When Brigadier-General Cai Dexian was 27 years old and freshly married, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a six-month tour, serving in the Multinational Coalition Force.
At the end of his stint, he was the first Singaporean to receive the Bronze Star Medal, an American military combat decoration given to those who have displayed heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone.
Now, as the 3rd Singapore Division commander, Cai shared more about his experience in Afghanistan through a Facebook video posted by The Singapore Army.
Experience in Afghanistan
Cai said he has a mix of "fondness and a lot of nostalgia" for his deployment to Afghanistan.
He fondly remembers celebrating his 28th birthday with his colleagues in Afghanistan.
However, being newly married, he had a tough time being separated from his wife.
Photo from The Singapore Army/Facebook
Learning experience
Regardless, Cai said it was an incredible learning experience that allowed him to engage in combat in an operational environment and use his skills and training.
In an interview with The Straits Times in 2013, Cai said that not a week would go by without incoming rocket attacks.
Cai coordinated information crucial in helping commanders decide how and where to deploy tens of thousands of troops on any given day.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal at the end of his six-month tour.
But the humble man does not see it as a personal award.
"SAF officers over the years have contributed to the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. I was fortunate enough to come after a very long line of very capable officers," he said.
https://mothership.sg/2023/12/3rd-singapore-division-commander-cai-dexian/
