SINGAPORE — For a few years after she graduated from the Nanyang Technological University, Major Veronica Tan recalled, she had no concrete plans for her career — until she signed up to be an army regular.

Before that, she was working at a friend’s company, and then she took up a job as a consultant running leadership camps for schools and businesses.

Today, the 38-year-old commanding officer of the 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) leads about 550 men in her army battle group, and they primarily train and fight with tanks.

“When I decided to apply (to join the army), I stuck with it. I’ve decided to wear green until I retire,” she said.

This year, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting more than 500 personnel. Major Tan, who signed up in 2003, will be one of them, moving up to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

In total, 399 officers, 76 Military Experts and 44 Warrant Officers from the army, navy and air force will be promoted. They comprise army regulars and operationally ready national servicemen. The promotions will take effect from tomorrow.

Major Tan said that the thought of defending the country as a vocation came to her when she was in junior college, but she told herself that it was “too extreme” a choice for a woman.

Still, the longing for an “extraordinary” career stayed with her and she finally took the leap.

To her surprise, she said, her parents fully supported her decision when she told them the news.

In recent years, more women have been signing on as regulars in the SAF, with a record total of 1,500 women recruited in 2014. This was almost unheard of when she joined 14 years ago, Major Tan said.

“At that point, I knew of just one female officer in the Armour Formation. She was a cadet there, and there was only one (female) Warrant Officer and Specialist (WOSpec),” she added.

Last evening, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, who is Chief of Defence Force, presented certificates to those getting a promotion. The spouses of the personnel as well as senior Mindef and SAF officers were also present.