S'PORE SOLDIER AMONG TOP IN US MILITARY ACADEMY

The United States (US) Military at West Point is one of the most prestigious military academies in the world, known for its highly competitive admission standards.

This June, Singapore's own Lieutenant (LTA) Soon Wei Kang was among its graduates in a 1,151-strong cohort.

He completed his four-year curriculum with an honours degree, and emerged among the top 15 per cent in the overall order of merit - which includes a combination of academic, military and physical scores.

The graduation ceremony was held at West Point, New York on 13 Jun, and was officiated by US President Donald Trump.

A proud infantryman, LTA Soon is now back in Singapore as a Staff Officer in Headquarters 9th Singapore Division.

Here are five things to know about his journey:

1. His "CCA" was in combat weapons

LTA Soon had a packed curriculum at West Point and often found himself planning for operations while working on his academic modules.

Despite this, the cadet was a member of its Combat Weapons Team, a unit of the school focusing on combat application and weapon proficiencies.

"We've worked hard, long hours, often sacrificing weekends to better ourselves every day. The winning mentality we had in the team spurred us on, and it feels even better when hard work pays off," said LTA Soon.

The team's efforts were rewarded when they won a National Championship in 2019, defeating other service academies in the Military College Combat Shooting Competition.

2. He also joined a gruelling international skills competition

LTA Soon competed in the Annual International Sandhurst Military Skills Competition twice, in 2017 and 2019. The two-day match sees participants from all over, including Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

"It includes rucking (marching while carrying a load) through West Point's mountainous terrain, and completing 14 gruelling events that tested cadets' ability to shoot, move, communicate, medicate and lead," described LTA Soon.

The event was capped with a final station designed by the Military Ninja Warrior, focusing on physical and mental toughness as well as agility.

3. He was the only Singaporean in his cohort

LTA Soon was the only Singaporean in his cohort; and the only one of two in the academy. This did not faze the 24-year-old, who credits his family for being a pillar of support during his time at West Point.

"The amount of moral support that they have given me in the past few years has been incredible," said LTA Soon.

"They told me to stay focused regardless of the adversities faced, to remind myself of where I come from, and to stay true to my roots."

Though no visitors were allowed to attend the graduation ceremony, LTA Soon's family stayed up to tune in to the livestream and show their support from Singapore.

The cohort also included international cadets from Bosnia, Columbia, the Philippines, Pakistan, and South Korea, among others.

4. He became a cadet for the second time

To get into West Point, LTA Soon had to obtain a commander's recommendation and an endorsement by the US defence attaché in Singapore. His selection process also included rigorous interviews by the Singapore Armed Forces and a physical fitness test.

Joining West Point was a whole new learning journey for LTA Soon. "Being a cadet again allowed me to reflect on my time as an officer, and make improvements."

"The exposure and challenging experience gave me an opportunity to learn from my short-comings and be a better leader for my soldiers in the future. It is a humbling experience like no other."

5. He had to adapt to changes due to COVID-19

It comes as no surprise that COVID-19 had a significant impact on LTA Soon's journey at West Point.

As the pandemic put a halt to many activities, so too were LTA Soon's military competitions and events cancelled.

His coursework also moved online, which proved a challenge to the Mechanical Engineering student.

"It was a difficult time completing all my course requirements. I (spent) multiple late nights and extended hours as I slowly adapted to the new system," recalled LTA Soon.

He pulled through and graduated among the top of his batch to be a part of an incredible celebratory ceremony.

Said LTA Soon: "Being a Singaporean cadet in a prestigious military academy is something beyond my wildest dreams, and I couldn't be prouder to have the opportunity to represent Singapore in an international environment.

"(This) end of my journey as a cadet is only the beginning of my profession as a soldier."