RAISING LEADERS OF MEN

It was a joyous occasion as clear evening skies marked the commissioning of 294 cadets from the 78th Officer Cadet Course (OCC). Among the newly-commissioned officers, 261 were from the Army and 33 were from the Air Force.

Held at SAFTI Military Institute on 18 Sep, the OCC commissioning parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of intensive training to develop the officer cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills.

For Officer Cadet (OCT) Nigel Dilip Singh Gill, graduating after his nine-month stint at Officer Cadet School (OCS) was an "incredible feeling".

"This parade marks a whole year of training, preparation and hardships," said the 21-year-old.

An Artillery Sword of Merit recipient from the Army, OCT Gill felt that OCS had changed him tremendously. "I used to be really arrogant and felt that the world revolved around me. But being in the military has made me more humble and allowed me to see the bigger picture. I've really learnt to value and accept other people's opinions in instances such as planning and decision making," he explained.

Another Sword of Merit (Infantry) recipient, OCT Mohammad Khairul Bin Yunos, felt that being at OCS has taught him to become a leader.

Said the 21-year-old, who will be posted to the 2nd Singapore Infantry Regiment as a platoon commander: "Not only has it built up my endurance and perseverance, I've learnt how to motivate others. As a leader, I have to gain the trust and confidence of my men and take responsibility for my actions."

At the commissioning parade, reviewing officer Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam encouraged graduands to inspire a sense of mission, purpose and commitment in the soldiers who would come under their charge.

"As their leader, you will be responsible for the readiness, training, morale and discipline of your soldiers. Train them well and push them hard. But even as you demand high standards from your men, look after them and always have their safety at heart," he said.

Family support was the greatest source of inspiration for Air Force Sword of Honour recipient, OCT Robin Chia.

"My dad and elder brother were both officers, so I really wanted to enter OCS as well. They were my motivation and I would remind myself of them especially during tough training sessions," explained OCT Chia, who has signed on as a regular in the Air Force.

Fellow prize-winner OCT Ng Kok Lip, who received the prestigious Sword of Honour (Ground Based Air Defence) and was awarded Best Trainee (Air Force), told cyberpioneer the commissioning was a proud moment for him, as he had set his sights on becoming an officer since he entered National Service (NS).

"I want to be a leader who can really lead and change people for the better. Most people think that NS is a waste of time, but since you're already in it, why not make the best of these two years? If times are tough, don't give up and just try for the best," added the 21-year-old, who will be heading to the Air Defence Artillery Camp as a Deputy Commander.

Summing up his feelings, he said: "Today is a new beginning and a journey for more to come and I'm really looking forward to it."