COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE GRADUANDS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES

Family, work and studies – having to manage these demands is tough, but all the hard work was worth it for both MAJ Ikhtiaruddin Iman Bin Mustafa and SWO Seck Wai Kong, two recent graduates of the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.

He juggles being a father to two young children (one of them an 11-month-old son!), serving as the 2nd In-Command of a wing in Officer Cadet School (OCS), and studying at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC).

All this was no easy feat. And on top of that, Major (MAJ) Ikhtiaruddin was awarded Distinguished Graduate of the 25th GKS CSC Command and Staff Executive (CSC E) Course.

The Command and Staff Courses are the highest level of formal military education offered in Singapore.

“As the pinnacle course for SAF military leaders, it covers rigorous topics such as geopolitics, strategic thinking, coaching and leadership philosophy," said the 36-year-old Army officer.

He remained attached to his unit during the course, meaning he had to balance both his primary job responsibilities and demanding coursework.

Time management became critical. Group assignments, individual papers, and overseas visits all had to be carefully scheduled around his duties as a father and officer.

"My wife has been a pillar of strength at home," said MAJ Ikhtiaruddin. "She handled all the morning routines with our two children.

“I made a promise that I would settle all work and course requirements during weekdays and free periods, so weekends remained dedicated to family time."

From the field to strategic thinking

For MAJ Ikhtiaruddin, the CSC (E) course opened his eyes to strategic organisational thinking beyond ground operations.

"Being an Army officer on the ground, I was very focused on training and operations. But this course helped me understand the bigger picture of why the organisation makes certain decisions, and how geopolitics in other countries affect us as Singaporeans and as a military."

The course sparked a newfound interest in geopolitics. Now, he finds himself watching parliamentary debates during his free time and staying constantly updated on global affairs.

On being named a Distinguished Graduate of the course, MAJ Ikhtiaruddin credited it as a team effort.

"My syndicate mates helped with group work and kept each other on track… I coordinated with my team back in the unit to ensure smooth operations during my absence, and my wife anchored matters back at home."

Returning to his unit, he plans to apply the advanced coaching and facilitation skills that he learnt during the CSC E course.

"We wrote a letter to ourselves at the end of the course, outlining goals to achieve one year later.

"Mine included conducting monthly coaching sessions and mentoring future leaders. Now I can practise these skills in real-life situations and know which leadership style works best in different contexts."

"Nothing stands in our way"

Fellow graduand Senior Warrant Officer (SWO) Seck Wai Kong also found himself hitting the books again after years of operational service.

As one of five warrant officers in the predominantly officer-centric course, this veteran naval diver brought with him a unique perspective shaped by decades at sea.

Over the years, he has taken part in many operations. One of the most memorable came early in his diving career — a 1997 deployment to Palembang, Indonesia, following the SilkAir Flight 185 crash.

"The conditions were harsh. Water visibility was close to zero, and the tidal stream was tremendously strong," the 49-year-old recalled.

"These weren't conditions we trained for back at the Naval Diving Unit, but we still geared up and got the job done. Just like (our unit) motto says, 'Nothing Stands in Our Way.' Hooyah!"

Now, as Master Chief Navy, his proudest moments come from watching others grow. "Seeing growth in others gives me a renewed source of energy, pride and purpose."

Intellectually intense, tremendously rewarding

For SWO Seck, the CSC E course was an intense but rewarding experience.

"The camaraderie within my syndicate, comprising members across all four Services, was incredible. We supported each other throughout and still found time to bond after class."

As one of the few senior warrant officers in a room full of officers, he gained invaluable insights.

"My biggest takeaway was the opportunity to observe and learn from how our officers think, articulate their ideas, and conduct themselves in rigorous academic and strategic settings," he explained.

Syndicate work, which involved debating complex problems with perspectives from those of different Services, proved both challenging and enlightening.

"It forced us to challenge our own assumptions and craft truly joint solutions," said SWO Seck. "It was a powerful demonstration of how our combined strengths are greater than the sum of our parts."

Strong support system

Balancing coursework with operational responsibilities wasn't easy. SWO Seck credits his wife, Joslyn, for making it possible.

"Her unwavering support was my anchor," he said. "Through her silent, steadfast actions in looking after our family and home while I was buried in coursework over weekends, she enabled me to fully focus on the course."

He also acknowledged his Directing Staff, Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Soh Wai Leong, as a tremendous mentor who encouraged continuous learning and supported his journey.

For younger servicemen and women, especially in the Warrant Officer and Specialist Corps, SWO Seck offers three pieces of advice: to master your craft, embrace continuous learning and lead by serving.

"Your credibility as a leader starts with strong technical competencies and genuine character… Invest in your people, understand their aspirations and fight for them."