There is a good reason why the next rank above Captain isn't a
fourth bar but a "crab".
From Captain to Major is a big jump. Once you're among the "crabs"
you are with the big boys.
Many never get there and remain "hentak-kaki" Captains until
retirement.
Many Captains slated for promotion get moved into a position where
the estab rank of that position allow their promotion to be
Major.
Positions like infantry Bn Cmdrs. Brigade Staff like S1, 2, 3 or 4
(collectively known as the "a.ssess" ). Officers holding these
positions can be Captains or Majors.
The Brigade S2 and S3 depts, for example, are more likely to have
Majors or Captains about to become Majors - as their roles are more
important than that of the S1 and S4, which are more of a
supportive role and may be required to take orders from the S2 or
S3.
In the Brigade HQ where I served my NS the S1 and S4 were
"hentak-kaki" Captains well into their 40's. They look destined to
serve out their contract as Captains.
The Bde Cmd in the Brigade where I served - a LTC - treated the S2
(Cpt) and S3 (Maj) as his colleagues, almost equals. But he let it
be known the S1 amd S4 (both Cpt), are mere sideshows. The S1 got
on better cos he know how to "sebok" the LTC.
During one night HQ convoy movement, the Bde Cmd shouted at the S4:
"S4! What the fcuk do you think you are doing?!" in front of all us
lowly impressionable NSFs. No easy ride.
For some positions, Captains may be required to attend courses at
SCSC - Singapore Command and Staff College (otherwise known as
"Some Can Some Cannot" ) to get further. That's how my Brigade S2
Captain got his "crab" when I met him again during my reservist. By
then, he was G2 - a Int. Officer at Division level, which means he
will again be open for his second "crab" if he doesn't screw up. He
could probably stay at G2 or could mean he might need to take up
another position like Bde Cmd to get his next "crab"... dunno.
Beyond Brgade level I have no idea.
I was attached to SCSC for a couple of weeks to helpout with the
"undergrads" doing a MAPEX.
There were officers from the Air Force as well, and a few
foreigners from ASEAN attending. If I remember correctly Thailand,
Indo and Philippines - all overweight. The ribbons and "bottlecaps"
decorating their uniforms make our SAF officers in their plain No.
3 look like civilians.
