TANAH JAMBU, DEFENCE ACADEMY, SUNDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY 2022, 2000H – The Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet School (OCS), Lt Col Pg Siti Khatamalzariah binti Pg Haji Kamaludin, chaired a virtual session via Zoom with 66 Probationary Officer Cadets (POCdts) of Intake 21. Also present were the Second In-Command Intake Commander of OCS, Maj Mohd Asri bin Haji Awg Ahmad, and the 3 Platoon Commander, Lt (U) Muhd Shah Redzuan bin Haji Mat Serudin.
The session began with a speech from the Commanding Officer to commemorate the celebration of Isra’ Mi’raj 1443 Hijrah and Brunei Darussalam’s 38th National Day. The POCdts are encouraged to associate themselves with Sunat Taubat, Tahajjud prayers and good deeds to increase their spirituality, especially in the light of the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the daily escalation of COVID-19 cases, the Commanding Officer emphasized the importance of POCdts to complete their Basic Military Training (BMT) of 7 weeks in order to meet the training objectives before their first appointment as Officer Cadets. Currently, virtual classes are being held throughout their early probationary period amidst the ongoing pandemic within the OCS. Whereas, their physical and hands-on training are scheduled to resume by Week 4 of the BMT, in which all 66 strengths are believed to be fit enough to proceed with the training. Given the unforeseen circumstances, the Commanding Officer highlighted that OCS has a flexible contingency plan and is well-prepared for any changes in the schedule.
Among the key-takeaways from the session were for the POCdts to remain vigilant under the teachings of the OCS core values; loyalty, piety, and courage, and MIB that has been instilled in them, particularly in their everyday lives. POCdts were also reminded to uphold to utmost integrity and lead by example, maintain cleanliness, hygiene and comply with the COVID-19 SOP in place. The evening was concluded with a question and answer session to address any concerns related to the changes in training plan.