| While it is a fact that only the men serve National Service (NS), most Singaporeans are no strangers to this de facto rite of passage. A new Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Web series takes a closer look at the evolution of NS, and features individual stories and shared experiences of NS from servicemen and the wider community. "The series explores the relationships and personal stories that we all have because of NS," explained the series producer Senior Video Journalist Choh Kian Keong from Defence Media Centre. "While filming and researching for the series, it was very apparent to me just how much NS and, by extension, Singapore, has improved." Why watch the series? "You will identify with at least one person in the series; NS is a part of the Singaporean identity, so watch it for the human stories that bind all of us."
The pioneers MAJ (Ret) Ibrahim Bulat
Instructor of first batch of NSFs in 3 SIR, 1967 As one of the instructors of the first intake of Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), Major (MAJ) (Ret) Ibrahim had his work cut out for him. "At the time, we had almost nothing! (And you have to take into account) the fact that the British were withdrawing from the region, and our neighbours were not very friendly to the idea of a newly independent Singapore." Training was tough and resources were limited but they pushed ahead. Watch the first part of the Web series to find out more about the conditions under which NS began and some of the challenges that pioneers like MAJ (Ret) Ibrahim had to overcome. | | The pioneers Mr Lim Eng
First batch of NSF midshipmen, 1974 When he joined the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) for his Full-time NS, it was a grand adventure for the then 18-year-old. "It took us 18 months before we were commissioned as naval officers and we went to places like the Middle East, which was unheard of for youths of my time!" Life was tough on the first few ships that the RSN operated; they were sleeping on canvas bunks stacked up four-high in small ships. "But we were learning new things -- navigation, seamanship -- all the time. It was alien to us but that was why it was interesting." What was it like to train to be a naval officer in the 1970s? Watch the series to find out! | | The young one REC Adly Hakim Nasdian
Going through Basic Military Training When he first enlisted, he was quite nervous. "I wondered if I could take the training, whether it would be too tough for me," said Recruit (REC) Adly. With two elder brothers who had gone through NS before him, REC Adly had the benefit of hearing about their first-hand experiences about NS. "I heard all kinds of stories on how tough it was going to be, but it turned out better than I expected." The single biggest challenge for REC Adly was the discipline and regimentation. "Suddenly there was a standard way to do almost everything! But it got better after the first few weeks as I became used to it." Join REC Adly and his mates as they begin their NS journey in Basic Military Training, and see how NS training has evolved. | | The operational soldier 2LT Kishan Kumar s/o Thamilchevlan
Trainer, Army Logistics Training Centre For 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Kishan, the reality that he was entering NS only struck as he stood with his company mates on enlistment day, watching his parents wave goodbye to him. "It suddenly dawned on me that this would be the last time I see them for the next few weeks." This is put down to the "Tekong effect". He explained: "Being away from the mainland really forces us to adjust. You're cut off from the rest of Singapore and you have to learn to adapt to the military style of doing things quickly." He pulled through and did well, eventually going through the Officer Cadet Course. "NS made me realise the many things I took for granted before; it has made me more disciplined. Clich d as it may sound, NS really does turn boys into men." Check out the series for more on 2LT Kishan's NS journey. | | The NSman LTC (NS) Kelvin Lim
Commanding Officer, RSS Vigilance To Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Lim, NS is about securing a future for successive generations of Singaporeans. "The security that we generate from defending Singapore (as National Servicemen) isn't just valid for today, it lays a solid foundation for the future." "Like it or not, NS is a common thread for all of us," said the father of four. During his time as a Regular in the RSN, he participated in overseas missions and responded to incidents in Singapore waters. "Having seen all of that, I think it's important each and every Singaporean realises that we can't take security for granted, and that NS is the price we pay to secure the future for our children." Find out what LTC (NS) Lim and other servicemen think about NS in the fourth part of the series. | | The support Mdm Joanne Chia
Seamstress with many National Servicemen customers This seamstress who operates from a shop in Clementi sees many National Servicemen who come by for quick sewing services like attaching their badges and other insignias. "I try to give them priority and serve them first because I know they have no time. Usually they come by on Sundays, and that's the day they have to book into camp. I understand this because my son, too, went through NS." "It's not easy to go through NS but it's meaningful and it makes them tougher," she added. "I really hope that all Singaporeans can support NS in their own ways. Collectively, we can create a wave of support that is greater than the individual's effort." Watch the series' last episode for more about how Mdm Chia and the larger community supports NS and remember to subscribe to the MINDEF YouTube channel! | | |
