Actually, I feel that it is acceptable for one to write their
own testimonial. Who will know an individual soldier's achievements
and contributions better than the soldier himself? Of course,
the superior must ensure that what was written is
factually correct. As what TS said, some people words cannot be
fully trusted. I believe that the superiors will
actually read through what has been written before putting their
signatures on it.
As for the use of COS, it is an official document so show that
one has completed his national service. It consists of a transcript
stating your rank, vocation and grades for performance and conduct.
Of course, if your superiors are happy with your performance, they
will write a testimonial for you. I knew of a few friends who plan
to use their testimonials to help them in their university
application. They hope that the testimonial can help them
obtain a place in the course they desired by allowing the
university to look beyond their academic performances. I am not
sure of the effectiveness of such tactic though. Maybe somebody who
has tried this before kindly enlightens us?
Anyway, I have seen people getting POOR for both their
conduct and performance. I have also seen people crying when they
received a GOOD for their conduct and performance when
the 'default' grade for 'normal performing' NSF is usually VERY
GOOD. OUTSTANDING is usually reserved for those who has really
performed well, though some cynical critics may say that these are
the people who 'wayang' the most.
