a platoon of NSFs under her charge.

A dream career

If she has any regrets, it would be the fact that she did not sign on earlier.

"Honestly, I wished I had joined the Army right after university! But then again, I wouldn't have experienced corporate life and known for sure that it's something I don't want," said LTA Teo with a laugh.

"In the military, everyone is working towards the same goal – which is to defend the country," she added.

This common aim and passion were things she found missing when she was in the corporate world, and affirmed that she had made the right choice in switching careers.

"In a way, you could say that it's for a higher purpose and calling. It also helps that everyone goes through the same rite of passage and similar hardships, so it's easier to relate to and help one another.

"I like making a difference in my line of work, so this is the real deal for me."