Being psychologically prepared is all about knowing
what to expect and being prepared for it.
To be better prepared, you can participate in Total Defence
activities and Open Houses organised by the SAF/SPF/SCDF.
Perhaps you should also talk to your family members and friends
who have lived the NS experience. The more you discuss with others,
the more comfortable and mentally prepared you’ll become.
Because NS life is different from civilian life before
enlistment, there are many adjustments you need to
make.
A good way to cope is to get support from your buddy and fellow
recruits. They are going through the same tough training as you, so
talking to one another will help relieve some tension.
In most evenings during your leisure time, you’ll also have some
time to call your family or loved ones to talk. They can give you
emotional support during NS.
You can have a one-on-one interview sessions with your officer
to highlight any problems you may have. If you have a personal or
family problem that need to be addressed, do let the officer
know—he may be able to give you some advice or time off to settle
your problems.
Life in NS revolves around structure, routine and discipline.
This helps us stay united as a uniformed organisation as well as
imparts the rigours necessary to protect our nation and
citizens.
This does not mean there is just work and no play. In fact,
after a few weeks in NS and you’ll find new friends and new reasons
to smile!
As a soldier, one of the biggest adjustments you’ll have
to make quickly is in regimentation and discipline.
Being in a uniformed organisation, you’ll have to obey orders
from your superiors. Thus some of you may feel a sudden lack of
freedom to do what you want and you may find yourself having
difficulties accepting authority initially.
Regimentation and discipline build strong character and
toughness, so that you’ll be tough enough to handle difficult
combat, crime-fighting or rescue situations without giving up or
breaking down.
When you first enlist into NS, you may have concerns of being in
a new territory, with new faces and new things to do. But don’t let
this get to you. Just remember the saying that “when the going gets
tough, the tough gets going”.
Following are some
tips on what you can do to prepare yourself
psychologically:
You can also speak to your friends or family members who have
been through NS. Ask them to share their stories. The sharing will
help you reduce some of your fears, uncertainties and doubts.
During NS you’ll be living with different
people.
Because these people come from different backgrounds, they may
not think like you do or react to situations like you would.
Instead of trying to select your type of people, you should cherish
the diversity. This is a chance for you to learn more about your
fellow mates and their cultures.
You’ll find that you have many opportunities to absorb the
different cultures—during training, eating, chatting or just seeing
and listening. Take these opportunities and learn from people
around you, you’ll have a much better appreciation of Singapore’s
cultural diversity.