Story by Felix Siew/ Pictures by Chua Soon Lye & Chew
Yaoxian
It's no coincidence that they are known as 'Specialists'.
On any inventory of skills and qualities required of a leader and
people manager, the Specialist proves his mettle and
capabilities.
The Specialist Corps is often referred to as the 'backbone of the
Army'.
3SG Ong Jia Hui offers a different analogy: "If you liken the Army
to a car, then the officers are the engine and the men are the
wheels. But the Specialists are the pistons, the driving force
behind the Army."
Whichever comparison you prefer, the message is clear - Specialists
are essential in helping to ensure the smooth working of the
military.
Disciplined as a leader
From 3SG to MSG, Specialists wear several hats: as a junior
commander, people manager, welfare provider, communications link
between men and upper management, and perhaps most significantly,
as a dependable team player who gets the job done right.
The School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC), currently located on
Pulau Tekong, is where soldiers are moulded into junior leaders.
The school runs four main programmes: Basic Section Leader Course
(BSLC), Advance Section Leader Course (ASLC), Platoon Sergeant
Course, and Company Sergeant Major Course (see Box Story).
According to the Commanding Officer of SISPEC, LTC Ng Heng Chew
(right), every graduate of the school must be an effective and
confident leader, one who commands the true respect of his
men.
One way SISPEC develops such leaders is by encouraging trainees to
look up to, and follow, their instructors and commanders. At the
school, Warrant Officers form a majority of such senior officers,
and are thus good role models.
"Many of our commanders are ex-battalion Regimental Sergeant Majors
and have a depth of experience to share with the trainees. They can
better relate their experiences to the training and so enhance the
trainees' interest to learn," says LTC Ng.
He adds: "Of the seven SAF core values, our commanders stress the
value of discipline to trainees - a fundamental value required of
every soldier, more so of a leader. We want this value to be
inculcated within our trainees when they become Specialists."
All fired up
Training at SISPEC is recognised to be both physically and mentally
demanding. For instance, the school conducts numerous live-firing
sessions.
"Be it section or platoon live-firing, with weapons like the
Section Automatic Weapon (SAW) or the Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW),
trainees do a lot of live-firing here," says LTC Ng.
Why is this necessary when blanks can be used instead? "Exposure to
live-firing in a realistic and demanding environment greatly boosts
our trainees' confidence," he says.
Section Instructor 3SG Ong (left) has seen this effect first-hand.
"When you use live ammunition, trainees become particularly alert
because no one wants to shoot wrongly."
He adds: "In live-firing, instructors strictly monitor the
situation and ensure all safety measures are in place. And trainees
come out of it very confident. They realise that with safety
measures and correct procedures, they can charge up a hill
together, shoot well and hit the target, and yet 'cover' each other
properly."
Overseas training also provides soldiers with a unique experience,
with new challenges created while operating in a terrain and
climate different from Singapore's.
3SG See Mite, who completed his ASLC training last month, counts
his three weeks overseas in February as most memorable.
"We had a four-day navigation exercise where we had to get to
various checkpoints without assistance from our instructors. There,
the nights were freezing cold and we would all dream of a hot cup
of Milo. And when we found a checkpoint, it was better than
discovering a pot of gold! It was a fantastic experience, something
we can never get in Singapore!"
While overseas, trainees also go through various taxing exercises
and missions, where they are expected to function under stressful
conditions. While extremely challenging, 3SG See acknowledges that
it was also an immensely enriching experience.
Engage and empower
In recent years, SISPEC has also introduced new programmes and
concepts.
LTC Ng explains the need for this transition: "Training in SISPEC
10 years ago was very different. Then, it was more 'don't ask, just
do!' But now, the profile of our soldiers has changed. Trainees are
more educated; they are thinking soldiers, so we have to change our
training approach."
He says it is key now to "engage and empower" trainees. For
example, during the BSLC and ASLC, trainees are given many
opportunities to hold various administrative and field
appointments. This exposure to a wide array of responsibilities is
good training for them, and can also boost their confidence.
3SG Azmi Bin Rajis, who recently graduated from his ASLC, quips:
"It is much easier just being one of the 'men'. You simply have to
wait and follow instructions. But as a Specialist, a junior leader,
people look to you to make quick and good decisions!"
He admits that learning to work and manage others was probably the
most difficult aspect of his training. What he has learnt is to put
himself in the shoes of his men.
"You have to understand the situation from their view, and then
explain to them the rationale behind your command. You must also be
knowledgeable and disciplined; lead by example. Once you are able
to gain their respect and trust, the men will willingly work for
you."
During their Advance Section Leader Course (ASLC), trainees
practise the movements and tactics necessary while operating in a
built-up area.
But beyond training soldiers to possess professional military
knowledge and skills to become competent leaders on the
battlefield, it is important to develop Specialists' leadership
capabilities in other areas, too.
--Pioneer
