2Lt Sam Miller at the Officer Cadet Graduation in Singapore.
20 December 2007
A Hutt Valley man has won one of the top prizes at the Singapore Armed Forces Officer Cadet graduation in Singapore in December.
23-year-old Second Lieutenant Sam Miller was the only foreign cadet on the course and picked up the Silver Bayonet for being the second top overall student. He also won the top physical training prize.
It is the first time the NZ Army has sent an officer cadet to Singapore for the 38-week course.
The former Hutt Valley High student says the experience was quite different to what he had learned in New Zealand.
“The course was very intense as the Singaporeans squeeze a lot in to a small time frame but the training itself was quite new to me. It was exciting.”
Although the young officer was looking forward to coming home for the Christmas break, he said Singapore was great.
“I think you learn a lot about your own country when you travel and visit others. Heading overseas has been both an eye opener in terms of training and in seeing and experiencing a new culture. Singapore is fast paced and busy.”
2Lt Miller says his military experience could have been very different.
“My father recommended the Navy for all its travel abroad, however my Army career has been very rewarding. Before I was commissioned I had travelled all over New Zealand and now I’ve just completed an exchange with Singapore.”
In tradition with graduating as an officer, 2Lt Miller received his “pips” by those who supported him through his training in a midnight ceremony. The pinning of rank recognises the passage of rights where members of the course are transformed into officers.
The Chief of the NZ Army, Major General Lou Gardiner and 2Lt Miller’s parents attended the ceremony in Singapore.
2Lt Miller graduated with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and is posted to the 2/1 Royal NZ Infantry regiment based at Burnham Army Camp near Christchurch.
ENDS
For further information please contact Bas Bolyn, Army Public Relations on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.Further images also available.