“This is what I’m proudest of in my career: that until today, people recognise that I’m fit to be in the Army,” said 61-year-old inspiration, Leon Margaret, who is now the oldest female commander in the Singapore Army.
Source: Pioneer
While that alone is an impressive title to boast, the now 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) at Singapore’s Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) also achieves a gold award for her Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) EVERY YEAR.
Yes, you saw that correctly. And it doesn’t look like she’s about to stop anytime soon.
Originally a clerk in the military during 1976, the real life Wonder Woman was given the opportunity to become a combat trainer before rising through the ranks to become a Company Sergeant Major in the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade.
Before taking on her current position at BMTC, Leon held the record of the longest-serving woman in the Signal formation!
Source: Pioneer
While the inspiring grandmother was ready to retire at 55, her commanding officer asked her to extend her service, and she accepted.
“She never gets tired of teaching and always has a passion to impart her knowledge to the guys – that’s what I admire about her,” said Leon’s former head.
“I’ve trained officers, specialists and operators. Now I’ve a chance to take on recruits. When I leave the Army, I would have completed the full experience,” said the army grandmother about her current position, in an interview with Pioneer.
On a typical day, the high-spirited but strict commander leads her recruits on their route marches while bearing a 20kg field pack on her shoulders. She roughs it out with the rookies by showing them how to get into the dirt, dig trenches and even sleeps in the jungle to teach her men about field camp!
Source: Pioneer
While 1WO Leon sets high standards for her sergeants, it’s only because she also sets those standards for herself.
“I’m doing the same exercises as my boys, so if they can’t do it, I’ll say, ‘Ancient lady can do, young boys cannot do?’
“So my weakest boys always compete with me, that’s what pushes them.”
While the admirable commander is tough on her recruits, she is also remembered by her boys as a “mother goose” who cares as much as she disciplines.
Source: Pioneer
“If I have family or work issues, I can openly discuss it with Ma’am, and she’ll help me out. From working with her, I’ve become more patient and reasonable with the recruits. It’s a totally different approach (from scolding),” said Leon’s platoon chief trainer, 3rd Segeant Muhd Haziq Mofe.
How inspiring! Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement, Leon.
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