Lesson from Officership

Many people know little about the SAF. This is especially true for female that are not part of this organisation. I was once ignorant and wanted to be part of the commander corps. With much effort and perseverence, I made it and was commissioned.

Little did I knew the many responsibilities that came with the every salute and greetings received. I didn't expect the responsibility to be so much more. However, with guildance from peers and superiors, I've made it through. From the many inspirational passages shared, one of them struck me hard.

“I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time, and I was there.

But I didn’t want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I called it wrong, he might get sore.

The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, He knew I had.
So I shook my head and walk on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.

He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.

Now everytime I see his wife,
I’ll know, I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But it isn’t something you need to share.

If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.

If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose, to look the other way.”

~Anonymous

Taking care of the personnel around us are one of the many responsibilities that commanders have to shoulder. Essentially, it is about being proactive in the execution of every plan to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Can we be self proclaimed commanders shouldering this responsibility for one another? Can everyone have this proactive attitude? Help me, help yourself, help everyone.