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This week, we speak to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Mani Siddarth to learn more about his career in the Army including his current appointment as Commanding Officer (CO) of the 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (9 SIR).

How has your experience as CO 9 SIR been so far?

Leading a unit engaged in 24/7 operations is undoubtedly a demanding endeavour. Each day brings its own set of challenges, and even seemingly minor issues can sometimes take a significant time to resolve. 

Notwithstanding, this is exactly what makes the role dynamic and exciting. I am fortunate to have an exceptional team of Platoon Commanders (PCs), Platoon Sergeants (PSes), Officers Commanding (OCs), and Company Sergeant Majors (CSMs) who share a collective vision for the unit and work tirelessly to achieve it. The decentralised nature of the unit requires us to be innovative in how we engage, train, and create positive experiences for our soldiers. This aspect of the role has been particularly fulfilling, as it constantly pushes us to think creatively and explore new approaches. It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team and contribute to shaping an environment where our soldiers can thrive, so that they can fulfil their operational responsibilities effectively.

What are some of the key takeaways you have had since your appointment as CO 9 SIR?

The unit plays a critical role in safeguarding camps and bases to maintain the operational readiness of our Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Digital & Intelligence Service (DIS). Achieving mission success requires vigilance and resilience from the soldiers every single day. While the nature of their duties may seem straightforward, they perform it with a profound sense of purpose and mission, 365 days a year.

Secondly, it’s always about the team. As the CO, I dedicate significant time to engaging with my subordinate commanders, often focusing on building personal connections and the team as a whole. A cohesive team, united in its mission and vision, can achieve exceptional results. I view it as my duty to foster this unity, provide guidance, and ensure that the team remains consistently aligned toward achieving mission success.

Finally, I firmly believe that the little things matter most to our soldiers. Whether it’s inspiring them to reach fitness goals or celebrating their training achievements, these small victories bring immense satisfaction and add meaningful value to the role.

LTC Mani engaging the soldiers during Chief of Army’s visit to 9 SIR

What are some values that you believe in as a leader?

First and foremost, as a military leader, I believe we must uphold professionalism in discharging our duties. This entails being highly competent in our roles, understanding the authority entrusted to us, and always diligently carrying out our responsibilities. This principle serves as a cornerstone for my daily decision-making.

Secondly, I place great importance on discipline. In a decentralised unit, our soldiers must remain disciplined in their actions. We must trust that they will consistently make the right decisions all the time. At an individual level, discipline reminds us that we are part of a more extensive system, and our choices—whether to act or not—directly impact the mission's overall success. 

Lastly, I value empathy. As a conscript Army, we lead soldiers from diverse backgrounds, and our moral responsibility is to treat every serviceman and servicewoman with dignity and respect. By demonstrating genuine care and concern for our soldiers, we inspire them to go the extra mile to achieve their mission.

What were some of your previous appointments and how did these prior experiences help you in your current appointment?

I served as an Operations Officer (S3) in the 4th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (4 SIR), where I was responsible for managing operations and training of the battalion. This role required me to establish systems and processes to optimise performance across the battalion. Throughout this experience, I learned to be more adaptive and meticulous in my operational planning. Often, I had to think creatively to maximise the unit’s resources while navigating a demanding schedule.  

Additionally, working closely with my CO provided me with valuable insights into his decision-making process and leadership style, which have significantly influenced how I lead as a CO today. Overall, my tour as an Operations Officer laid the foundation, skill sets, and experience necessary for me to perform my role as a CO effectively.

Then-MAJ Mani at the GKS CSC Graduation Ceremony

From the unit management perspective, are there any challenges to managing unit cohesion, morale and workload?

As a unit where soldiers are constantly deployed for operations, we inevitably face challenges in building cohesion and managing their workload. In the Army, we are typically trained to manage large groups of soldiers at a given time. In the case of 9 SIR, we must make a conscious effort to spend time with the soldiers, engaging with them and understanding their concerns. At the battalion HQ level, this involves dedicating significant time to engage with various stakeholders to address our soldiers' challenges, so that they remain effective during operations.

To alleviate some of these pressures, the team and I have worked to create a more structured work and training forecast for the companies. This allows soldiers to plan their downtime effectively, take well-deserved breaks, and also keep their competencies up to mark. We are fortunate to have supportive higher headquarters, such as SAF Military Police Command and HQ 2nd People's Defence Force (2 PDF), which are always willing to assist in managing the operational tempo when required. Having a predictable operational schedule goes a long way in reducing the uncertainty that is otherwise common in operational environments.

LTC Mani returning the salute at the Milestone Parade

What makes your work #AnythingButRegular?

Every day is different. As an evergreen unit, the battalion HQ constantly manages both training and operations simultaneously. I find this incredibly exciting. Most days, my discussions with the team span topics such as manpower, training, capability development, operations, or logistics. Yet, at the heart of every conversation is a shared commitment to improving the experience for our soldiers and enabling the unit to execute its mission more effectively.

I am also fortunate to work with a capable and energetic team that makes coming to work a joy. I like to think they help keep me young with their Gen Z lingo and meticulous approach to work, which always brings a fresh perspective. Having had the honour of leading soldiers throughout my years of service, I am always deeply heartened when I meet former soldiers in non-military settings and hear about their successes, joys, and families. Each encounter serves as a powerful reminder that serving in the Army is never just a job—it is so much more. It is an opportunity to mould and shape generations of Singaporean sons and a real privilege to show up for them and support them on their journeys. This makes the profession truly #AnythingButRegular.

LTC Mani and his team at a cohesion event

Looking forward, what is the direction that you would like 9 SIR to work towards?

Moving forward, there is a clear push to incorporate more technology into our security operations. I firmly believe that the future lies in greater man-machine integration to enhance the security of our camps and bases. The unit will continue to drive these efforts for 2 PDF and the Army. Equally important is ensuring that all our soldiers and commanders have a positive National Service experience. We aim to help them find purpose in their daily operations while fostering a sense of belonging to a team larger than themselves. This camaraderie is crucial to ensuring they serve purposefully and meaningfully during their active service and into their Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS). Ultimately, we want them to understand that protecting this island is a shared responsibility—one that unites us all.

✍🏻 : CPL Benjamin Tan (Army News)

📷 : 9 SIR Media Team