National Geographic Singapore Marketing Stunt Gets Flak For Showing Disrespect To The Uniform

Marketing drill gets wrong command
Image Source :https://www.facebook.com/yahoosingaporenewsroom

National Geographic Singapore decision to give passerby the opportunity to command a platoon of "army boys" have drawn flak from the public as being "disrespectful to the uniform". Ironically, the stunt above was to promote the upcoming documentary on the life of Singapore boys serving National Service. 

Wrote a Facebook user on Yahoo Singapore Newsroom Facebook Page, 

"Whats tbe purpose of this? Mocking our NS boys? Ive seen many parents shed tears sending and welcome their Boys to/from NS. And now Any tom dick and harry can command our NS boys? NOT FUNNY or AMUSING!"

Wrote Smiththankyou, 

"Pride and glory aside, are we even allowed to use Property of SAF for such "showmanship"? And I remember my Encik telling me we can't even book out in "Vest Slack" cause it is not a proper Army uniform like our "Long 4" which is the green camo with long sleeves. Are SAF aware of this publicity stunt?"

The marketing team who approved this stunt failed to understand the value of "Command and Control". 

Wrote Wikipedia, 

"The US DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms[3] defines command and control as "[t]he exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission."

By giving the power of "Command and Control' to any passerby devalues the the sacrifices,  hard word and trust given by soldiers to soldiers. 

If anybody can "command and control", why do soldiers need to endure specialists or officer training?