One life lost is a life too many
by Carreon (not his real name) I couldn’t agree more. The recent news of PTE Dave’s passing is tragic, the family’s grief incomprehensible. It has caused a national uproar, plenty tak…
by Carreon (not his real name)
I couldn’t agree more.
The recent news of PTE Dave’s passing is tragic, the family’s grief incomprehensible. It has caused a national uproar, plenty taking to social media their own experiences while serving, vouching that the message circulating describing the events that unfolded were undeniably true. “It happened to me, it must’ve happened to him” was the anthem they sang.
As an officer, a guardsman, and to some, an unqualified boy drunk with power barely a year or two older enough than the men they lead — I fail to agree with the overgeneralisation flooding the comments section.
Nothing nags us more in the execution of our responsibilities than the thousands of protocol in place to prevent mishaps from happening.
“Training Safety Regulations are written in blood”
They taught us in command school and again when we were posted to our units. They made sure we never forgot.
We ridiculed a flimsy piece of laminated paper, or more affectionately known as a Risk Assessment Card whenever we had to fill it in before a strenuous activity.
Ask anyone who’s served and they can tell you how often a medical certificate has been waved around like an off-pass nobody could question. A smug look on their faces ensued while gloating at their comrades who have to “go through the system”.
Never mind that his status states “Excuse H/L (Heavy Load)” — his social media would feature his achievement of deadlifting 250lbs weights in the gym over the weekend.
Commanders find themselves in a very delicate position. To treat every excuse letter as an unquestionable proof to not participate, and risk opening the floodgates to those eager to jump at the opportunity to malinger. Tempting, especially in a formation that prides itself as elite.
Or should personal judgement be taken to filter those who are genuine from those who aren’t? If experience has taught me anything, those who are wouldn’t think twice to offer how he could help in other ways. Those who aren’t, wear their excuse letters like an indestructible mantle.
As commanders tasked to train soldiers who would eventually be called to fight, we find ourselves once again in a difficult position — to push every soldier beyond their limits, knowing the pride it brings to those who believed they had nothing more to give, or to give up when the going gets tough, effectively relinquishing one of the core values the army provides — grit and undying resilience.
I don’t deny, of course, masochistic commanders who relish in others’ pain and suffering. I’ve come to know some. But with every low-crime society, persists a handful of criminals who, despite the country’s best efforts, just can’t be deterred.
Indeed, what happened was a heartbreaking loss.
But with the anger that shrouds the SAF in this unfortunate time, let’s not forget the soldiers who look at their comrades and offer a helping hand while walking through dense jungles, the specialists who refuse to eat or take a break until every man under their charge has done so, those who fight for their men’s welfare behind closed doors, who wouldn’t think twice to offload that MATADOR off your shoulders if it means the difference between falling out and completing a mission. For the commanders who fork out funds from their own pockets to provide their men with a well-deserved movie outing and cohesion BBQs.
And for those who wholeheartedly believe that the best service they can offer to those they lead is an unforgettable experience during national service. Pushing limits they never thought they could break so they could feel accomplished and proud when they receive their long-awaited Pink IC.
