When he enlisted as part of the obese batch at the start of the year, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Faris Bin Mazlan lacked self-confidence and was skeptical about National Service (NS). Today, he successfully graduated from the Specialist Cadet School (SCS) with pride.
"When I first entered SCS, there was a great difference as compared to Basic Military Training (BMT) as most of the cadets in SCS are a motivated bunch of soldiers," said 3SG Faris. "In my foundation term and professional term, I had great section mates who kept motivating each other and I really enjoyed the time I spent with them."
But what kept the 19-year-old truly motivated were the words from his section commander back in BMT.
"To be honest, there wasn't really any motivation at all while I was in the obese batch. There were many people looking down on us and it was quite demoralising and saddening.
"However, I remember the first night of my BMT, when my section commander told my section: 'It's up to you to decide how your NS life is going to pan out'. From then on, I decided to take this opportunity to better myself and I did the best I could."
3SG Faris is now physically fitter, and has successfully attained the Silver award for Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT).
"I took the time to adjust my diet during BMT and SCS, and tried to adapt to a healthier lifestyle," said the Infantry soldier. "Right now, I feel much better about myself. Looking back, I wouldn't want to go back to the previous version of myself."
"It is because of NS…that I have right now has really changed me as a person and I am really thankful for that."
3SG Faris was one of the 926 specialists who received their chevrons at the 37th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade (SCGP) held on 23 Nov at Pasir Laba Camp. The parade was reviewed by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Culture Community and Youth, Mr Baey Yam Keng.
Addressing the graduands at the parade, Mr Baey emphasised the importance of the need for a strong and committed Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and the responsibility of successive generations in strengthening Singapore's peace and security.
He said: "While our pioneers laid the foundations, each successive generation built upon the efforts of their predecessors. Now, it is your turn to take on the mantle of leadership and build on their legacy."
Mr Baey also further highlighted the important role that specialists play as leaders in the SAF. "You must also win the hearts and minds of your soldiers, inspiring them to work towards a common mission despite their diverse backgrounds, beliefs and personalities."
His words were not lost on 3SG Peh Chong Hern. Initially being apprehensive of his Navy posting, the Deck Weapons Specialist from RSS Valiant decided to make the best of what he could in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
"One of the biggest challenges that I faced while on RSS Valiant during my professional term was trying to apply what I had learnt in the training institute to actual operations on board ship," said the 19-year-old Full-time National Serviceman (NSF). "Each ship has its own practices, which I had to learn and adapt to quickly."
However, adapting to the work and lifestyle of the crew of RSS Valiant was made easier thanks to the help of his seniors.
"I was from the weapons department of RSS Valiant, and I was very fortunate to have seniors who were very supportive and helpful. There was one senior who is also an NSF, and what I really admire about him is his work ethics and how he is able to work tirelessly and all on his own initiative."
He added: "Whenever I have any doubts, I was able to seek assistance from him, and the fact that he is a very friendly person makes him much more approachable. If not for the support from him and the rest of the weapons department, I would have found the entire experience much more difficult."
One lesson that 3SG Peh learnt during his time in SCS is that we can always do more than what is expected of us.
"During theoretical sessions, some of the lessons were quite long and dry… I used the time to understand and find out even more about what I was learning – I would tend to ask more questions and go beyond the syllabus," said 3SG Peh.
"Instead of (just) wondering about the 'how' of things, I would also try to find out about the 'why' aspect, and to dig a bit deeper. This feeds my curiosity, and it definitely helped me to do my best in the course as well."
His efforts were recognised and he received the Golden Bayonet award at the SCGP.
"Honestly, I was quite surprised, because it was not really something that I was aiming for throughout the course…but looking back, I think one of the reasons why I received the Golden Bayonet award was because of my initiative to learn more and to understand more about the Navy."