Coming from a family with military background, Cadet Janushaa Bala Krishnan Muthiah grew up listening to her grandfather recounting the days he flew Nuri helicopters in northern Malaysia in the 1980s during counterinsurgency. This enthused her to join the military.
Besides her inspiring grandfather, she aimed to be a fighter pilot to emulate her hero, the first Asian female MiG-29 fighter pilot Major Patricia Yapp.
Janushaa’s dream came true when she was selected to pursue her studies at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland. This makes her the first Malaysian woman to be accepted into the US service academy.
“I was sleeping when I received the call from the US embassy officials. Of course I was happy. But at the same time, I was nervous. Being the first Malaysian woman to go to the US military academy was a huge responsibility.”
Besides Janushaa, Putra Nadeem Damanhuri Ahmad Damanhuri from Royal Military College (RMC) also secured a place at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
SELECTION PROCESS
Twenty-six Malaysians have graduated from various US service academies since 1991. Currently, there are eight Malaysian cadets in the US: two at the USAFA, two at USNA, three at the US Military Academy and one at the US Coast Guard Academy.
Putting things into perspective, US Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir said 157 countries were invited to nominate candidates to enroll 19 in each of the service academies.
“The selection process is extraordinarily rigorous and competitive. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic performance, physical aptitude, character and leadership potential,” she said at the presentation of certificates of appointment to the two at the US embassy recently.
Sharing his experience, Putra Nadeem said the candidates were screened based on physical test, academic performance and interview sessions held by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Out of 100 applicants, only five passed.
“About 50 students who were shortlisted underwent swimming and physical tests under the RMC before applying into the US academy services.
“The physical test at the embassy includes push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and one mile-run, among other basic tests.
“Before going for an interview with the US officials, we had to sit for ACT or SAT tests for college admissions and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) which was part of the requirements.
“Then, it was down to only three candidates. We had to send in our resumes and write three essays on ethical dilemma, personal statement and personal attributes.
“I was quite surprised when I found out that I was selected. I thought I wouldn’t make it because the process was rigorous and I have no military background. I was delighted.”
BREAKING STEREOTYPE
Pursuing her dream of becoming a navy pilot, Janushaa will spend four years in USNA studying aerospace engineering.
“The journey is really harsh, especially for women, to be recognised in the military field.
“I have learned that not everything in life is worthwhile if we don’t take risks.
We determine our futures,” she said in her speech at the ceremony.
“The Royal Malaysian Navy gave me a pendant to remind me every day that I have a responsibility to my country.”
ACHIVEMENTS
Putra Nadeem and Janushaa excel in their academic and extra-curricular activities, making them physically and emotionally prepared to take on new challenges in the US military schools.
Putra Nadeem achieved straight A’s in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. He represented RMC at the National Youth Leader Conference and was the vice-captain of the college debate team.
He was very active in sports, especially rugby, golf, swimming and rock-climbing. The 18-year-old has travelled throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Janushaa represented her school in national-level basketball championships and science fairs. She was the leader of the project that innovatively converting palm tree waste into cement. Since 12, she has attended boarding school and learned how to adapt to new environments and challenges.
SUPPORT
Putra Nadeem said his family had been supportive in the pursuit of serving in the military.
“I was brought up to be a very academic-oriented person as my mother is an associate professor at University of Malaya,” he said.
“My father, on the other hand, encouraged me to be involved in sports. I played football and golf since I was young. I even go for sailing,” he said in his speech.
When he was 15, his father wanted him join the RMC. Since then, he had developed a deep interest in the military and wanted to serve the country.
“After Form Five, I was informed by my commandant that there will be a selection to USAFA. I knew that this was my chance, although I had to convince my mother since it was not Oxford or Harvard University,” he said, jokingly.
“My family didn’t know I applied. I only told them once I passed the RMAF interview. They took it well.”
Lakhdhir said in her speech: “These two will join an extraordinary group. I have great confidence in them and look forward to hearing all the wonderful stories on what they are doing in the US.
“In everything you go through, you are building the relationship between the two countries. You are becoming leaders.
“The more you understand the rest of the world, the stronger you will be as leaders of your country.”
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