Hospitalization for Endoscopic Surgery

 A summary of my hospitalization

Reason of my hospitalization: Bleeding Per Pectum

Endoscopic Surgery: Colonoscopy with hemorrhoid Ligation

Date and Hospital: 2 – 4 July 2026 at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

A brief report

Before 26 June 2026, I had great difficulty defecating every day. From 11:30 am on 26 June I went to the toilet every hour but was unable to defecate. Finally at 3:00 am on 27 June I had a bowel movement. It was a very hard, large amount of stool (approximately 1 kg). There was no blood in the stool at that time.

27 June I went see doctor at Pioneer Polyclinic. The doctor asked if I wanted an anal examination; I said no because she was a female and thought nothing serious, and I only ask for stool softener medication. For the following 2 days on 28 and 29 June bowel movements were normal. However, next 3 days on 30 June, 1 and 2  July, I found blood in stool.

On 2 July I went to Pioneer Polyclinic. After the anal examination, the doctor (male doctor) immediately wrote letter for me to go to the emergency, Ng Teng Fong Hospital.

I warded for 3 days (2 – 4 July) at Ng Teng Fong Hospital, underwent a endoscopic surgery.

I was discharged on 4 July after 13:00 pm. Mr Alfred Chong, a member of SAFVL, came to fetch me. For patient’s safety, needed accompany when discharge from hospital whenever possible.   

Yue Kam Weng

[I thank Mr Alfred for accompany me home. Thank you, Brother Alfred.]

Chief of Artillery - Photobook 历届炮兵总长 - 相片册

 

3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (3)

 3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (3)

Day 3 – 05 Dec 2025 (Friday)

We get up at 0700hrs and had bread with coconut flakes or cheese, Swiss roll, shredded meat bread for breakfast. We eat and chat while TV was on showing Hong Kong Cantonese drama. One of the house rules was all guests are to keep the unit clean and trash free; hence, we started to clear all trash and throw them into the trash bin provided before we check out.

We checked out at 1130hrs, and put our language at the hotel lobby where leave it to the hotel staffs to look after. Surely, we have to give tip for the service. And we went for lunch.

We had Wanton noodle for lunch.

Ping dove us home and we arrived JB custom at 1310hrs, cleared both Johor and Singapore custom check and back to Woodlands at 1400hrs. I had siesta from 1500hrs to 1800hrs, and we went out to Jurong East for dinner at 1840hrs. I told my daughters, although we were in Jurong East, it was considered part of our itinerary for our 3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip.

3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (2)

 3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (2)

Day 2 – 04 Dec 2025 (Thursday)

The day began with a minor hiccup. My mobile phone, operating on the Heya $10 plan with roaming in West Malaysia, refused to connect. Jing quickly spotted the issue — I had unknowingly left the phone on airplane mode. Once switched off, I was back online, able to surf WhatsApp and Facebook again.

We had planned to head out for dim sum breakfast by 0800hrs. I had set my alarm for 0700hrs, but mistakenly scheduled it for Wednesday instead of Thursday. By the time I woke up, it was already 0810hrs. We finally moved out at 0830hrs. Although Ping had driven to Johor, she left the car at the hotel carpark, and we took a cab to the dim sum shop. The ride cost 7 ringgits and took about 10 minutes. After queuing for 15 minutes, we were ushered to our seats at 0930hrs and enjoyed a hearty dim sum breakfast.

From there, another cab took us to a bookshop. I bought a 2026 planner, while my wife picked up Chinese textbooks for our grandchildren. Jing and Ping stocked up on stationery. We paused for a cold drink break before heading back to GSL Mall. Lunch was at 1340hrs, where each of us chose our favourite dishes — I had fish porridge.

The afternoon was spent back at the apartment watching Hong Kong Cantonese dramas on YouTube. Cantonese is our family’s common language, which is somewhat unusual these days, as many Chinese families converse in Mandarin or English at home.

At 1600hrs, Ping went for her hair-salon appointment and returned an hour later. By 1700hrs, we were off again, this time for grilled seafood dinner. Another cab ride brought us to the restaurant, where dinner was served at 1840hrs. Afterward, my wife and daughters went to catch a movie, before returning to the apartment to continue watching YouTube.

I rounded off the day by buying bread for tomorrow’s breakfast.

3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (1)

 3D2N Johor Bahru Shopping & Makan Trip (1)

Day 1 – 03 Dec 2025 (Wednesday)

• Journey & Arrival

Jing returned from Japan for a 3-week vacation, and together we planned a family shopping and makan getaway in Johor Bahru. Ping, my second daughter, took the wheel for her first drive into West Malaysia. With all entry documents prepared and passports scanned, we reached Woodlands Checkpoint at 1300hrs. Customs clearance was smooth — no queue on the Singapore side and only a short wait at Johor. By 1400hrs, we arrived at KSL Hotel & Resort.

• Accommodation

The hotel graciously allowed us to check in before the official time of 1500hrs. We booked a spacious 3-bedroom service apartment, complete with two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, and living room — perfect for a family retreat.

KSL Hotel & Resort Rating: 4.5/5 for comfort, facilities, and amenities.

Address: No.33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru City Center, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 80250.

• Meals & Shopping

After settling down, we enjoyed a late lunch at Souper Tang (汤师傅), a Chinese restaurant known for nourishing soups and herbal dishes. The afternoon was spent exploring the vast KSL Mall, indulging in shopping and leisure. By 1940hrs, we gathered for a hearty steamboat dinner, rounding off the first day with warmth and laughter.

Conclusion - The Star Awards

 

Conclusion - The Star Awards

The Star Awards is an annual ceremony held in Singapore by the media organisation Mediacorp to recognize entertainers under their employment for outstanding performances of the year. 

When I watched the MediaCorp Star Awards presentation ceremony, I had mixed feelings.  The winners were excellent and yet do not take their awards and accolades for granted. And those who did not receive any award, were also good, and they were not discouraged. I believe I was very good in my instructional role, also when I did unit administration, and planned and executed the plans for the Artillery Swimming Meets for 7 consecutive years from 1999 to 2005. I had done very well if not excellent throughout my 37-year career in the Singapore Artillery.

It was wonderful to be able to win recognition at the Star Awards. Everyone involved was excellent, and hence one should not feel bad, if he did not get any award. I had attained the rank of Warrant Officer and I was RSM for 21SA. I was the Best Instructor in 1997, and I was awarded the Chief of Artillery Commendation Award for Work Year 2004/2005. In conclusion, old soldiers do not fade away; they just like to tell their stories. These are my stories and is also my classroom assignment for the short course ‘How to write and self-publish a book’.  Thank you for taking time to read it.

My Comfort Zone - Gunnery Training Wing (GTW)

 

My Comfort Zone - Gunnery Training Wing (GTW)

Cpt Harpal Singh and Cpt Chan Koon Lip were Head Gunnery and 2IC, respectively in 1985 when I was posted to GTW, School of Artillery.

Cpt Harpal Singh conducted morning meetings with all instructors before we started the day. At the morning meeting at 0730hrs, Instructors could report or share incidents that happened the day before or request additional assistance for a task of the day. I liked the idea of the morning meeting. It was a sign of solidarity and team spirit.

We had instructors’ gatherings regularly, and once, all instructors were invited to Head Gunnery's residence in 1985. It was one of many home invitations by bosses. I had numerous home invitations, namely: 

(1) Chinese New Year gathering at Neo Poh Huat and Kok Wai Tong’s residences, 

(2) Cpt Chan Koon Lip’s residence after mono intake of 21SA, 

(3) Chief of Artillery Rasu and Formation Sergeant Major Davy Hoong’s residences. 

(4) Daryl Tham’s residence. Daryl was a Gunnery Instructor and later appointed as Sport Officer in HQSA.

(5) Harpal Singh's residence

(6) John Teo's residence at Warran Court and after retired invited gunners to gather in his garden under a mango tree.

GTW was my comfort zone of my 37-year career in The Singapore Artillery, I was a gunnery Instructor. It was a career as a teacher in the army.

Cpt Chan was BC A Bty while I was the RSM 21SA. We were in GTW for the conduct of the 12th FAOCC. While Cpt Chan was a Bty Commander in 21 SA, he was tasked to be the chairman of unit anniversary celebration and Passing Out Parade first mono intake, I was requested to be a member of the committee. Cpt Chan told me that the NCOs and men of A Bty were at my disposal to work toward the events.

I had a good working relationship with Cpt Chan Koon Lip. At the completion of BMT mono intake, only Wo1 Lim Seng Wah and I, were invited to Cpt Chan's residence at Lorong Lew Lian for a home cooked dinner. He had shown his appreciation in his own way.

Chan Koon Lip and I attended the SAF farewell function in 2003. He told me that he got a 4th baby (boy) before he left his regular career with the SAF.

1985 to 2005 was the final leg of my 37-year career in the Singapore Artillery, and GTW was my comfort zone in which I had enjoyed my career and excelled in what I did. While I was there, I also received the awards of Best Instructor 1997, Gold Award for WITS, National Day 2000 Award Efficiency Medal.

Chief of Artillery Commendation Award for Work year 04/05 from Col Lim Chin - An Award to wrap up my 37-years career in the Singapore Artillery. 终生成就奖。

Inspired me to learn IT

 

Inspired me to learn IT

After we had completed the task of distributing leaflets for the church annual September Gospel Meeting on 18 August 2018, a brother-in-Christ WY and I sat in a coffee shop for a glass of cold drink to rest and share our past experiences, I told him that I was a regular soldier for 37 years. 

I praised WY for his IT (Information Technology) professionalism. We were serving for a school holiday Bible Camp. I was a photographer while WY was an IT assistant to the Bible Camp. At the end of each day, I handed him the photos taken for the day to him. The following day, WY created the photos into a video presentation for the students to enjoy.

WY inspired me to learn how to do photo video presentations. 

As I was chatting and sharing with WY, another moment and memory emerged, a youth national serviceman, Cpl Victor Poh.

Cpl Victor Poh was attached to Maj John Teo for his 2 years full-time national service stint in HQSA in 1993. Victor attended the TA NCO Course, and I was one of his Gunnery Instructors. 

Victor was an Lcp during the course while other trainees were Cpl because he didn't pass the small arms range during section leader Course at SAFINCO (SAF Infantry NCO).

Victor was well versed with IT in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint application program and he served as a secretary at Maj John Teo's many meetings. The minutes of the meetings were mediately produced at the end of the meeting. They were fast, prompt and accurately captured the discussion and decisions taken. 

I was inspired to start learning and using IT for writing lesson plans and conducting lessons. The computer era silently permeates so many areas of our way of life. In particular, PowerPoint was used for lessons to replace transparencies.

A retired commando, Ltc (Ret) Chan Seck Sung, who had shown two photos video presentations of commando training during one of the visits to Charlie Kumaran. Chan SS inspired me to make photos video presentation of Artillery Swimming Team. Thank the Lord my God, that He has always sent signals to inspire me. Glory to God. I had created the photos video presentation for The Artillery Swimming Team and The Warrant Officers, and my son's wedding Thanksgiving Service.

Lim Chin was the Commanding Officer (CO) of the School of Artillery in 1995. The first week he took over as CO, Lim Chin inspected the instructors' offices and ordered them to remove all irrelevant posters on the wall. House cleaning was conducted starting from Instructors’ offices.  He also checked all lesson plans and exercise files. I was given a PC (personal computer) after an interview with CO when I asked for one. Next day after the interview, the CO personally pushed the PC on a computer trolley to my cubicle workstation.  This started by intimate involvement in the use of IT in the Singapore Artillery.

Project Castor

 

Project Castor

From 1992 to 1995, Maj John Teo was a very important officer in my 37 years career in The Singapore Artillery.

I had been Invited by Maj John Teo to his residence, a luxury penthouse unit, at Warner Court several times for Gunnery Instructors gathering and the gunners’ meeting under the mango tree. Maj John Teo had heard of my gunnery knowledge before he became my immediate boss, the Head Gunnery Training Wing in 1995.

In 1992, while John Teo was a doctrine officer in HQSA, who was also the OIC for a computerization project named "Castor", one day, Cpl Victor Poh, a TA NCO worked in Doctrine Office, called me, "Maj Teo wants to see you, could you come to Doctrine Office HQSA."

I had to go, and did not ask permission from my current boss. Maj John Teo called me just to have a tea break with me. Victor had already prepared, coffee and chee cheong fun (猪肠粉）.

After the tea break, I became a member of "Project Castor".

I was given the privilege to go overseas twice, first in "Training Batch 1" and then again with John Teo himself for a "Factory Acceptance Test".

It was the pinnacle of respect and achievement I had reached for my 37 years career in the Singapore Artillery. I would like to thank John Teo who had picked me because he recognized in me the expertise for manual gunnery computation.

While John Teo was considered as ‘Father of ATCCS (Artillery Tactical Command and Control System)’, the Chief of Artillery was Col Andrew Tan, who implemented APKT in the Artillery formation. Andrew Tan was the Project Castor driver who drove the Singapore Artillery’s entry into the computer era and who had the foresight of the importance of computerization of manual gunnery procedures and computations.

The SAF Boys’ School

 

The SAF Boys’ School

First, I want to congratulate The SAF Boys' School for her excellent student in CWO Choong Keng On, Commanding Officer (CO) AVTS (Artillery Vocational Training School), AI (Artillery Institute), just like when Joseph Schooling brought glory to his alma mater, the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), by attaining Singapore's first-ever Olympic gold in the 100 m butterfly at the 2016 Olympics. We took pride in our School and any glory gained would go to our alma mater.

I attended the CO, AVTS Change of Command Ceremony on 12 April 2018, from CWO Choong Keng On to SWO Lim Sin Soon.

Both Cwo Choong (17^th TANCO, 1987) and Swo Lim (21^st TANCO, 1989) had attended the TA NCO Course in 1987 and 1989, respectively.  Both were Sergeants (Sgt) while I was already a Wo2 and had completed the RSM tour but they have excelled in their careers. 

On 12 Apr 2018, I heard an excellent farewell speech from the outgoing CO AVTS, in my heart I prayed for them, Cwo Choong and Swo Lim, and wished them all the best, to lead the Warrant Officers and Specialists to higher heights 百尺竿头更进一步. 

While I was the RSM 21 SA, BSM C Bty, Sgt Chua, attended a function with me. I introduced him to other guests during the function. However, the next day, Sgt Chua saw me in my office and requested that in future I do not introduce him as having come from the SAF Boys' School.

Again, BSM HQ Bty, Ssg Lee Hock Kim, once encountered a group of soldiers who requested him to stop other servicemen calling them SAF Boy. They were attached to 2SA from the SAF Boys’ School.

On 21 Jul 1982, I wrote to SAF Boys' School, suggesting to them to change the name of their School, in view of the stigma which caused embarrassment to some soldiers who came from there.

When I was a Gunnery Instructor in GTW, I was aware that soldiers from The SAF Boys’ School were also attending the TA NCOs' Course and they had done well in the course. During the course, I did not say anything about The SAF Boys' School, in order not to cause embarrassment. Many soldiers from the SAF Boys' School had done well in their regular career in the SAF, some had become commissioned officers and we had SAF Boy raised to Warrant Officer rank and appointed unit RSM. Such glory should go to the SAF Boys’ School. Nevertheless, later the SAF Boys School was renamed as the SAF Education Centre, SAFEC.

As for Sgt Chua, was promoted to 1WO (that was the same as my rank) in the late 1990s, and he was holding an officer appointment in HQSA. When we met, he deliberately told me that he was holding an officer’s appointment. I was delighted for him.

He is my teacher

 

He is my teacher

Pte Kuan Junxian, an A-level NSF signaller, was attached to ARTC (Artillery Reservists Training Centre) for an overseas assignment while I was attached as a Weapon Safety Officer for two frames of NS units ICT (in camp training).

When Pte Kuan Junxian first saw long beans grow on trees, he ran to me excitedly and said, "Encik! Encik! Quickly, come and see long beans growing on trees.'

It was also my first time seeing long beans growing on trees.

The next day, I saw a cyalume stick hanging on a tree branch, and I told Pte Kuan Junxian, 'Junxian, Junxian, quick, come and see, cyalume stick growing on the tree.'

Pte Kuan Junxian said, "Encik, you are so funny!"

I had a lot of fun with Pte Kuan Junxian. I vividly heard his parents say, "Please take care of my son." His father drove him to Amoy Quee Camp on the day of departure overseas. 

Later, we took a C130 from Tengah Airbase. Before the departure, I remembered I was responsible for collecting snacks from the cookhouse. That was the only chance I had the opportunity to travel on a C130.

During rest and recreation, 2Lt Lam Pak Hoon, an officer tasked to evaluate SHARP PC 1600 (a pocket computer), Pte Kuan Junxian, and I visited many places of interest. I enjoyed being accompanied by these 2 NSF youths.

When 2Lt Lam, Pte Kuan and I visited a University (东吴大学), we met a group of students. One of the students asked 2Lt Lam, "a Warrant Officer and a 2Lt, who is higher?"

2Lt Lam answered, "2Lt is higher than Warrant Officer."

The student was naughty and continued, "2Lt, you are a higher rank, then make him do 20 push-ups."

2Lt Lam said, "But he is my teacher."

I liked the instantaneous response of 2Lt Lam.

The other officers with me during my WSO stint were:

Base Commander: Maj Tan Meng Eng

A Bty

BC Trainer and Controller: Lta Tan Chong Boon

WSO: Wo2 Sia Cheok Hock

B Bty

BC Trainer and Controller: Lta Tan Cheng Tee

WSO: Wo2 Yue Kam Weng

C Bty

BC Trainer and Controller: Cpt Wee Vernon

WSO: Ssg Mathavan

Weapon Safety Officer

 

Weapon Safety Officer

During L/F ex, we have a Position Safety Officer, a Weapon Safety Officer (WSO), and an OP Safety Officer. I was a WSO in 1988, immediately after the FATA Weapons Conversion Course. I was attached to ARTC for two frames of NS units’ L/F ex, and I did not have any prior ground experience because there was no L/F during the FATA Weapons Conversion Course.

It was like an L-plate driver checking on the experienced driver to drive properly. Both NS units comprised seasoned gunners. I told the seasoned gunners I was new and asked them to carefully ensure all safety regulations were followed. “You are seasoned; hence do not be over-confident or complacent and overlook the necessary safety measures. Anyway, I am in the same boat as you. If the boat sinks, we drown together. I am responsible for your mistake if anything is wrong because I failed to check”, I told them.

Safety Officers should not harass the soldiers but help them.

I was the WSO but was also a Trainer. I told the NS men, if you can do it within N minutes, I will buy everyone a drink. They replied, “If we do not make it within N minutes; we will buy you drinks”.

I consulted Encik Nainar who gave me comprehensive information such as the safety of burning the spare charges, morning and new deployment ground standard angle check, light rim to see whether a round in the chamber is fully loaded, I vividly remembered what Encik Nainar advised me, "Keep your cool".

"Keep your cool". Here, I want to share an anecdote.

I was engrossed in the ranging gun to see the gun drill and safety during ranging. After ranging, before FFE (fire for effect), I walked to the guns to check that all guns were deployed in the correct ZLB with a compass. I discovered that a gun had not been embedded into a pit for the trail spade. It was just covered with some dry straw. I told the gun detachment commander that the gun was unsafe for L/F. And I informed the S3, who happened to be at the CP.

The S3, who was also the acting CO, shouted, "Why now, then you tell me."

I kept cool and reported again why the gun was unsafe for L/F.

Over-confidence and complacency were often the causes of accidents. Soldiers who have done the same activities many times will tend to take safety procedures lightly and look for short-cuts.

Another incident was after I checked the laying of the gun sight to ensure that correct firing data was laid to. I had checked the laying, and I didn't find any mistake, but as I stepped back, I saw that Det 2IC was the person who did the laying instead of the layer. I then double-checked and found that the laying was 100 mils out. Stand-in personnel (not as familiar as the actual appointment holder) can readily make a mistake, so we always have to double-check.

SNCOs Day (I uphold RSM's Status)

 

SNCOs Day (I uphold RSM's Status)

SNCOs Day was a quarterly event for SNCOs organised by unit RSMs on a rotation basis, and the venue was the camp of the organising RSM. On SNCOs Day, we had educational talks, seminars, sports and games and happy hour.

On SNCOs Day, we put our rank and status aside to enjoy the games and fun. I recall there was one incident where a Sergeant (Sgt) took a yard tube of beer up on stage, directed to RSM 21SA, and invited him to come on stage. The Sgt wanted to challenge the RSM, to see who could finish the beer faster. The loser would have to do 20 push-ups for the winner.

RSM 21SA went up on stage, let the young Sgt spell out the rules of the contest, and then the RSM said, "Sgt, first introduce yourself, may I know your unit and your appointment."

The Sgt replied, "I am Sgt XYZ, YY SA and I am an Ops Sgt."

RSM 21SA looked at the audience, SNCOs from various Artillery Units, and tried to locate where Sgt Koh Sai Hong was. 

RSM 21SA said in that direction where he spotted Sgt Koh, "Sgt Koh, Ops Sgt 21SA, I want you to take the challenge on my behalf, please come up on stage."

"Yes, Encik." Without delay, Sgt Koh got up on stage at once. 

The result of the contest was that the loser would have to do 20 push-ups for the winner. I would not disclose who was the loser. The moral of this lesson was about command and control and upholding the dignity of the RSM's office.

I was pleased that I was able to think on my feet and had the ability to get Sgt Koh to obey my order without hesitation.

I had a similar case in 24SA. Once, Ssg Ong Hai Choon boasted that he had power over his men, he showed me by making one of his men run to a tree and touch it and run back. 

Immediately, I responded by showing him that I could do likewise and gave an order to one of my men, Lcp Ho Choon Hwa. Lcp Ho Choon Hwa answered immediately, "Yes, Encik." I said, "Go and touch the tree and come back." Lcp Ho Choon Hwa immediately ran to the tree and touched it without question.

I upheld my position as an RSM and stood tall with confidence. An Ops Sgt wanted to make an RSM drop 20 in front of his peers. I thank God for His wisdom for me to be able to think on my feet! I also thanked Sgt Koh who gave me the respect as an RSM and obeyed my order at once. 

The Artillery RSMs Corps

 

The Artillery RSMs Corps

The 'Buddy System' formed the basis of Gunners' Spirit. The Artillery RSMs met regularly to form an Artillery RSMs Corps led by Wo1 Hoong Sin Fatt, who was the OIC BMT Training Cadre while doubling up as the Artillery Formation RSM. The Artillery RSMs Corps members were the RSMs of 20SA, 21SA, 23SA, 24SA, School of Artillery, and ARTC.

The Artillery RSMs Corps had worked together to conduct quarterly Artillery SNCOs' Day, MP/RP continuation training and pistol ranges, Service Women Parade, End of Year function, Artillery Anniversary Parade and Celebration, and Military Funerals. We had designed the Arty units' banners, in which I selected red for 21SA. No plaque was presented to the RSM who had completed their tour of duty as RSM, and suggested this idea which was implemented later that year.

The Artillery RSMs were the first to organise the SAF Day Dinner for Warrant Officers and their spouses.  Also, for every year’s National Day Parade, I was designated as Drill Instructor for a Civilian Marching Contingent.

The Artillery RSMs imbued Gunners' Spirits through activities and events such as the Artillery SNCOs' Day and End of Year Function.

The End of Year function for SNCOs was one of the major events for Artillery SNCOs, and it was a function that was made compulsory for SNCOs. 

The End of Year Function was made compulsory for SNCOs, and this allowed me to know each of my SNCO their attitudes as well as family financial situation (when those who were financially tight sought my permission to be excused from attending and hence not paying for the event.

I also learned how to get monetary sponsorship from canteen operators and ex-regulars to help fund the event while at the same time, ensuring that such monetary sponsorship came without strings attached or expectations. 

I also observed and learned how Encik Hoong led the Artillery RSMs Corps. 

Dry Mission amid Live Firing Ex

 

Dry Mission amid Live Firing Ex

Cpl XXX (not to expose his name) was the detachment commander (Det Com) for Det 4 (Detachment 4), A Bty (Battery), 21 SA.

During a live firing ex (exercise), Det 4 did not perform well, always the last detachment to report “ready for FFE” (Fire For Effect).

"Det Com doubles to the CP (Command Post)." the MPO (Mortar Position Officer) summoned the Det Com through the loud-hailer. 

Cpl XXX was reprimanded by the MPO for being the detachment to report “ready for FFE”, as that determined the timing taken by the entire battery for the mission.

"Cpl XXX, your detachment is always the last one to prepare for FFE." MPO said with a wrathful expression on his face.

“Det Comds, listen up, the next series will be dry ex, Cpl XXX, I want to see Det 4 do faster." said the MPO.

The Det Comds returned to their M113s (mortars were mounted in the M113 armoured vehicles). Cpl XXX told the men to do their tasks faster but did not say the next series would be a dry mission.

"Fire mission Bty, HE, Charge 2, Line 6393, Ele 1130, 1 bomb Bty salvo."

"Mortar 4 ready!" This time Det 4 was first to report ready.

"Bty 4, 3, 2, 1 Fire."

Only Det 4 dropped in an HE and fired off. The other detachments shouted, "Bomb!" to simulate the fire off the bomb, because it was supposed to be a dry mission.

Training accidents happened during ex, such as firing wrong ammunition (ordered WP, but fired HE), fired wrong charge (ordered charge 2, but fired charge 4), fired when order was At My Command, and so on.

Cpl XXX was put on a charge for failure to exercise command and control over the detachment.

It was fortunate that the weapons were aimed at the impact area, within the safety window.

Lesson learned: All weapons must always be pointing towards the impact area within the Safety Window.

RSM briefing new NCOs

 

RSM briefing new NCOs

Job performance determines the leadership of an NCO. Without jobs, there would be no yardstick to measure the capability of an NCO (non-commissioned officer, later renamed Specialist).

To set a common language between the RSM and NCOs posted to 21 SA, I conducted briefings to newly posted Artillery NCOs, TA NCOs, and Signal NCOs.

In my briefings, I gave them guidelines on how to execute jobs tasked to them and carry out the jobs with the men under them - the section commanders, you work 'with' your men, and not make your men 'serve' you, the jobs are tasked to you, not your men. Of course, the credit would go to you when the job was done well.

There are six categories of NCOs:

Cat 1: The NCO can brief the men on the job required. The NCO is responsible for the job, not the men. The NCO will appreciate that the men can do the job and obtain good results. The men enjoy the work with the NCO with his clear direction and instruction. 

Cat 2: The NCO tells the men about the job required. The NCO passed the responsibility of the job to the men. He wants the job done without getting involved and shows no appreciation to the men when the job is executed, or else the men will “get punishment” from him. The NCO is the master, and the men are his workers.

Cat 3: The NCO works as one of the members of the team, not a leader. He can work together with the men and get the job done. Because he is working within the team, he did not see improvement outside the box, and the team worked without an adviser or supervisor. 

Cat 4: The NCO can do the job himself and does not get the team to work with him most of the time. The NCO does not realise that the men were deprived of the opportunity to work as a team. The NCO does not practice synergy and does not understand teamwork. 

Cat 5: The NCO tells the men the job required. The NCO passed the responsibility of the job to the men and ended there. On the dateline, the NCO will ask, "How’s the job?" the men will answer, “Still working on it.” In this manner, the NCO is a messenger.

Cat 6: The NCO does not understand effective communication. He informs the men there is a job required, but without informing the men about the schedule and the planning. The men are in the dark about the completion of the task. Ultimately, the men are asked to work overtime to complete the task. 

One day, Cpl Tong and Cpl Leong, both Signal NCOs, came to see me in my office. They asked me how I assessed their leadership. I told them Cpl Tong was Cat 1 and Cpl Leong was Cat 3. That was the common language I established between RSM and NCOs of 21 SA.

Later, without the presence of Cpl Leong, Cpl Tong said, "Encik, you are so blunt, you have hurt Cpl Leong's feelings."

Many Cpls liked to chat with the RSM, and they did not fear me. I appreciated one Cpl Chee, I classified him as both Cat 1 and Cat 4, who volunteered to plan for me the duty rosters for guard commanders and guard 2IC every month. And he always put himself on more duties. When he submitted it to me for approval, he had to adjust to avoid doing more duty.

I told the NCOs that Cat 2 was not bad; for a certain job, NCOs need to adopt Cat 2 attitude towards their men. I told them not to become Cat 6. But it would be OK to be Cat 5.

I shared with the NCOs about incidents elaborated on during the RSM briefing.

Cpl XXX was Cat 3 and Cat 6 when he did not inform the men that the next series would be a "Dry" exercise. As he rebutted at the summary trial, “I am the det commander to give the order, “Correct Mortar 4, Fire”, but my men had dropped the bomb into the barrel before I gave the order."

The SDO (Senior Disciplinary Officer) replied, “If you had told the men that the next mission would be a "Dry" exercise, the men would not even have prepared the bomb”. 

Cpl XXX’s detachment fired a live bomb during a dry mission. There was a series of dry missions amid live firing. Cpl XXX failed to brief the men after he attended the MPO briefing to Detachment commanders.

This was the "Leadership Lecture" I briefed my NCOs during my tour of RSM duty in 21 SA from 1981 to 1985. Many NCOs liked seeing me in my office to learn how to be a good section commander.

Camp Guard Management System

 

Camp Guard Management System

Before the computer era, I formulated a system for camp guard duty allocation to sub-units, and I explained the system to the BSMs, and the method seemed to work well.

The 'workload' to be taken for computation for the camp guard management system was as follows:

a. Standby Bty: 10 points. Weekday (5 points) + Weekend (4 points) + bonus (1 point).

b. Weekend Guard: Sunday/Saturday (2 points)

c. Holiday Guard: 2 points.

For example, C Bty had stood (standby) for one week in September 2016 from 19 to 24. (10 points)

The month of September 2016 total Camp guard: 8 x Weekends (16 points), and 21 x weekdays (21 points) and 1 x Holiday, Hari Raya Haji (2 points)

Hence, the total 'workload' will be 10 + 16 + 21 + 2 = 49 points.

Four BSMs (A, B, C and HQ Bty) attend the monthly guard meeting chaired by RSM. 

They had to come with an updated nominal roll of soldiers performing camp guard.

Take for example:

A Bty: 36 men, B Bty: 41 men, C Bty: 45 men, and HQ Bty: 50 men.

So, the total Camp Guard strength is 172.

The computation is as fellow:

49/172 x 36 = 10.26 (A is to bear 10.26 points)

49/172 x 41 = 11.68 (B is to bear 11.68 points)

49/172 x 45 = 12.82 (C is to bear 12.82 points)

49/172 x 50 = 14.24 (HQ is to bear 14.24 points)

Since C Bty does one-week standby, so C Bty has scored 10 points. BSM C has to take 3 (round off of 2.82) points for the camp guard.

BSM A has to take 10 points for the camp guard.

BSM B has to take 12 (11.68 round off) points for the camp guard.

BSM HQ has to take 14 points for the camp guard.

After the calculation, the BSMs will then choose the dates for their men to do camp guard.

So far, only BC “A” Bty, Lta Lim Meng Kai, attended the RSM/BSM monthly camp guard meeting as an observer.

The Roles of the RSM

 

The Roles of the RSM

When I took over the appointment of RSM 21SA, I had worked alongside Encik Arumugam, the outgoing RSM, who was a Local Wo2, i.e., an Ssg and wearing a rank of Wo2. There was no change of appointment ceremony for the RSM.

CO 21SA was Maj Neo Poh Huat. His PA (personal assistant) was Cpl Lim Swee Huat, a TA NCO. He told me that Maj Neo was a very good CO; the CO always expressed to him, the PA, how to improve the unit’s facilities, discipline, training and whatever.

There was no job specification for appointment holders and no KPI (Key Performance Indicator) in the early years of the SAF. However, without black and white written ‘Job Scope’, I had done satisfactorily, if not well done, for my previous appointment as a Wing SM.

The roles of the RSM were (1) Trainer of NCOs, (2) Unit Discipline, (3) Camp Security and Hygiene. (4) Parade and ceremony. These were the main roles of RSM during my tour in 21 SA.

For Camp Security, during office hours, the guard room was managed by a team of Provost: 2 MPs with 4 to 5 RPs. They manned the main gate, and prowled the camp area periodically, and recorded the activities in their black pocketbooks.

After office hours, we had DOO (Duty Orderly Officer), BOS (Bn Orderly Sergeant), Guard Commander, Guard 2IC, Camp Guards and COSs.

In my briefing to NCOs (i.e. Specialists) as they would be performing Guard Commander or Guard 2IC, I had to cover the use of firearms.

I conducted briefings to camp guards in the evening every day.

When do you open fire?

Three elements must be present before you open fire: 1. Jeopardy, 2. Ability, 3. Opportunity.

Jeopardy - Your life or someone's life is in danger. Or the place you guard is in a situation with a danger of loss, harm, or failure.

Ability - The intruder(s) has/have the ability to jeopardise i.e. he/they have a weapon or equipment.

Opportunity - The intruder(s) is/are close to you and has the opportunity to harm.

In the past, the guard commander used vocalizing of "Guard Turnout". After I took over as RSM, I installed an alarm bell for "Guard Turnout".

I introduced numbered boards 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the guard commander to put up when he activates the alarm bell for guard turnout.

"Guard Turnout 1" - Duty Officer/BOS turnout guard for inspection.

"Guard Turnout 2" - Hooligans assemble at the camp gate.

"Guard Turnout 3" - Fire drill.

"Guard Turnout 4" - Blackout drill and stand to.

In my briefing to new NCOs, camp security, guard turnout drill was conducted with a demonstration.

Camp Hygiene.

The COS was responsible for checking the morning area cleaning done by soldiers. COS would be punished with extra duty when the area sector of his Bty compound was not clean. The checks included (1) stagnant water, (2) Rubbish bins, (3) Toilets, (4) Surrounding area. (5) Armour vehicle and SAF common vehicle washing points. (6) Cookhouse food leftovers point.

A team of 5 maintenance assistants (i.e. GD Men) helped in daily routine camp cleaning with labour-saving devices. Cleaning jobs were according to a work schedule chart, dining hall, messes, and the common area. 

Unit Discipline

Before I assumed the appointment as the RSM, soldiers of 21SA were not allowed to have centre-parted hairstyles, although I had no objection to this hairstyle or other hairstyles. The guideline was that (male soldier) hair did not touch the collar and ears.

Trainer of NCOs (Leadership training)

I conducted NCO drills in the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Squad drill would be conducted and guided for an NCO to give word of command to fellow NCOs to execute drill movement.

Parade and ceremony

I conducted Monday morning flag-raising ceremony, quarterly CO parades, BMT mono intake Passing out Parades and 2 Military Funerals. I assisted BC A Bty for the Unit Anniversary celebrations.

I formulated a good system for the unit during my tour as RSM 21SA from 1981 to 1985.