Lyna Mohamad
Military training has prepared cadets both physically and mentally. Physically, it has not only improved their physical fitness and abilities, it has also taught them strategies and tactics.
Mentally, they have learnt various leadership skills.
This was said by 1539 Lieutenant Muhd Asyraf bin Haji Awang Amin, who said he felt honoured to have received the Sword of Honour, the highest award bestowed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to an officer cadet.
He was among 64 officer cadets who completed their 48-week military training. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Law (LLB) from London South Bank University.
In an interview at the Sovereign Parade Ceremony for the 21st intake of officer cadets, Lieutenant Muhd Asyraf, who will be posted as a Platoon Commander, said he chose to join the Royal Brunei Land Force because he has always been interested in jungle trekking and conducting exercises in the wild.
Asked what a good soldier is, he said that to him, a good soldier has to be resilient, determined and self-motivated.
Meanwhile, Best Academic Award recipient 1534 Lieutenant Junior Grade Wan Afifi bin Wan Ali will begin his military life in Royal Brunei Navy RBN.
“When I first enrolled in the Officer Cadet School’s commissioning course, it was a really eye-opening experience because I did not have any background in military.
“The training was very strenuous, very rapid and really pushed us to what we have become today.
“It made us really capable and really knowledgeable officers to serve our organisation, the nation and the monarch.”
He said that he feels qualified to join the RBN as he is very resilient mentally when it comes to his academic studies and he feels blessed to have received help in learning all there is to learn about the military.
He also credited his achievement to not just his own efforts but also due to the support of his instructors and friends.
Best in Physical Training awardee 1562 Lieutenant (U) Haji Mohammad Nasrullah bin Haji Mohammad Hidin believes joining the military is one of the best choices for him and fellow officer cadets to develop themselves as regardless of their background, they can be in any unit and can learn as much as possible.
“What is important is how much we have improved from the training programme.
“Our intention was just to improve ourselves, but being at the top of the list is actually an honour for me and it feels good to be recognised.
“My strength comes from my parents as they have been supporting me in my ups and downs, and have continuously prayed for me.”
Best Military Skills Awardee 1556 Lieutenant Mohammad Norhafiz bin Mohd Sani meanwhile said they were trained well by the instructors and officers, and constantly revised what they learnt to be ready for their next exercises.
“Obviously, in any courses, regardless military or not, there are bound to be challenges.
“However, practising religious obligations, such as praying five times a day and reminding ourselves why we joined helped us to tackle the challenges,” he said.
As someone whose father used to render his services to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and from whom he has drawn his interest to become a military officer, he believes that a good soldier needs to have strong discipline, courage and loyalty, which he takes pride in possessing.
