Following in the father's footsteps

It is with immense pride that we read the news touching on two Malaysian students who are going to further their studies at military academies in the United States of America. Others might not see this as of any significance but gaining entry to those academies is no mean feat.

What seems sweeter is the fact that both are carrying on their father's involvement in the military service. One of them, Chan Jun Kwan will study at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. His father is Capt Chan Beng Cheong, a communications director in the Defence Ministry while two elder brothers are also going to be in the military after completing their studies. The other Malaysian is Suhanraj Rajasegaran, will study at the US Military Academy in Westpoint, New York and his father is a retired army warrant officer. Suhanraj has always wanted to be in the military and his father encouraged him to aim higher than just being a warrant officer.

Isn't that amazing that the sons are following in the father's footsteps. Most probably the military discipline did rub off on them when they were growing up or else how could the interest be so deep that they want to continue in the same profession as their fathers. Not many of the younger generation would even think of choosing a military career as their future profession. Most would harbour that thought only during certain periods when movies or stories with military themes are popular among the public.

Sustaining the interest throughout the school days and making an effort to excel not just in academic subjects must be proof that they really love what they are doing. That passion would help them during the next few years of study and we hope they will bring a new dimension to our military strategy. In times of peace, the military is not so prominent but we must always be prepared for any eventuality or acts of transgression across our borders.

Twenty Malaysians have graduated from various US service academies since 1991 and we hope the numbers will increase in future. We might even have more sons and daughters of the current military personnel following in their father's footsteps and continuing the family tradition.

Image from art.