Lead yourself; lead others
3SG NUR HAFIZUDDIN BIN RAHIM, 19
3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards (3 Gds)
Former rifleman
Before enlisting, 3SG Hafizuddin was a banquet server at Marina Bay Sands. Despite having over a year of experience, he never took the initiative to guide new staff. Why bother? After all, he was just a part-timer. "I let the manager do everything," recalled the 19-year-old who had dropped out of the Institute of Technical Education.
But his attitude changed in National Service (NS). During specialist cadet training, he mentored his bunkmates who were fresh out of Basic Military Training (BMT). He was then the most experienced soldier, having gone through the Guardsmen's advanced infantry training as a rifleman.
"I had already learnt about teamwork and understood that, with my experience and knowledge, I could help my section," said 3SG Hafizuddin, who received the Silver Bayonet award when he graduated from the Specialist Cadet School (SCS) last December.
Riflemen usually attain the highest rank of Corporal First Class, and he had never imagined he would don the 3rd Sergeant rank.
It all began when his BMT section commander appointed him the section 2nd-in-command (2IC), which meant greater responsibilities. Whether it was battle assault drills, rappelling, fast marches or coastal swims, he worked hard and eventually emerged as the best in the company. His commanders were impressed not just by his performance as a soldier, but also as a leader and thus recommended him for specialist training at SCS.
His toughest time was during a defence exercise in SCS where, as a platoon sergeant, he had to lead 40 trainees and ensure that all trenches and wire obstacles were completed.
"I had to dig my own shellscrape, as well as run around through the night to pass information. It was very tiring but I told myself there must be a reason I was given this appointment, so I never gave up."
The current section commander in 3 Gds added: "Nobody is born a leader; everything needs hard work. I did my best to learn from people around me. "Before NS, I was not disciplined. But now, I have a disciplined mindset, and have responsibilities to take charge of."
An unassuming leader
3SG (NS) CHIA ZHONG HAO, 20
42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment
(42 SAR)
Former recce trooper
You would expect a leader to be charismatic and outspoken, but 3SG (NS) Chia is a man of few words. His quiet demeanor was probably one of the reasons he was passed over for command schools initially.
"My BMT was very competitive - almost everyone aspired to be a commander," recalled the 20-year-old, who just completed his full-time NS last December.
But his commanders in 42 SAR saw that he had a strong sense of responsibility, and recommended him to be trained as a recce commander. He was the only trooper in his batch who was selected.
"I would be here for two years anyway so I just did my best, and tried to learn as much as possible," he said.
3SG (NS) Chia's leadership style is all about action: do your work diligently, and lead by example. During missions, he would carry the same or an even heavier load than what his troopers were carrying.
"It might seem trivial, but if you are carrying nothing, they will lose respect for you. You would have no moral authority to lead."
Going through the same training with his men also helped. Before he left for SCS, they had gone through punishing regimes like doing push-ups with a 20kg load on their back during a route march.
His biggest takeaway from NS was improved communication skills. In SCS, he learnt to be more vocal and assertive. In 42 SAR, he learnt to connect with people from all walks of life.
"I met troopers with different educational backgrounds, and even those who had been to the Boys' Home," said the Hwa Chong Institution alumnus who will be studying Medicine at the National University of Singapore.
"I slowly got to understand them better and realised they were not much different from me... We like to talk about soccer and play together. I really cherish the friendships I made."
From trooper to officer
2LT LIEW ZHI HAO, 20
Bridging Engineer Training Centre
Former security trooper
He is one of the rare NSFs who have been trained to be a trooper, specialist and officer. Meet 2LT Liew Zhi Hao, a former security trooper who is now a combat engineer officer.
Although he is outgoing and speaks well, the 20-year-old admitted that he was not cut out to be a commander - at least initially. During BMT, he was uncomfortable with the regimentation, and even failed his Individual Physical Proficiency Test.
Although he did not qualify for any of the command schools, 2LT Liew aimed to be the best security trooper. He did exceptionally well, and was selected for SCS and subsequently Officer Cadet School (OCS).
His route was unusual. But it allowed him to build his leadership skills progressively, from leading small groups to commanding a section, platoon, and company. "I could apply what I learnt in SCS - taking charge of a section - and apply it in OCS. It's the same leadership concept but on a larger scale.
"(Having been a specialist) allowed me to understand what makes them tick - how do they react to situations? What do they talk about?"
Now a platoon trainer, 2LT Liew works closely with Operationally Ready National Servicemen during their In-Camp Training. When asked what makes a true leader, he said leadership is not about rank, but actions and commitment to excellence. "Leadership is important at all levels Even at the buddy level, I can influence him to do the right thing; in times of distress I can be his beacon of light."
Thinking soldiers
In modern warfare, soldiers need to make independent decisions. For example, in the case of urban operations, the first rifleman at the edge of a corner has to decide whether to advance, retreat or shoot. Hence the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) aim to develop all national servicemen to be thinking soldiers. "We want our privates, lance corporals, and corporals to lead at their individual level within the chain of command," said Colonel (COL) Fred Tan, Head of SAF Centre for Leadership Development.
Troopers can hone small-group leadership skills through various appointments. Those who have performed well are offered opportunities to enter the Specialist Cadet School (SCS). Outstanding SCS trainees can cross over to Officer Cadet School. COL Tan explained that the SAF is always on the lookout for leadership talent. "People develop at different paces and stages of their lives."
The SAF's strong leadership development framework was one of the areas it was recognised for when it was awarded top honours at the 2014 Global Individual Operating Unit Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises awards. "The bottom line is we want to encourage all our soldiers to do their best regardless of rank," said COL Tan.
