Sergeants often cast an intimidating presence, especially sergeants
in Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) who train fresh recruits.
However, behind that tough face, there is a softer and more
understanding side to these instructors that we do not know
of.
BMTC B Company Platoon Sergeant, 2SG Samuel Choo shares with Army
News some of the challenges and interesting moments that he faces
when he is on the job. Army News: What is the biggest challenge of
an instructor in BMTC?
2SG Samuel Choo: We need to know each recruit well as they come
from very different backgrounds and need to be managed differently.
Some recruits do not learn as fast as others do and we need to be
more patient. Occassionally we will also get recruits with
disciplinary problems. It is hard to handle such people as we have
their interests at heart but they do not listen to us. We have to
be very patient and give a lot of guidance.
Army News: If there are so many different personalities in our
Army, how do you unite them and achieve cohesiveness in your
team?
2SG Samuel Choo: When the recruits first come to us, we try to
arrange activities that require the men to interact and work with
each other. When the men sweat it out together, they will bond
faster. The instructors will also try to find time to get to know
their men better. It is through more interactions that everyone
gets to know each other better and work gets done faster. There is
greater teamwork.
Army News: You have handled 5 batches of recruits to date. Does it
get boring sometimes?
2SG Samuel Choo: You are right. It can get boring sometimes, as I
have to do the same thing over and over again with each batch of
recruits that comes in. But I enjoy my work. I get to interact with
different people with each enlistment and it is a learning
experience for me too when I interact with them. It is also very
fulfilling as many of the recruits who have trained under me
remember me even after they graduate. It is nice to meet them on
the streets, they are like brothers to me.
Army News: What is the most common misconception of
instructors?
2SG Samuel Choo: Many think that sergeants are here to abuse their
power and authority. It is a very negative point of view as most
sergeants just want to do their job well and care for the recruits
under their charge. We want them to benefit from their basic
training and be more disciplined people. We are not trying to make
their lives miserable and give them a hard time.
Army News: Can you share with us your most memorable experience as
an instructor?
2SG Samuel Choo: Things often get interesting when I am outfield
with my recruits. Many of them are not used to the rugged outfield
environment and they do pretty funny stuff. Take camouflaging for
an example, some of my recruits will put colourful flowers all over
themselves and end up decorating themselves.