S'pore sergeant becomes 1st servicewoman to complete 5-month combat course & become ADF operator

Second Sergeant (2SG) De Souza Kimberly Yvette became the first servicewoman to ever complete the arduous Combat Qualification Course (CQC) and graduate as an Army Deployment Force (ADF) operator.

The Singapore army shared the update in a Facebook post on Jun. 26.

The ADF is a high-readiness unit within the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), equipped to carry out a full spectrum of operations, including Peace Support Operations (PSO) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

The CQC is a 5-month course known for its physical and mental demands, training soldiers in weapon proficiency, unarmed combat and conventional warfare training, amongst others.

Hopes to inspire more women

De Souza underwent intensive physical training twice a day, along with thorough force preparation, and received continuous support and guidance from her trainers, seniors, and unit.

Thanks to this preparation, she said she entered the CQC fully ready to take on the challenge.

As the first female graduate of CQC, she hopes to inspire more women to step forward to become part of the elite unit.

“I hope that me being in ADF will be able to pave a way for future servicewomen with a similar desire, to be part of this elite unit," she shared.

Runs in the family

In a previous social media post by the SAF in 2022, De Souza revealed that her decision to serve was deeply influenced by her father, who had served his National Service in the Commando unit before joining the Navy.

“I have a significant memory from when I was about 5 or 6 years old, of him leaving the house early in the morning before the sun rose, wearing his Navy uniform," she said.

Her father, she said, instilled in her a strong sense of duty and commitment to protecting family and country, values she now carries forward in her own service.

Her father was very supportive when she shared her desire to sign on.

De Souza also shared that she signed on to join the Guards, as she didn't mind "doing the challenging work".

Their motto, "Ready to Strike," deeply resonated with her.

She wants to be someone her family can depend on, ready to stand at the frontline to protect her loved ones whenever duty calls.

Top photos from The Singapore Army/Facebook