Thursday, March 24, 2005
The Officers' Creed:
I am an Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.
My duty is to lead, to excel, and to overcome.
I lead my men by example.
I answer for their training, morale, and discipline.
I must excel in everything I do.
I serve with pride, honour, and integrity.
I will overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination.
I dedicate my life to Singapore.
ACPC has just ended, and it was surprisingly inspiring. The whole implication of receiving that sword tonight, and the 2LT rank in a week's time, has suddenly struck me. It sounds a little corny, but the fact that men in the Commando formation are going to entrust me with their very lives, and look to me for leadership and to "make things happen", really is a big deal. Those above me will be counting on me to play a big role in doing the formation proud. Heavy responsibilities are going to fall on my shoulders very soon, and i'm actually going to have to undertake them, since there will be serious implications if i dont. In short, its a scary thought that i'm going to have to play a big part in the SAF, or at least, in the Commandos, whether I like it or not.
Perhaps then, it is time for a shift in perspective.
I can no longer say that I have the "NSF mentality", to do what i have to do simply cause im stuck in the SAF for 2 years, and if i do it well, then that's a bonus then. I used to think that way, but after tonight, perhaps its time to change that school of thought..
Passion, as Chief of Army elaborated today during his ACPC speech, is the vital ingredient for this to work for me, for my men, and for my commanders. I figure that i did pretty well in school, in scouts, in council, etc simply cause i had the passion for these things, passion which made me go the extra mile to succeed. I never thought that i'd have to be passionate about army, of all things, cause i've always thought of it as a waste of my precious time anyway.
But perhaps now its time to stop thinking for just myself, and start contemplating on how my actions, conduct and decisions will affect the lives of many other Commandos. I can no longer hope to lie low and hope another year will pass quickly towards my ORD. It's difficult, but i know deep in my heart that for this to work out, for the men to respect and trust me, i need to be passionate about what i do, and believe in what i do. Its going to be tough commanding Commandos, and meeting the standard of the SAF's elite.
But im up to the challenge. As OCS' School Sergeant Major likes to say during commissioning parade rehearsals...
"GIMMIE!!"
PS: ACPC pictures will be up soon.. Be patient!
he rocked the party at 10:10 AM |
