From the fine mix of growing up in La(badi) and attending La Wireless School, both within touching reach of Burma Camp, I developed a deep admiration for military culture.

My friends and I would often go on the occasional risky escapade of sneaking out to Sun City Video Centre to catch glimpses of war films through the cracks in the cinema walls. This early exposure sparked a fascination that many boys my age shared - we all dreamed of becoming soldiers one day.

Was it the neat, well-pressed uniforms? Or perhaps the allure of carrying a weapon, casting the figure of a cool, aggressive but calculated risk-taker? These visual attractions were hard to ignore. Watching my older sibling commission as an officer (now an Army Major) was and remains one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. While my own path diverged into the corporate world, my admiration for the military only grew stronger with time.

As I matured, I began to appreciate with clarity and better insight into the specialness of the military; the core values that define them: discipline, teamwork, respect, and selflessness. My curiosity about what sets these individuals apart fuelled a subtle but persistent passion from a distance.

Through my Army Major sister and a best friend, a Captain, I lived my fantasies vicariously yearning for a deeper understanding of their world. Imagine my excitement when I was selected to join a group of work colleagues for an experiential leadership and training program at the world-renowned Achiase Jungle Warfare School. This was my chance to witness firsthand and, for a brief period, practice a part the system that shapes these men and women of valor and discipline.

Over three intense days, my body was pushed to its limits, my mind challenged, and my resolve strengthened.

The training was life changing. We were introduced to obstacle courses designed to simulate the physical and mental challenges soldiers face in combat. Crawling under barbed wire, scaling walls, surviving in the wild, and navigating through treacherous terrains required more than just physical stamina.

It demanded teamwork and perseverance. Each obstacle was a lesson in trust, as we depended on one another to overcome hurdles. The camaraderie developed in those moments taught us the essence of selflessness—putting the team’s success above our own.

Each member’s role was crucial, and any lapse in communication could result in failure. Witnessing the military instructors emphasize meticulous planning and mutual respect taught me that success is often a collective effort, relying on everyone’s commitment to the group’s objectives.

I recall vividly, and in several instances, where colleagues offered a hand to fellow participants who struggled to climb a particular high wall, pulling each other up with the strength and determination that exemplified selflessness and cooperation. This act underscored the importance of working together - a value that is indispensable in both military and civilian life.

It became clear that the military’s strength lies not just in the might of arms and sheer strength but in the unshakeable bond between soldiers. These experiences, among other things, shed light on why military training is more than physical conditioning; it’s a crucible for character development. The values of respect, honor, and personal courage are not just preached but practiced. Soldiers are taught to make ethical decisions under pressure, reflecting the importance of integrity in every action.

My advocacy for the integration of military training as part of national service is further accentuated by this experience. It instils a sense of duty and national pride and ingrains the values of discipline, teamwork, respect, and selflessness which, beyond just the defence of the nation, are universal and beneficial in any context of life. Incorporating such training into national service can sharpen the moral compass of citizens, cultivate a generation that values collaboration, understands the importance of discipline, and exhibits unwavering commitment to their duties.

Summarily, my journey from a young boy peeking through the walls of Sun City Video Centre in La to my experience at the Achiase Jungle Warfare School has reinforced my belief that the military’s rigorous training and the values it impacts is fundamental to building strong, capable, and ethical individuals ready to contribute to the nation’s progress and uphold its ideals for a stronger, more cohesive society. These values do not only shape exceptional soldiers but also prepare individuals for diverse challenges in life.

It is possible!