Originally posted by Gordonator:
courtesy of
armynewsInteractive 
[b]Pursuing a Passion
Passion is vital in Our Army. Our Core Values, especially Loyalty
to Country and Fighting Spirit are about soldiers passion towards
their country, friends, and their own life. Passion enables one to
excel.
Army News caught up with LTA Veronica Tan, an Armour tank Officer
from the 41st Singapore Armoured Regiment whose passion for her job
stands out. LTA Tan was the Best Cadet in her Basic Military
Training days, and also achieved the Best Physical Training Award
and Sword-of-Merit in the professional term of her Officer Cadet
Training.
Of her achieving of the Best Physical Training Award among all
male peers in her cohort LTA Tan was quick to explain that this
did not mean she could outdo her male counterparts in equal terms
during the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, but rather, the
standards were different. She cited, for example, that she did
inclined flex-arm hang instead of chin-ups, and she had six instead
of thirteen obstacles to clear in the Standard Obstacle Course
(SOC). Nonetheless, based on the standards for females, LTA Tan
certainly did very well, and could receive the award deservedly
with pride. (Just for the curious, her
SOC timing (for six obstacles) is 7:27, while her 2.4 kilometre run
time is 10:30.)
Passion, LTA Tan noted, was what helped her excel in her training.
Being in the Army is what I really wanted, what I wanted to do. So
I didnt mind the long hours, or the tough work. Im also quite an
optimistic person, and I tell myself, when the going gets tough,
the tough get going. Thats how I push myself.
Now in Armour, a childhood aspiration, LTA Tan certainly seems to
have found her calling. Enthusing about her job, she said, I love
the tank! You get to experience the synergy between man and
machine, to be in control of such a powerful vehicle. Also, Im not
desk-bound and can enjoy the outdoors
things are more alive. Most
of all, whatever you do, youre impacting lives.
To impact lives, and instil in them the same passion that she has
that is LTA Tans hope for the future. She explained, I want to be
a good tank Platoon Commander, to change the mindset of those who
dont like Army life. I cannot expect everyone to embrace Army life
like I do, since I voluntarily signed on, but I want everyone to
pass out with a different mentality - that Army life can be
fun!
It certainly is, especially if there is enthusiasm and passion in
you and the people around you. That is the key to having a positive
Army experience!
[/b]
10:30 for IPPT, 7mins+ for SOC 
...a shorter version of SOC 
