Our Singapore Army stands as the bedrock of our nation's defence, dedicated to protecting sovereignty and security interests. With a full spectrum of operations, it draws strength from well-trained Regulars, Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). But who ensures these men and women are equipped to lead and defend the nation?

26-year-old SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) Merit Scholar Captain (CPT) Muhammad Alfian Bin Aman is a Platoon Commander at the Officer Cadet School. He plays an invaluable role in training future SAF leaders, empowering trainees to realise their full potential and, ultimately, serving to keep Singapore safe from external threats.

We sat down with Alfian to learn more about him and his commitment to helping safeguard Singapore.

What sparked your interest in the Army?

It was the experience I had in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) when I was in secondary school! I had many positive experiences as an NCC cadet which eventually drew me to a career in the Army; from learning skills such as individual field craft, which were reinforced when I enlisted in Basic Military Training (BMT) and Officer Cadet School (OCS) years later, to learning about the unique roles in an Infantry Platoon via a virtual battlefield simulator; and even firing a live SAR-21 rifle as part of my NCC Marksmanship Badge Test.

A key highlight of my NCC days was in 2012 when I had the rare opportunity to go on an International Cadet Exchange Programme (ICEP) in New Zealand where we were hosted by an Artillery Battalion on Exercise Thunder Warrior. During the exercise, we were also engaged by then-Chief of Army, MG Ravinder Singh!

However, my greatest inspiration to apply for a career with Our Singapore Army would be the strong sense of camaraderie that I shared with my peers in NCC as we endured rain and shine together, as well as the distinguished leadership of my NCC seniors, some of whom continue to inspire me in the SAF today!

Captain (CPT) Muhammad Alfian Bin Aman

Why did you choose to apply for the SAF Merit Scholarship, specifically?

I learnt about the SAF Merit Scholarship when I participated in the MINDEF (Ministry of Defence) Experience Programme (MEP) and the Army Experiential Programme (AEP) during my Junior College days. Both programmes offered a glimpse into the diverse vocations in the Army and the different scholarships and sponsorships offered by the SAF. After the programme, I stayed in touch with the officers in the Army Recruitment Centre (ARC) who advised me to apply for the scholarship upon the completion of my Officer Cadet Course.

That’s interesting! How did the scholarship help improve your university experience?

The scholarship provided me with an option to pursue my studies abroad. Truthfully, I couldn’t envision having the opportunity to travel beyond our shores to the UK and the US to further my studies without the aid of the scholarship. However, through the scholarship, I read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and also received a Master of Arts in Global Thought from Columbia University in the United States.

Beyond the financial aid in covering administrative costs like tuition fees and living expenses, the scholarship helped me grow as a person. It gave me an opportunity to experience living independently overseas and away from my family for the first time. I picked up simple skills like cooking, managing my own utility bills, and the like. Above all, the experience instilled a strong sense of appreciation for one thing that I would have taken for granted in the past, which was spending quality time with my family and loved ones.

I was also able to pursue my academic interests in courses or subjects which aren’t commonly offered in Singapore, and in a diverse community of international students and distinguished academics who each contributed to the vast wealth of knowledge and experience I gained during my time at university.

All in all, the scholarship provided an avenue to merge my personal and professional development, with a means to meaningfully contribute to society as an Officer in Our Singapore Army. This aligned with my aspirations to pursue a dynamic career with purpose.

Tell us more about your role at Our Singapore Army. What is the most fulfilling aspect of the work you do?

As a Platoon Commander in Officer Cadet School (OCS), my role revolves around leading a team of dedicated instructors to oversee the training, morale and discipline of my Officer Cadets as they undergo the challenging 38-week Officer Cadet Course. On a typical day in camp, our schedule starts as early as 5 am as we begin our preparations for the day’s activities and can end as late as 9 pm depending on the training programme. Amidst all this, we also concurrently plan weeks ahead for upcoming training activities, while managing other portfolios and projects, all of which are aimed at enhancing our OCS training system and experience.

However, despite the long hours, as trainers, we endeavour to cater protected time to engage our trainees regularly. This involves reflecting on their achievements in the past week and the challenges that await them in the upcoming weeks. It’s important to ensure that our trainees are always engaged and actively learning as part of their professional development process.

What I find most meaningful is that, ultimately, our sphere of influence as a trainer extends far beyond those immediately in front of us. Every individual I nurture today in the home of the Officer Corps will lead his or her own platoon one day and impart the knowledge and skills they learnt in SAFTI Military Institute within their own sphere of influence. This ripple effect is what lends gravity and meaning to the work we do here as stewards of leadership development in the SAF and our nation.

Captain (CPT) Muhammad Alfian Bin Aman

That’s amazing! Tell us, what are the possibilities available to those looking to join Our Singapore Army?

Choosing a career in Our Singapore Army isn't just about donning a uniform; it's stepping into a realm of diverse professions that redefine the ordinary. As an Officer, your journey unfolds as a team leader, a mentor, or even a policy writer—each role designed to challenge your comfort zones and help you work alongside like-minded individuals deeply committed to Singapore's defence.

In the realm of Anything but Regular, every career path in Our Singapore Army is a unique expedition, promising challenges that transcend the conventional. Whether leading a team through uncharted territories, shaping the minds of the next generation, or crafting policies that safeguard our nation, the possibilities are as diverse as the individuals who choose this extraordinary path.

Join the ranks of Officers who have discovered that the extraordinary awaits in every role, making your journey in Our Singapore Army Anything but Regular.