READY TO LEAD WITH CONVICTION

If you had a younger twin who outdid you earlier in terms of achievements, would you feel jealous and pressured?

In the case of Specialist Cadet (SCT) Yeo Jin Rui, his younger brother's stellar achievements only motivated him to work extra hard.

While both SCT Yeo, the older twin by two minutes, and his brother were recommended by their respective commanding officers to enter the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), his brother was selected for the course first. Six months later, SCT Yeo, who was previously a Signals Operator, was selected to cross over as well.

Despite having a two-year age gap between him and his fellow specialist cadets, SCT Yeo felt that his time spent as a trooper gave him an edge over his peers.

"(Having) been a trooper gives me a different sense of understanding. It allows me to see things in their light and understand how they feel as men. And as a leader, I'll try to change things for the better for them," explained the Signals Specialist from 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery.

For his outstanding performance, SCT Yeo was awarded the Golden Bayonet.

"When my brother heard the news of me receiving the award, he couldn't stop smiling. He only had two words for me: 'Good job'," he laughed. SCT Yeo's brother was also a Golden Bayonet recipient, and is currently undergoing the Officer Cadet Course.

SCT Yeo was among the 995 trainees who graduated as specialists at the 16th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade held at Pasir Laba Camp on 27 Sep.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, who officiated at the parade, urged the newly-minted specialists to never forget that they bear the heavy responsibility of looking after the men and women under their charge.

"They will look to you for leadership, guidance and support. Lead with conviction and lead by example," he said.

Mr Teo also reminded the specialists of their responsibility to inspire men and women under their charge to understand the significance of National Service (NS) as the cornerstone of Singapore's defence policy.

Noting that this task was one which required a nationwide effort as seen in the Committee to Strengthen NS, he explained, "It is only with this sense of purpose and commitment that our nation's security can be sustained."

The message was not lost on SCT Vikram Tiakarajah, who felt that SCS helped him train his confidence and leadership skills.

"I will want my men to feel like there's (always) something to learn, to focus more on providing them with opportunities to cultivate their skills and help them see the link... how NS can also help them in their future," said the Air Defence Systems Specialist.

For SCT Faisal Bin Mohd Salim, losing his mother one and a half years prior to his enlistment was a major setback. The Silver Bayonet recipient acknowledged that he would not have overcome his depression and the darkest period of his life if not for his fellow enlistees' encouragement during Basic Military Training (BMT).

"Some of my peers in BMT had the same experience as me, and a few of them had also been in the stage where they felt really lost. They told me to keep an open mind, and I got better through their help and by talking to them every night," explained SCT Faisal.

His late mum, whose values of hard work and enthusiasm were a source of inspiration for him, also motivated him to give his best during NS.

"She was very hardworking and successful in what she did, and her life values were a source of motivation for me," said the Infantry Specialist from 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards.

For his outstanding performance during an overseas exercise, SCT Faisal was also awarded the SCS Commander's Coin.

"I feel proud and I still can't believe it. I'm confident in my capabilities and I know I have what it takes to take up the responsibilities as a section commander."

The graduation parade marked the end of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where the SCTs trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to hone their leadership and combat skills. Also present at the parade were friends and families of the graduands and senior SAF officers.