From clearing minefields to constructing trenches and drainage systems, Combat Engineers are an indispensable part of the Army, providing our Army with mobility, counter-mobility and survivability advantage to overcome the enemy.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we spoke to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), 38th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (38 SCE), Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Jia Yan.

What is an interesting part of your job you’d like to highlight/share?

As the most senior Warrant Officer and Specialist (WOSpec) in the Battalion, I mentor and provide guidance to the rest of my WOSpecs in the unit. I also uphold regimentation and discipline, training standards, morale and military traditions in the Battalion.

An exciting part of my job is that I can drive 4 out of 6 of the Armoured Engineers platforms currently in service!

Did you face any challenges when taking on this job? If any, how did you overcome them? 

One of my work challenges is cultivating intrinsic motivation among our soldiers and strengthening their commitment to defence. This requires constant engagement to understand the developmental needs of our soldiers and to provide an environment that allows them to thrive. I believe in engaging every soldier in the Battalion.

2WO Jia Yan conducting a Force Prep inspection
 

How do you collaborate with your fellow officers and Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) in your day-to-day duties? How has your experience been so far?

I would like to share four key points.

1. Involve them, bring them on board and guide them along. Give them your honest feedback and seek their feedback on you. Analyse what went well and what didn’t go so well. 

2. Empower our people; allow soldiers to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Encourage them to set their own goals and provide them with the resources to achieve them.

3. Instill purpose and fun in our daily efforts; soldiering is tough but it can be enjoyable and meaningful.

4. Share your experience widely, lead them with sincerity and they will heed your advice. 

What was your previous appointment and how has your experiences in that appointment helped you in your current appointment? 

I have spent my formative years in 38 SCE, from being a Section Commander to becoming the RSM. The experience and the relationships I've forged have helped me to ease into each new role in the Battalion. Each of my tours has also taught me something new. Learning from the regulars and NSFs I work alongside - often, the best ideas or solutions are derived ground up.

Our soldiers desire to be part of something bigger than themselves; they may fail occasionally but never intentionally. In fact, I have soldiers who voluntarily extended their service to complete milestone events with our unit. So, while I have to play a disciplinarian role as an RSM, it doesn’t preclude me from showing empathy and care for our soldiers.

2WO Jia Yan offering guidance in a Table Top Exercise (TTX) with her Battalion

What makes you proud to be a soldier?

I feel proud when I see my soldiers growing from strength to strength and seeing 38 SCE as their home away from home. I also take pride in that each of our soldiers, regardless of service status, contributes to the unit to the best of their abilities.

What is your personal leadership philosophy and how has that influenced the way you lead your Battalion?

Firstly, I always try my best to lead by example and lead by listening, by listening to their ideas and their plan and guiding them to own the plan. Secondly, I am always there for them, rain or shine, be it when the coy is having live firing or having build-up training or on different exercises. 

This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, do you have any words of encouragement for your fellow servicewomen?

Never fear, for you are Worthy, Outstanding, Motivated, Adaptable and Nimble! We got this!

?? : PTE Teo Ze Xuan (Army News)
?? : LCP Nicholas Long (Army News)