As we all know, being a mum is like no other job in the world. From the day they take on this role, they quietly sacrifice their time for their children and are always there to shower them with unwavering love. In honour of Mother's Day, we spoke to two mums from Our Army and find out how they balanced work life and motherhood.

We first talked to 3WO Xandra Wu, Company Chief Trainer from Basic Military Training Centre about her struggles and how she overcame them.

3WO Xandra showing her daughter, Iris Lee, how the Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century works.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the Army?
Since school days, I was very active and often participated in many sports activities. I was also a camp leader then and loved the outdoors. When I grew up, I always wanted to do something related to my outgoing personality and hence I chose to serve the country.

Till date, what was your most fulfilling moment since joining the Army?
It has got to be when I was a young 3rd Sergeant in the role of a Section Commander in the 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment. It was my first tour after passing out from the Specialist Cadet training. During then, it was not an easy task to lead a group of soldiers being a woman. However, I managed to pull it off successfully and eventually went through two full years with these soldiers.

Do you find any similarities between your family in the Army and your family at home? 
Definitely! In the Army, my seniors are like my mentors, while the Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) are like my children, whom I take care of and know I have a part to play to look after their well-being. 

How do you balance your role as an Army regular and as a mother? 
As a soldier serving the country, there will be times when I need to travel to other countries for training, or when I have to stay in-camp overnight. This means I will not be able to see my children often. However, I try to call them whenever time allows me to and this takes a lot of worries off my mind as a mother. My bosses are also very understanding and accommodating in that they allow me to manage my own work pace, without compromising my role as a mother. 

What is the biggest challenge you've faced so far, as a mother serving in the Army? How did you overcome it?
It was tough at first, having to juggle work and family, especially during trainings or operations whereby I am needed to be on 24/7 work duty commitment. At first, I faced a lot of difficulties but with the support from my family, colleagues and bosses, I managed to overcome these challenges. Now, it is very satisfying to see my family and career grow at the same time.

What keeps you motivated to continue to pursue a career in the Army? And what keeps you going when times are tough?
I would say it's my passion fuelling me to continue serving in the Army. I find joy in communicating with the trainees under my care as it allows me to understand what youngsters are thinking nowadays and how to find ways to make their two years in National Service meaningful. To me, this is a very purposeful job. 

My children! They are definitely my greatest motivation and is the reason that I work so hard to better myself everyday.

Next, we also spoke to ME2 Salizah Binte Yusop, a Senior Medic from Selarang Medical Centre about her role as a mother and a servicewoman in the Army.

ME2 Salizah sharing with her two children what she does in her daily work as a senior medic.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the Army?
After I graduated from school, I wanted an out-of-ordinary career that is not deskbound and meaningful. I also find passion in sports and fitness, and love to run. Signing on with the Army allows me to have the best of both worlds.

Till date, what was your most fulfilling moment since joining the Army?
There were many, but I felt the proudest when I witnessed NSFs whom I used to train become successful in their subsequent postings in other units. Some of them even used the medical skills that they had been taught during their National Service to save lives in the public.

Do you find any similarities between your family in the Army and your family at home?
I would say yes, because I treat the NSFs under my care just like my sons. While being professional with them at work, outside of work, they will share with me their problems and I always try my best to help them. 

How do you balance your role as an Army regular and as a mother?
A lot of sacrifices need to be made, both at work and home. But I think frequent communication with my family and colleagues, as well as being patient are important towards balancing both roles well. I also want to thank my family and good friends at work who have helped me cope with this dual role. Often, when the going gets tough, they have been great listening ears and sometimes, that's all we need.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced so far, as a mother serving in the Army? How did you overcome it?
When my children were younger, they fell sick a lot and I had to balance my time to attend to them as well as cope with my work. During that period, I am grateful that my bosses and colleagues had been very understanding and supportive whenever I was needed to attend to my children.

What keeps you motivated to continue to pursue a career in the Army? And what keeps you going when times are tough?
My children are my greatest motivation. I work hard for them and I can see that they are very proud their mum is a soldier serving the country.

It is with the understanding and belief that tough times will not last forever, and in fact, it will make me stronger. My children also play a big part as well because they have taught me that no matter how challenging things are, I can achieve whatever I want as long as I put my heart into it.

We at the Singapore Army would like to thank all mothers for being the constant and unwavering pillar of support for all of us and to these Superwomen in Our Army, we salute you! Happy Mother's Day!

Written by: LCP Goh Gen Sheng 
Photography by: LCP Felix Lai