There are quite rigorous criteria to become an Officer in SAF, thanks to the 'Mexicans' whom helped us and the intelligent pragmatic revered Founding Father of modern Singapore, the late Dr, Goh Keng Swee, to build up our Military.
At Independence from our Colonial masters - the Brits, education was limited and expensive, and thus most IMMIGRANTS, even from Malaysia, had LITTLE education.
However, back at those days, Dr Goh ENSURED that at least whom were conscripted for necessary defense measures had RUDIMENTARY education in the critical 3 'r's - reading, writing and arithmetic. For those who VOLUNTEER for longer military service such as Officers and even Pilots must at least have 5 'O' levels, to prove their mental fitness and discipline, for the military Academies to BUILD UPON their knowledge at Specialist Military Academies to measure up to World's PROFESSIONAL standards.
As Singapore's Education became more affordable, thanks to our founding and nation contributing forefathers, more are educated and today, those whom volunteer for specialized roles would need to show proof of their mental discipline, to take on the higher roles of leadership and command for our country.
It was NOT easy to be an officer even back in the old days, more so now. They had to be thoroughly screened for their backgrounds, and then almost a year of training, in BMT and OCS, with their endeavors and efforts MONITORED daily. Nothing can be hidden, and only the best to lead will be given the title and heavy responsibilities.
That is NOT the end of leadership, but only a beginning of leadership and command. Being a newly minted 2nd LTA is the worse job, as respect had to be won DAILY, not just from one's title, from the soldiers being led to the leaders above them whom would shove all dirt upon the 2nd LTA to perform, or be de-commissioned for failure.
Thus the 2nd LTA will have to FIND a balance in being a Leader - should one be too lenient, those below him would climb over his head and result in mission/operation failures. Should one be too strict and uncaring, just basically following orders and pushing the blame back to the top, so too will those below him becoming uncooperative and resulting in mission/operation failures.
It's about positive engagements and motivations, as well as even OFF Uniform extra-curriculur activities, such as light moments at bars or dinners outside of camp, to talk shop and then listen, discuss and convince others, to learn, to correct mistakes and progress, regardless those of low or high ranks, to lead others for success, not just in military, but also in life, to leave none behind.....for a young leader, and when proven successful, no sky is too high for one to climb.
Stringent and Authoritative Regimental laws should only be used as a last resort and only applied to those whom are stubborn, recalcitrant or just plain out of their minds.
Leaders need followers to Standby them...but followers will only follow if the leader STANDBY them....
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