2LT Lucas Chang

Army is the battle, life is the war. It was never about becoming a soldier, it is and always will be about becoming a better person.

Whenever we are given challenges in life, it is not uncommon to feel fear of the incoming obstacles, that we would, in our best ability, try to escape the fate that we have been sealed into. Fear of the unknown, a phrase common to us, yet so oblivious and inconspicuous to the men of our age.
Most result to putting on a mask, in a bid to hide the fear inside and convince those around them and themselves that they are stronger than they really are. Others hide behind a bullet, shooting others and hurting others to deter the attention and exposure of their weaknesses.

Especially throughout my army I’ve witnessed plenty of these experiences, and unfortunately, rarely do I see anyone capable of admitting their fear. Disappointment is all I feel when I see the soldier to my left and right throw incessant remarks and unconstructive criticism around. “You f-ing low eq and situational awareness” “He is from Tango so he musnt be good” “He always do things by the book, not street smart”. Words only muttered behind the backs of those spoken of. Rumors spread like wildfire, the victim is cornered, as he realizes slowly but surely that his peers are treating him differently, his friends are not talking or hanging around him anymore, and people are snickering at every small mistake or action he takes. Sadness. Anger. Fear. All because his peers themselves are afraid themselves of being judged in this new environment, this environment where sarcastic and unconstructive comments are tolerated and encouraged as a means to discipline. Where completing a mission and task is oftentimes prioritized more than the means of completing it. Where the unpredictable nature, the uncomfortable climate, becomes a mountain of insurmountable fear, surrounding and engulfing soldiers, throwing them into a defensive state, throwing blame, insults, at others. Ironically, not realizing that they themselves have been played into and have contributed to the very system that they struggled with in the very first place.

My fear is for the men of our age. I can only pray that they realize the cycle that they’ve put themselves through. I only hope that the men of our age can be more optimistic, constructive, and supportive towards one another. To not see the challenge and react selfishly, but to support each other to grow and eventually take down the obstacles one by one, together, as a team. It all starts with a leader that is genuine and has the right values and intentions. As a leader Im confident of what Im here for, and the purpose of why I am in this organisation. I hope to train my men to be caring people who when they see their teammate struggling will rush to their aid and provide them support, when faced with an impossible task will not back down and try their best despite the result, and finally when faced with a difficult decision or a perhaps poorly made decision will not blame their fellow peers, but be able to cognitively realise that the action must be firstly resolved, followed by having a forgiving heart that will accept that whatever was done has been done, and to give constructive feedback rather than to blame and blacklist.

Ive always had an appreciation for teachers. They are the most patient, nurturing, and loving people on this planet. A type of unconditional love that transcends all. I hope my men are able to adopt this attitude, and that more importantly, that they will carry it into their future lives, future jobs, families, and friends. My lasting goal is for those around the people I have influenced to be able to see a difference in their friend. To be shocked by the drastic positive changes that they have made in their lives, that puts a smile on my face.

This is Lucas, a good friend I met in pro term from Commandos. He inspired this post because of his character of always helping those around him, being a morally upright person, and being a supportive pillar to all. It is a quality I will always respect about him and I hope to one day have the same compassion and heart for the people that he has.