Pulau Tekong, Singapore — Observing their surroundings, commanders from the 4th Singapore Infantry Regiment prepare themselves to lead new conscripts who will be training in unfamiliar territory.
Under orders, conscripts are positioned to keep watch for enemies vigilantly with field packs as heavy as 20 kilograms pressing their soft bodies against the hard ground and laying firmly against their Kevlar helmets.
Leading by example, Company Sergeant Major Wong and his Platoon Sergeant supervises the movement and safety of these young conscripts as they move out for action.
Every year, thousands of new conscripts grit their way through Basic Military Training on this very island; weathered by the mud-rain-frost-and-wind, they’ll never look at nature the same way again.
Journey on a 5 ton truck leaves a brief moment for introspection: the days ahead will be long and tough for the weight of their country lies on the shoulders of these young men.
Official Selection for International Photography Awards 2009
