TWICE THE STRENGTH, DOUBLE THE PRIDE
3SG Irfan and 3SG Iryan Hidayat have walked almost identical paths all their lives —from attending the same schools to enlisting for NS and, now, graduating as newly minted sergeants together.
Fit and looking sharp in their No. 1 uniforms, the pair stood side by side for PIONEER’s photoshoot – they were soon about to graduate from the Specialist Cadet Course (SCC) in an evening parade at Pasir Laba Camp on 20 Feb.
The 21-year-old twins, who grew up in a close-knit family, never expected to serve together in both Basic Military Training (BMT) and SCC Foundation Term.
“It was shocking. We heard that having twins in the same BMT platoon and SCS (Specialist Cadet School) company is rare. Some people even joked that maybe strings were pulled,” said 3SG Iryan – the younger brother (by a minute!) – with a laugh.
“But I think we were just lucky to have this experience together."
While the thought of serving two years away from home was daunting at first, knowing they had each other made all the difference. “It was a relief, actually,” added 3SG Irfan.
“Having my brother there meant I was never alone. We pushed each other to do better and reminded each other that quitting was never an option.”
Taking on new challenges
After excelling in BMT, both were selected for SCS – 3SG Irfan as a Military Police Specialist and 3SG Iryan as a Reconnaissance (Recon) Specialist.
“SCS was a whole different ball game compared to BMT. As trainees, we just had to follow orders. But as future commanders, we had to set the standard,” said 3SG Irfan.
“It wasn’t just about physical training, it was about developing leadership skills and learning to manage soldiers under our charge.”
For 3SG Iryan, one of the biggest hurdles was leading peers who were just as capable, if not more so, as himself.
“It was tough at first. You have to earn their trust and respect, and that comes from proving yourself through your actions,” he explained.
Physically, the training was relentless. 3SG Iryan recalled the 3.2km-long casualty evacuation during their final exercises as one of the toughest moments he experienced in SCC.
“We were already exhausted from days in the field, but failure was not an option. We dragged each other forward, one step at a time, until we reached the finish line.”
Meanwhile, 3SG Irfan’s toughest challenge was earning his Individual Physical Proficiency Test Gold after initially failing in BMT.
“I refused to let it define me. I trained every day, adjusted my diet, and kept going until I finally achieved it in SCS,” he said with pride.
Brotherly bonds
Despite being in different vocations, their bond as twins has remained their biggest strength.
“Even though we weren’t in the same unit all the time, we always checked in on each other, gave advice, and kept each other accountable,” said 3SG Iryan.
They also took pride in each other’s achievements. “I was so proud when Iryan earned his Recon Tab,” said 3SG Irfan. “It’s not an easy feat, and it just showed how much he pushed himself.”
3SG Iryan, on the other hand, saw his older brother’s leadership growth as his biggest achievement.
“Irfan is more introverted, so seeing him step up and take charge made me really proud.”
Looking ahead as new leaders
Moving forward, the brothers will sadly part ways, with 3SG Irfan heading to Tuas Naval Base as a Security Specialist, while 3SG Iryan takes on his new role as a Recon Specialist in the Army.
“Now that we’re in different units, we’ll get to swap stories and maybe even learn from each other’s experiences,” said 3SG Iryan.
Their advice for others? “Don’t give up. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he added.
“NS is only two years, but if you push yourself, you’ll come out stronger in ways you never expected.”
And as for any unspoken sibling rivalry? “That’s never going away,” 3SG Irfan admitted with a chuckle. “We’ll keep pushing each other, no matter where we are.”
