SINGAPORE – Coney Island Park’s free-roaming cow has died, said the National Parks Board (NParks) in a statement today (Oct 12).

According to the statement, the Brahman cow could not be revived after it was sedated for blood and fecal samples to be taken during its annual health check by veterinarians on Sept 28 last month.

NParks stated that health checks are necessary “for the cow’s own wellbeing and for public health reasons”, such as to prevent the spread of diseases between animals and humans.

“Given its large size, sedating the cow was a standard procedure to ensure the safety of all personnel involved,” said a spokesperson for NParks.

Post-mortem investigations by AVA showed that the cow had chronic underlying illnesses, and that it likely died of heart and lung complications while sedated.

“The cow was a recognisable part of Coney Island Park and will be missed,” NParks added.

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, NParks, Lianhe Zaobao

candicec@sph.com.sg

Ever wanted to know more about the types of training and opportunities that await you on the path to becoming a Warrant Officer?

Well, first you have to start somewhere – the Specialist Cadet School (SCS).

Life as a WOSpec begins in SCS.

Specialist Cadets (SCTs) will be trained in advanced infantry skills to command a section. They will also receive specialised training in their respective vocations, focusing on character and leadership development as well as imparting essential soldiering skills.

These are valuable skills that will be tested when these soldiers assume leadership roles in their respective units. You may be wondering – what are WOSpecs?

They are the highly respected Warrant Officers and Specialists of the Singapore Army who display exceptional ability in tactical warfighting, leadership and training.

SCS, located in Pasir Laba Camp, is where a SCT will learn his/her craft for a duration of 22 weeks, shaping his/her role as a Warfighter, Trainer or Leader.

Now, are you curious to see what a typical day for a Specialist Cadet is like? Let’s take a look at the WOSpec journey.

Morning PT at 6am

It is 6am. 

Groups of SCTs proceed to the company line dressed in their PT kits in preparation for the Five Basic Exercises (5BX).

At the dawn of the day they form into rows of three. Their Platoon Sergeant (PS) and other instructors are also in position, ready to motivate and encourage them to start the day right.

After a quick attendance check, the cadets limber up and proceed to embark on the daily routine of jumping jacks, push ups, abdominal crunches and a run around Pasir Laba Camp.

The process instils a discipline and fitness culture among the men and women.

Following the invigorating 30-minute workout, the SCTs head to the cookhouse for breakfast.

After breakfast. the SCTs are then given 30 minutes to get their rooms and bearings in order, after which the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) inspects the area to see that the beds are made and the area is washed and cleaned .

Daily area cleaning ensures that the SCTs live and work in a hygienic environment, and encourages them to take responsibility for their well-being and discipline to upkeep of the facilities/area cleaniness.

In full swing at 8am

For the second part of this morning, the SCTs focus on operations training and competencies where they learn how to apply and sharpen their infantry skills in an urban environment.

SCT training sessions comprise theoreticaland practical lessons on a range of topics including topography, military knowledge, tactics, infantry weapons systems, and more.

Lessons are often demanding and by noon, most SCTs have worked up an appetite.

Cadets fall out after lessons and make their way to the cookhouse. Typically, lunch is consumed between 12pm to 1pm.

Lessons at 1.30pm

 At 1.30pm, the SCTs continue with their lessons. The lesson plan includes weapons training, classroom sessions, formation training, battlefield movement, jungle survival techniques, and leadership training among others.

Today’s session comprises the stripping, assembling and thorough cleaning of the powerful Section Assault Weapon (SAW). The SCTs are trained to be proficient in handling and maintaining all the weapons they will handle in their duties as a WOSpec.

Standard Obstacle Course (SOC) at 4pm

With SOC practice scheduled for 4pm, the next step for SCTs is to get their gear in order.

The cadets don a Kevlar helmet, integrated body armour – which weigh twenty pounds – their personal weapon, ammo pouches, and fingerless gloves for added grip (some swear by it).

With each attempt at the SOC, the SCTs try to better their personal timings and outperform their peers.

The various obstacles improve their combat fitness and teach them how to overcome obstacles in urban and jungle settings.

The SOC also improves upper and lower body strength, reflexes, endurance, stamina, and offers a challenging way for a battalion to improve camaraderie and team spirit.

 Personal Time at 7pm

Dinner is typically served between 5pm and 7pm.

After dinner, the SCTs are granted personal time unless there is a need for remedial classes. Additionally, SCTs may use this time to brush up on their knowledge and participate in online discussions through LEARNet.

LEARNet is an online portal that allows soldiers to access online training content for self-directed learning and collaborative discussions.

With this modern and two-way teaching approach, soldiers are highly encouraged to become co-constructors of meaning instead of being just recipients of information passed on by instructors.

The SCT’s day wraps up at 10pm with “lights out.”

SCT’s don’t need to be asked twice when it comes to sleeping as they will need the rest to sustain energy levels for tomorrow’s set of challenges.

Summary

This is just a fraction of what awaits you when you enter SCS.

An SCT’s training day is packed with activities that will test him/her physically and mentally, ensuring that he/she is fit and capable to take on the responsibilities of leadership roles.

Are you interested to embark on a career with the Singapore Army as a WOSpec? Your journey starts here in Pasir Laba, where there will be plenty of opportunities and training for you to move up the ranks and become a Warrant Officer.

With Pride We Lead!