Watching the commissioning parade for the 1st time was definitely an experience to remember, not only for how majestic it might have been, but a constant reminder of the divide between officers/specialists that will never cease to exist.

Clad in number one uniform, the officers-to-be valiantly trudged upon the parade square with fierce pride gleaming in their eyes. In the auburn sunset, it was a sight to remember. With eager anticipation from the crowd, the parade commenced on a high note and finally climaxed when friends/family gathered on the parade square to greet the new lieutenants, commissioned officers of the SAF.

As i sat transfixed at the sight which beheld me, a familiar tension built up in me, one which spoke of bitter resentment and elation. I was certainly overcome by mixed feelings at that time, disappointment exacerbated by memories of the past. This disappointment stemmed from realisation that i was a mere 3SG.

Upon completion of my ASLC @ TAB, my rank was just handed out like leaflets. No elaborate ceremony, no number one uniform, no parents and friends were there, no minister to grace the ceremony. Definitely a stark contrast to the commissioning parade i observed. Aren't we specialists also commanders in the SAF? Having passed out from a leaders' course, shouldn't there be at least some form of recognition despite our course being inferior in terms of duration?

Rhetorics aside, the issues of disparity remain long standing. Even recently when Minister For Defence Teo Chee Hean announced the initialization of the SCT rank insignia to provide greater recognition, I feel that it is inadequate but then again, its only my opinion. To spearhead something now which was previously left undone is i would say, a complete mockery, oh deride that.

In units, there are shared sentiments from fellow specialists. Are we specialists to be sandwiched between the men and officers with diminished powers of autonomy? Counting down the months to ORD, i can only bemoan the state that society has fallen to.