National Service: Afterthought

Collecting my pink IC on Tuesday, it occurred to me no matter how prized it is by NSFs, at the end of the day it is just an ordinary identity card. Was national service all about collecting this pink card that we so unwillingly surrendered upon enlistment?

I dreaded national service for it deprived me of an early university education at the prime of my time. But it's a higher calling that I grew to accept and probably the source of my discontentment with foreigners who so easily gained Singapore citizenship without having to serve national service.

In all honesty, I gained much from national service, to be specific, when I was in the Air Force. Working life here isn't without its ugly side. Office politics fill every corner of the workplace, but the same goes for every jobs available outside. Being a male-dominated workforce, it is inevitable for people to work using their ego. However, at the end of the day, politics and a little of relationship-tugging do get the work done quite efficiently.

Knowing your purpose in what you are doing, you tend to work with a little more pride. This was the case for me. I don't mind sacrificing a little of my personal time just to get work done properly.

Looking back the past 2 years,

Sep 06 - Enlisted at Basic Military School 1 ('H' Coy) as a Recruit
Dec 06 - Passed out from Basic Military School as Private
Dec 06 - Entered School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC, 'H' Coy) for Basic Section Leader Course
Mar 07 - Completed my graduating 28km route march
Mar 07 - Passed out from SISPEC as Corporal
Mar 07 - Entered Air Force School for Air Defence Weapon Specialist Course
May 07 - Passed out from Air Force School as Third Sergeant (3SG)

And my achievements,

May 07 - Master of Ceremonies for 42th ADSS Graduating Ceremony
Jan 08 - Master of Ceremonies for unit's Change of Command Ceremony
Mar 08 - Awarded Outstanding Serviceman of the Month
May 08 - Awarded Outstanding Serviceman of the Year
Jun 08 - Nominated for Best Serviceman (Air Defence System Specialist) Award
Jun 08 - Article on Manpower Initiatives in the Air Force selected for publication
Aug 08 - Awarded Letter of Commendation for Good Achievement and Performance from Brigadier-General Wong H.S.

All these would not have been possible without a supportive and understanding superior.


At the end of the day, it's knowing you have made a positive impact on others

The ride out of camp was a difficult one. Saying goodbye to colleagues and packing my personal belongings, my heart felt heavy to part a place which I had spent my 1.5 years.

I probably won't be coming back here again in the next 4 years and the experience will be very much different coming back as a reservist.

People often find it unbelievable there is actually someone who sings positively for national service. I enjoyed my national service and I am proud to share it.

Time to move on.

ORD Lo!

Day and night, I hoped this day will come soon. Now, at its arrival, there is this bitterness in me. I enjoyed my days in Air Force, doing what I like and putting in my best effort.

I did not collect my civilian IC today. No, I am not that insane to give up on civilian life. I had a full day in school today, as such, I will collect it tomorrow.

I had my first presentation last week. I spent 1 week to touch up on the slides as if my life depends on it (indeed, it does). Before this, the last presentation I had was with TB030 for final year project. But for now, it's a sole presentation.

I think NS and SMU has changed me. I speak so naturally that I find it hardly nature of me. For Question and Answer, I answered all questions bombarded at me and after the presentation, I was on cloud nine. The email sent my Professor on my presentation made the effort even worthwhile.

Time to head back to my assignments. Ciao.