Commissioning as an officer at the age of 26, Commando and Sword of Merit recipient 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Kavin Timothy S/O Trina Shanti proves that there are many paths to excellence.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" – this saying by Roman philosopher Seneca certainly applies to Corporal (CPL) (NS) Tan Ying Li, who stuck to his guns and landed a spot in NUS to study medicine on his third application attempt.

Being the older sibling often means having to set an example and paving the way for the younger ones to follow. For most people, it's the usual things like doing well in school, nailing that first job or getting your driving license on the first try.

His is a long career many can only look on with envy: qualifying as a commando, training with the United States Navy SEALs, becoming a Red Lion.

Having been in the Army for 32 years, 3WO Alice Tan is now a proud mother of two sons who followed in her footsteps.