2LT A Guhanavel S/O Ashok Kumar became an officer despite starting with zero leadership experience and fitness.

When 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Steve Chia enlisted for National Service (NS) and started Basic Military Training (BMT) last January, he had a lot on his mind.

He used to be a timid guy, but the leadership roles he took on in Officer Cadet School (OCS) helped him to step out of his comfort zone and become more confident.

Commissioning as an officer at the age of 26, Commando and Sword of Merit recipient 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Kavin Timothy S/O Trina Shanti proves that there are many paths to excellence.

This SAF Scholarship recipient is living out his dream as a naval diver. But it wasn't what he always imagined himself doing.

"If you want to challenge yourself, you should give OCS (Officer Cadet School) a shot."

Being the older sibling often means having to set an example and paving the way for the younger ones to follow. For most people, it's the usual things like doing well in school, nailing that first job or getting your driving license on the first try.

To most, becoming an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) would already be a huge honour. But for 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Muhammad Ilham Rizqullah Bin Rohaizad, being commissioned holds special meaning for him as he is now the first in his extended family to become an officer.

The first in his family to be commissioned as an officer, 2LT Haniel Humphrey Muze may soon become the first Singaporean of African descent to earn the khaki beret. 

PIONEER unmasks fencer and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medallist 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Jet Ng and finds out how the 20-year-old balances being a national athlete with serving his full-time National Service (NS).