Way to go! Finally, some form of recognition for the specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces. Yeah, we don’t have anything glamourous, prestigious, fancy presidential parades, commisioning balls, swords, or even the so-called “honour and pride” that the rank is tagged to, unlike the officers, however, I believe some form of initiative to improve the stature of the specialists is important, in the SAF’s transformation towards a 3rd Generation Armed Forces.

I have always been, and will continue to be proud of being a specialist. Contrary to popular belief that a spec is nothing more but the group of leaders that are constantly being trapped in between the orders of their superiors and the demands of their men, we play a much more important and crucial role. We connect, we bridge the relationships of the two. Not always an easy task, but we do it still, and sometimes for a hefty cost of extras and confinements. Hence the abbreviation, SISPEC: Suffer In Silence, Plus Extra Confinements. Although it was meant for – School of Infantry Specialists.

It is the less prestigious and glamourous SAFTI – where they train the officers. Well, what the general community do not know is that we do the exact same stuff, we learn from the same manual, we were taught by experienced leaders of the SAF and we worked just as hard to get the chevrons. Was it easy? A walk in the park? Nah. Certainly not.

But the level of recognition pegged to being a specialist is somewhat not justified. Why? It is because, we are a society that thirst for ranks and stature. For one thing, previously, there was no clear distinction, while we were in SISPEC – bslc, aslc and astw - about us being trainees. The officers had the OCT rank while we have the similar corporal ranks that anyone, outside of sispec wears on their shoulders. So, nothing pretty much special. Only those who worked hard and strive for it will be able to experience it, silently, among themselves of the struggles and challenges that they face.

After a long year of ord-ing, I’m truly glad that I was informed of the introduction of the new cadet specialist ranks. It may seem to be a small, what’s-so –special-about-it step, but for those who were once part of it all, trying very hard to uphold and elevate the reputation of the specialists core, it is certainly a significant move.

The specialist cadet rank reflects the expanded scope and influence of section commanders. It also recognises the intensive training they go through and the greater demands expected of them as they lead men into battle. (CNA)

Being a specialist is a truly rewarding experience, satisfying and fulfilling experience. But it’s really too bad that society in general have yet to see and acknowledge the responsibilities and tasks that we do, beyond the ranks that we wear on our sleeves. Nonetheless, we still do lead with pride.



the new Cadet Specialist Rank
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