Step 1: Things you should know about SCS

You've probably heard a lot of rumours about SCS.

Maybe you're feeling a little apprehensive, maybe you're feeling a little disappointed. But don't worry, this guide will answer all of your questions about SCS.

Here's a few things you should know before you start your journey as a Specialist Cadet (SCT):


Warrant Officers run the show

In SCS, the only commissioned officers you will see are in your School HQ (CO, 2IC), and in the HQ of Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute (Commander, Deputy Commander). Everything else is run by Specialists (Specs) and Warrant Officers (Enciks).

This is good because Warrant Officers have a great wealth of experience and are very knowledgeable. However, one downside is that their planning of activities may be lacking as they did not receive the same training that Commissioned Officers have had (in OCS and other Advanced Schools).

Most of your Commanders and Instructors are regular personnel

These regular personnel have families to go back to, and thus tend to return to their families after last parade. They are stay-out personnel. This gives you, as a cadet, much more freedom, especially at night.

The only exception would be section instructors. Some of your section instructors are National Servicemen - Full-time (NSFs), and are stay-in personnel. This means that they will be in camp whenever you are in camp, and may drop by from time to time for lessons or spot-checks.

A rank is what you wear, but respect is what you earn

You've probably heard things such as how SCS (previously SISPEC) stood for "Suffer In Silence (Plus Extra Confinement)", or how SCS is basically BMT all over again. Or maybe you've heard people saying that you should either be an officer or a rifleman, because specialists get flak from both officers and riflemen.

Don't worry too much at this point. Focus on your training, and make sure you are knowledgeable enough to lead. Don't be too passive, and make the most of your time. As you learn how to be a good follower, you will naturally learn how to be a good leader.

  1. Step 1: Things you should know about SCS
  2. Step 2: Getting to Pasir Laba Camp
  3. Step 3: Your First Week in SCS

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