A course that marks a significant point in a Warrant Officer and Specialist (WOSpec)'s career, the Warfighter – Company Sergeant Major (WF-CSM) course aims to train and equip a soldier for the role of the CSM. 

Its comprehensive training programme encompasses physical and teamwork components, as well as hones trainees in their critical thinking skills. It exposes leaders in the course to the functions of other vocations in the Army and forges new relationships through the exchange of experiences and peer learning.

Maintaining Physical Fitness

As CSMs, soldiers need to stay as physically fit, if not fitter, than the soldiers they lead. As such, the WF-CSM course consists of many physical components, including the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), Standard Obstacle Course (SOC), 4 to 10 km runs and Soldier Strong Module.

MSG Amanda Thea Tan shared how she pushed herself beyond her boundaries during the course.

One of the trainees, MSG Amanda Thea Tan, shared how physical training was the most challenging aspect of the course. "I need to train harder to be able to keep up with the course. As I continued to train, I got more and more comfortable with pushing myself in training. My confidence grew and I became motivated to keep challenging myself to do better than before."

MSG George Previn s/o Peter spoke about the camaraderie that he experienced during the course.

Adding on, MSG George Previn s/o Peter recalled that "One of the more memorable moments occurred during the endurance runs. Despite the fact that we are from different vocations, every participant in the course provided moral encouragement to each other. I vividly recall the moment when I was completing my endurance runs – when I had around 200m left – that was when we all shouted words of encouragement to each other. This was truly memorable since these gestures showed both our fighting spirit and camaraderie."

Mastering Firearms – Combat Skill at Arms

The Combat Skill at Arms is geared towards building camaraderie within a syndicate. It hones leadership skills as participants need to work together as a team. 

Participants first proceeded with several stations that refreshed them on the fundamentals of firing small arms. Participants practised stripping and assembling the Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century (SAR 21), M203 Grenade Launcher, followed by Immediate Action (IA) drills. 

Stripping & assembly of the grenade launcher followed by IA drills.

Participants also engaged in navigation exercises where cooperation as a syndicate was essential. MSG Amanda Thea Tan remarked that "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The essence of camaraderie is a powerful tool."

MSG Amanda Thea Tan (left) during the navigation exercise.

A CSM is the company's backbone, and  plays a crucial role in the unit's success. As stewards of training and enforcers of order, CSMs need to have the necessary expertise and skills to ensure that the unit's standards are met. 

MSG Muhammad Nur Aqmal shares how CSMs can contribute to the unit effectively.

MSG Muhammad Nur Aqmal, from SAF Military Police Command, has a few tips for how CSMs can contribute to the unit effectively. "Tackling the matters of the heart will garner loyalty and willingness amongst the men. By always showing purpose and the importance of national service, it shapes the next generation of soldiers into willing and capable soldiers."

MSG Raymond Yeo Eng Soon

As the course comes to an end, MSG Raymond Yeo Eng Soon shares some takeaways he has from this course and advice he has for future CSMs coming for the course. "Firstly, I would say, come to this course with an open mind and positive attitude. As everyone comes from different vocations with varying workplace culture, it is good to learn how to adapt and be versatile to changes. Secondly, try to build networks during the course so that there will always be a brother or sister-in-arms to assist you in one way or another."

It is often said that our WOSpecs form the backbone of Our Army, for they play a crucial role in carrying out operations, missions, and training. Upon completion of the course, these specialists are now ready to take on their role as a CSM to maximise the potential of every soldier. These specialists are not only warfighters and trainers, but also leaders that their soldiers to look up to. 

We congratulate the graduates and wish them all the best in their respective units as they train and lead Our Army's next generation of soldiers.

With Pride We Lead!

Written by: PTE Jerry Han (Army News)
Photography by: LCP Steve Lee, PTE Dylan Seah (Army News)