We would not be here today if not for the unwavering support of our loved ones. As the saying goes, “it is always easier to be the one who leaves”. We have practically disappeared for the past two months save a few precious hours spent at home, gobbling up whatever food we could lay our hands on. On behalf of the course, I extend my deepest apologies for the additional burdens that you have had to carry. Your thoughts, prayers and letters have provided us with immeasurable motivation, to get through everything that stood between us and being reunited with all of you. Please join me in offering a round of applause 1 for all our loved ones present today, and for those who are unable to be with us but have been rooting for us all this while.
No matter who you are or where you are from, Ranger Course is designed to beat you down to your knees. It is a course where all comforts and privileges of rank, age, or unit are stripped away, revealing the most raw version of ourselves. It is a gritty and gutsy marathon that aims to unearth the true character of a soldier through imposing intense physical and mental stressors replicating those of actual combat. Perhaps the best way to illustrate the result of all this is to paint a picture of who a Ranger is and should be. A Ranger and their word is not to be taken lightly, for they are a force to be reckoned with. How a Ranger does something is how they do everything, and they will obsess over the smallest detail to ensure mission success. You do not need to ask a Ranger to do anything, for they are already prepared to do it, you simply command them and they will execute. A Ranger stands ready and volunteers for more than their share of the hardest tasks, delivers them, and then some. It is my distinct and proudest honour to share that such a Ranger is indeed present in this auditorium here tonight. He has been the beating heart and long-suffering soul of the course, who has lent every last decibel of his voice and every waking moment to supporting those on his left and right. Without hesitation, he has been the beast of burden and the spearhead of every team he finds himself in, never questioning and never failing to be the first to work and last to rest. He is a Ranger who has given his all, and one who may squarely claim that he would lay down his life for his friends, a true brother’s keeper. In my humble opinion, he represents the true spirit and does justice to the legacy of who a Ranger has been, is, and shall be, for a long time to come. He is 2 the Ranger among Rangers, the people’s champion, RGR THJ.
If I could, I would share a testimony for every Ranger seated here tonight. I am honoured to accept this award today, but I’d like to believe that I’m accepting it on behalf of all the Rangers of the SOth Ranger Course, for every Ranger has done more than his or her fair share to deserve commendation. I would not be standing here in one piece today without the relentless support of my Ranger buddies, and I will forever be thankful for the brotherhood we have forged together. Personal Takeaways In closing, my personal takeaways from the course may be summarised in 3 points, which is probably 2 more than what Rangers can remember most of the time.
First, persistence is nothing more than insistence, to believe that little bit more in yourself, to demand one more step and another after that, till the job is done. Give yourself the chance to surprise yourself, for the limits we place on ourselves are but a fraction of our true potential.
Second, the strongest teams are not decided by the size of their muscles, but by the depth of their patience. Patience, not strength nor aggression, is what allows teams to support each other through the toughest times. Patience creates the half-second pause needed for an argument to become a conversation and for the conversation to spur improvement and for that improvement to lead to success.
Finally, loud leadership may move a team, but quiet leadership moves hearts. One might imagine an inspirational commander charging ahead on a battlefield towards the enemy, and indeed that is an undeniable moment of leadership. Yet, 99% of our time as Rangers is spent first 3 preparing for battle, getting onto the objective and then getting every last Ranger out. That is when Rangers earn their stripes. That is when the smallest acts of kindness: sharing your last packet of biscuits in spite of your growling stomach or taking over the shift of another sleepy Ranger in spite of your own eyelids closing fast. By simply being there to listen, empathise and help, you are taking away some of their pain, a superpower in and of itself.
I would like to extend my appreciation to CTI, SFLS, the Ranger Cadres, CSS, and all who have supported Ranger Course in one way or another. We will work to repay our debt of gratitude, and pay it forward for future batches of Rangers to come.
Thank you all, again, for joining us tonight to celebrate the Ranger Jubilee and welcoming new Rangers into the fold. Rangers, it has been an honour to suffer, smile, and fight alongside each and every one of you. I can truly testify how daring initiative, though occasionally risky, was combined with absolutely sheer will to get the job done. With this combination, nothing will ever stand in our way. Rangers can and will complete the mission, when no one else can, on our honour as soldiers and for the glory of our nation. Rangers, wherever it is that you may go, carry with you the indomitable and relentless Ranger spirit, and know that somewhere out there, you have a batch of Rangers who stand ready to fight alongside you whenever called upon. Be bold, be brave, be gallant, and as always, RANGER LEADS THE WAY! (ALL THE WAY)
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