I’m an officer with the saf. And I am gay. I was being investigated by the MSD for allegations of “bringing disrepute to the saf” by visiting a gay club earlier last year, and further, being penalized by confessing I am gay.
I was deemed a security threat, had my security clearance downgraded, transferred to a non-ops unit and my promotion stalled among all the ridiculous “measures” to “manage” me. The most humiliating thing was to sign a form which basically says i can’t be gay & to refrain from engaging in any homosexual activities.
But, there was a stark clause which says I can’t have a gay partner. I politely told them to exclude that clause because I ve been in a relationship with my partner for 6 years. I was not going to allow an “sop” to dictate who I want to be with. MSD agreed.
I just want to encourage servicemen esp nsfs who are gay and are afraid of coming out – you are not alone; never let anyone put u down for who u are. Have the courage to stand up for yourself. Now, go be fabulous.
[Admin note: the veracity of the claims here cannot be verified]
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be sending about 50 to 60 personnel to take part in the multinational coalition efforts to combat the terrorist threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said as he officially opened the new training facility for the republic’s airborne troopers at Pasir Ris camp on Monday (Dec 1).
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said planning and liaison officers have already made their way to the United States Central Command to get “a sense what the mission’s requirements are”. He said coalition partners have welcomed Singapore’s involvement and are looking forward to Singapore’s professional input.
Dr Ng said the SAF will now “synchronise” where its help is most needed.
“I would say that the reaction to our involvement is a positive one. They know that as we did in Afghanistan, we contributed very positively, by our KC-135 refuelling tankers as well as our imagery analysts,” said Dr Ng. “So coalition partners have welcomed our involvement because they expressed the opinion that we have helped previously and they look forward to our professional input.”
Dr Ng, who had a go at one of the stations at the new training facility, said the facility is a worthwhile investment as it will ensure soldiers are trained well, such as in the event of a terrorist threat.
“We take our special forces training with extra care and there are a few reasons for it,” said Dr Ng. “As you know since 911, the threat of terrorism is real and present and with the recent terrorist threat from ISIS in Iraq and Syria, this threat is uppermost in our minds, when we plan and prepare. As you know our neighbours, both Malaysia and Indonesia, have expressed concern that those who have returned from Iraq and Syria can cause harm to the residents in their countries and I would include Singapore in the same threat scenario.”
Earlier this month in Parliament, Dr Ng had said that Singapore’s efforts will include deploying a KC-135R tanker aircraft for air-to-air refuelling and an Imagery Analysis Team. He said there will be no combat troops on the ground in Iraq and Syria.
The SAF soldiers will operate from surrounding countries together with other coalition forces.
https://www.facebook.com/abubakar.mohdnorAbu Bakar Mohd Nor
SLTC (NS) Abu Bakar (Centre) shares his thoughts on his promotion, “ I am very grateful with the recognition given to me, it’s not only about me, as this promotion is to recognise the efforts of people who had supported me. My wife, my family, my employers and those who have served alongside me. Such efforts made this promotion more meaningful.”
2LT Khabir Ashraf Bin Mohamed Sultan was enlisted in 2012 to the Obese Basic Military Training (BMT). He excelled in BMT and was posted to Officer Cadet School (OCS). He is now a Platoon Commander (PC) at BMTC handling the obese batch, he feels privileged to be able to motivate recruits with his experience.
“Although the training was very tough, the encouragement that my commanders gave and the support from my fellow platoon mates gave me the energy to excel in my BMT. Today, I use my experiences to help me become a role model to my recruits and to motivate them to do better.”
And so, my clarifying post had ended up being shared on two pages:
Fabrications About the PAP (FAP), and Rilek1corner (R1C).
Whilst the FAP drew positive comments, reinforced with even further proof and testimonials from people that actually served in the force, R1C was laced with negative insinuations and remarks from people who, mostly never served the force, had no empirical data, actual stats and only hear say stories to back up their claims.
Despite all that, it is the voices of the believers that will continue to give us reason to continue breaking boundaries and striving hard to excel in whatever we are tasked to complete, no matter what appointment we sit in.
Come 1st July, we celebrate SAF Day. It is not just a day to remind our servicemen on the purpose of our existence. Neither is it only a day where we rekindle the passion and fire that made us take up this responsibility.
SAF Day is also a day where were reaffirm to the people that we are there, because they are there. We protect those we love, or family, our friends and also our community. It is important that our community believes in this organisation and they MUST know that everyone that serves, is given equal opportunities to excel, move up and become an icon for the rest of his community to emulate.
Heck I am a Diploma Holder, taking precious time every other night attending classes just to get a Degree. When I look left and right, everyone else holds that Qualification, and I used to believe and still believe, that if I want to be given the same opportunities, it is then my responsibility to make sure I am on par with the rest.
Opportunities don’t come, just because the organisation thinks there is a political impetus to. Opportunities come because, we in our own capacity and hard work, creates it. I may not be a high-flyer but I believe that I am still able to fly the flag high for the Malay/Muslim community. But we cannot do this if we continue disbelieving that change is already taking place.
If any parents or school children is reading this, please remember.
Tell your kids or yourselves, that if they/you have aspirations to join the service and be part of this organisation, step forward and do your very best. Believe that you will be someone and trust that you will be given what you deserve.
There is without doubt many Malay/Muslims holding even higher and more important appointments, much more important that mine. Those who know these people, you can bare testament, how good they really are. Shut out all those who don’t believe.. because if I had listened to all these people 14 years ago, I would have never reached this milestone in my life.
Believe in yourself, continue learning and upgrading and serve the country and community because, if you don’t, no one else will.
Happy SAF day my brothers/sisters in arms and to the generations that takes over, remember that we are the ones that craft our own futures.
Here at Rilek1Corner, we appreciate people sharing their life experiences. It is through these heart-to-heart topics that we learn something about the other person and what is important to him or her.
For this instance, we get to understand the challenges and issues faced by Malay and Muslim brothers who are serving the nation be it in the MINDEF or HOME TEAM.
While we agree to disagree, let’s not character assassinate someone. That’s the beauty of perspectives; it may not be the same but it shed light on the thinking processes of someone who may share something common with us, for example race or religion.
