1) Armour skills

When I came over from TCC, I have no idea how a tact team works and have to learn it within a short time span. Luckily, with the help of the commander outfield trainings, I am able to grasp the essence of the tank element in a tact team and even in a combat team context and work efficiently side by side with the Bionix variants. I have also been able to understand all the Armour mission intents and the way the plans are being carried out.

I have to admit that I totally suck at navigation. Due to all the trainings frequently being held at the training areas, I have a lot of chances to improve on my navigational skills. Now I can say that I will not get lost in most of the training areas especially TVMA with a map.

After going through several exercises with the TES side, I am now more proficient in handling and trouble-shooting the TES side. I have to thank the OSCMAR people for being able to share with us all the valuable information about this sophisticated system. Along the way, Mingze, Choon Siang and LTA Shao Wei have also shared with me various troubleshooting methods they have discovered to add to my TES set knowledge.

2) Personal skills

Roles of a 3^rd sergeant also include doing Platoon Duty Sergeant, Company Duty Sergeant and Company Orderly Sergeant. These tasks really hone my interpersonal skills as I got to work with a lot of other people. Before army, I was especially shy when working with people I not familiarize with. Now, I am more confident in dedicating tasks to the men whom I do not know to do. I am more proficient in running the company as CDS and handling my platoon men during the daily routines despite their diverse backgrounds.

I have also learnt the different approaches to use when handling with different men. Some men required reprimanding before they will aid you to accomplish certain tasks. On contrary, some required you to explain the reason behind doing certain tasks before they will help you.

I have also learnt to look at things at different perspectives. Sometimes, the suggestions offered by men are not necessarily crap but ingenious and feasible ideas that will save resources. Hence, I have learnt to take some of the men’s suggestions or feedbacks into consideration and try to look at things at their perspectives.

Most importantly, I have learnt to work under tremendous stress. As a 3^rd sergeant, I am sandwiched between our superiors and the men. To make things worse, the men are 2^nd year soldiers. Hence, most of them will tend to be uncooperative. Despite all of these, luckily, we are still able to escape unscathed and managed to get things going under such dire situation.

3) Friendship

When I realized that there will only be 3 tank specialists in the company, I was worried that we will be ostracized by the Armour Infantry specialists. However, this turns out to be very wrong. Within months, from just ordinary bunkmates or fellow company specialists, we become friends who are willing to lend a helping hand in times of troubles. I will never forget the times we spent together having fun in the camp, the times we met outside camp to eat or play, the times we spent outfield laagering under the same moon and the times we spent attacking all the objectives. I have to admit all the friendships forged in this company mean a lot to me as they have brought a lot of joy and laughter to my life in Lion Company despite its hectic training schedule. Without them, life in this company will be monotonous and meaningless.

In conclusion, I will definitely miss my time in this wonderful company with a wonderful command team. Looking back, all the outfields, all the trainings, all the tough challenges, all the fun, all the friendship forged have definitely made my life in Lion Company a vibrant and impressive one, compared to those posted to other places. My valuable experience in this company is undoubtedly irreplaceable.