RISING ABOVE THE TIDE & STEPPING FORWARD TO LEAD

They’re among the SAF’s latest batch of officer graduands this year. Meet 2LT Mohamad Wira Kuriniawan and 2LT Ryan Ong, who will be heading to the Navy’s 180 Squadron and 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards respectively.

When it came time for 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Mohamad Wira Kuriniawan Bin Mohamad Fahmy to enlist in January, he was all ready to dive into military life.

The 22-year-old strived to put his best foot forward, and his efforts were recognised when he snagged the Best in Platoon award in Basic Military Training (BMT) and later went on to Officer Cadet School (OCS).

There, he was selected to join the Navy family. This was a pleasant surprise for him as his family is full of mariners.

2LT Wira’s father is working as a harbour pilot, and his sister is a Third Officer on a commercial vessel.

“When my father and sister converse about their jobs in the maritime industry, I can now join in ’cos I can understand what they’re talking about (thanks to) the knowledge and terms I’ve learnt in the Navy.”

Keeping afloat in tough times

However, the transition to OCS was not all smooth sailing for 2LT Wira.

The responsibility of the leadership roles that he had to take up – along with the steep learning curve of learning about naval operations on a warship – took him out of his comfort zone and pushed him to his limits.

Recalling the toughest moment he experienced during OCS, the soft-spoken but confident young man said: “During the Leadership Development Module in the Naval Foundation Term, my team was tasked to plan a batch cohesion for the whole batch, and I was in charge of operations.

“That meant coordinating the team and coming up with ideas under time pressure, which really pushed me to manage multiple responsibilities at once.”

Thankfully, he was able to rely on his course mates for support. “That experience taught me that effective communication and teamwork are essential in ensuring mission success.”

Rising above the tide together

The support which his course mates gave to one other taught 2LT Wira the true value of looking out for one another.

“Whenever one person was struggling, there was always someone ready to step in and help. The most important lesson I’ve learnt from them is that everyone brings different strengths to the table, and you grow the most when you’re willing to learn from each other.

“Seeing how we supported, taught and pushed one another reminded me that leadership isn’t a solo journey – it’s about being humble enough to learn, and committed enough to give back.”

His buddy, 2LT Vittorino Lim, had effusive praise for how 2LT Wira worked hard and built strong bonds with the rest.

“Wira puts in his best in everything that he does and keeps those around him motivated to do the same, through his enthusiastic and encouraging nature.”

2LT Wira was among 405 cadets commissioned as SAF officers in a parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 13 Dec.

Also among this latest batch of newly commissioned officers was 2LT Ryan Joshua Ong Sheng-En.

Being the son of an ex-Regular, the 19-year-old was no stranger to the military lifestyle.

“I was quite looking forward to the BMT experience and milestones such as the live firing and the 24km route march!”

Overcoming self-doubt

When 2LT Ong found out that he had been selected for OCS, he recalled initially feeling a mixture of emotions. “I was thrilled and excited about the opportunity to lead, learn, and serve, to develop my leadership skills.

“But at the same time, I felt intimidated by the high standards that they demanded in OCS, and I questioned my own ability to live up to it.”

In his first few weeks, 2LT Ong struggled to adjust to the higher standards in OCS as compared to BMT.

Determined, he pushed his limits and worked hard to ensure that he could keep up the high expectations he set for himself.

Toughing it out

2LT Ong’s toughest experience in OCS was the surprise Pressure Inurement Training (PIT) that came after his Professional Term Summary Exercise.

The PIT culminated in a challenging casualty evacuation operation that pushed them to their physical and mental limits.

“What helped me get through it was the support and encouragement of my instructors and peers.

“To me, it was about the idea of working towards something greater than ourselves, and when you see others around you committing to it too, it strengthens your resolve to do the same.”

What matters most

Backed by hard work and a never-say-die attitude, 2LT Ong’s efforts ultimately paid off when he received the Sword of Honour – an award given only to the top of the cohort – on 13 Dec.

His buddy, 2LT Damian Liew Jun Xiang, is proud of his achievements.

“I think Ryan definitely stands out in the way that he makes decisions. He is extremely competent but…is also very easy to talk to and work with, and it certainly makes him an approachable and capable leader.”

Among the many takeaways he’s gained being in this rigorous nine-month course, what stands out the most for 2LT Ong is the community that OCS has given him.

He said with a big smile: “The friendships I have formed with my fellow cadets has made the tough days more bearable and made life in OCS significantly more meaningful and enjoyable!

“I’ve also learnt so much from them about teamwork and looking after one another. As a team, we are only as strong as our constituent parts, and so we always must look after each other.”