READY TO SERVE, READY TO LEAD

"My mum told me, 'Your dad will be extremely proud of you if you make it into the unit'," said Specialist Cadet (SCT) Aldridge Tan.

The 21-year-old Naval Diving Specialist was talking about fulfilling his late father s wishes of becoming a commando. As a young man, his father had been unable to make the cut due to a spinal issue. So when SCT Tan received his vocational assessment letter to join the Naval Diving Unit, he was ecstatic.

"I knew I wanted to go all out as I did not want to let my family and loved ones down. (Most of all,) I did not want to let my dad down; I know that he's always watching," said the Silver Bayonet recipient.

SCT Tan was one of 1,174 specialist cadets who received the 3rd Sergeant rank during the 26th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade. Held at Pasir Laba Camp on 3 Mar, the parade was reviewed by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

Speaking at the parade, Dr Maliki noted that as the threat of extremism grows greater, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) must become even more vigilant and resilient.

Highlighting the critical role that specialists play in the SAF, Dr Maliki said: "Today, the SAF is a modern and networked force, and stands ready and capable of conducting a wide spectrum of operations . Therefore, we depend on you, as newly minted Specialists and leaders of the SAF, to help the men and women under your charge understand and internalise the importance of a strong defence."

He added: "Generations before you have done their duty to keep Singapore safe and secure, and we now look to you to take on the responsibility of defending our home, to keep our nation safe and strong for the years ahead."

This message was not lost on graduand SCTKumaraguru Putarani, an Armour specialist.

The 25-year-old Golden Bayonet recipient was inspired to become a tank commander during his childhood after watching the National Day Parade mobile column drive past his house. He eventually signed on after learning about the importance of the armour battalion in warfare during his time in 41st Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment.

During his course, SCT Kumaraguru also learnt how to work with people from different backgrounds. This is something he feels would come in useful when leading his soldiers in the future.

"The first thing that I did was to understand each and everyone on a personal basis - to know them slowly and understand how they work and think," said SCT Kumaraguru.

"From there, you (learn to) change the way you talk and give instructions to them, and they will react in the way that you want."

For fellow graduand SCT Nurul Fatin Hamid, it was daunting being the only female in the 180-men Combat Service Support Command cohort. "It was my first time working alongside so many men. But after getting to know them better, we built a bond and rapport and that made working with one another so much easier."

The 24-year-old had been working in retail for two years before deciding that she wanted to try something new. After attending an Army seminar, she signed up as a supply specialist.

The Silver Bayonet recipient is now confident that she will be able to lead her men in her new posting as a Signals and Communications in-charge in 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

"It's all about understanding. Once you understand them, you can work with them and that s how you build respect for one another," said SCT Fatin.