MAKING SPECIALISTS OF MEN

He was the typical underdog in school. Because of his small build and shy personality, he was often the target of bullies, and usually relied on his elder brother to protect him.

Five months of tough training was all it took to change that.

At the Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade on 18 Mar at Pasir Laba Camp, Specialist Cadet (SCT) Tee Wee Kwan stood tall among his peers as a Silver Bayonet award winner for his excellent performance in the Specialist Cadet Course.

He was among 953 specialist cadets who graduated as specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) after having gone through the rigorous 22-week course which developed cadets' leadership and combat skills, and deepened their understanding of the various vocations in the SAF.

On how he overcame his personal and physical limitations, SCT Tee said: "After enlisting into the Army, I knew I couldn't rely on my brother any longer, so I started building up my fitness in order to be tougher. Through the Specialist Cadet Course, I was also provided with many opportunities to bring out the leader in me."

At the parade, guest-of-honour Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong encouraged the cadets to lead with conviction and by example: "As leaders, you bear the heavy responsibility for the men and women under your charge. They will look to you for leadership, guidance and support."

He added: "You play an important role in helping them understand the importance of a strong defence for Singapore, and in building their confidence and belief in themselves, and in the mission of the SAF."

It was a proud moment for all the graduands at the parade, knowing that they had earned their spot on the parade square after overcoming all the challenges of the past five months.

While many cadets cited a tiring five-day field camp as the toughest part of the course, Military Expert (ME) 1 Trainee Shaline Tan's greatest challenge was hitting the books again 15 years after her last test, which was the O level examinations.

At the age of 30, she made a radical decision to quit her job as an account manager in a local advertising firm to join the Army as a Combat Medic.

She explained: "Growing up, I read a lot about the United States Marines and other armed forces, which inspired me to join the military. But my parents wanted me to join the corporate world as they were afraid I would not adapt well to military life.

"Having worked for more than 10 years, I still wasn't happy, so I decided to make this move to pursue my true passion," said ME1(T), who won the Golden Bayonet award for being the top cadet in the Emergency Medical Technician Specialist course.

This award is given to the top cadets in their respective courses.

She added: "It was really hard to pick up books again and study, but now that the course is over, I can't wait to see more action and take on combat roles!"

Like ME1(T) Tan, SCT Logakannan was full of anticipation for what comes after graduation.

Also a Golden Bayonet award winner in the Infantry Specialist course, he said: "Looking back, the training was a good learning experience. I've learnt to endure when it gets tough, and how to manage a team, how to command people and earn their respect at the same time.

"I would say I'm prepared to lead as a specialist."