Should I Serve NS

last SG · 2004-01-13T11:18:35+00:00

no lah. its a medical category, meaning tt u haf easier stds to meet when it comes to physical tests. u still do the same things as the rest of the ppl. fyi,...

Xprobe SG

Indian chap. Was damn surprised man because most regular officers already make CPT at that age.

wuming78 SG

he migrated here and became a citizen isit?

Xprobe SG

Maybe. Didnt ask as he was another platoon. But you know la, Indians are different from the Chinese when it comes to aspirations for a career in uniform.

wuming78 SG

no i dun noe. care to elaborate?

or r we getting off topic? Mr. Green

Xprobe SG

NSman, this is the ideal situation...but may not turnout this way

Stage 1: BMT-OCS (1 year)

Posted to some cushy IT related function at some HQ or even Mindef (8am-530pm) job. Have time to further upgrade skills or do some part-time work related to your field so that you dont get obsolete Or spend your free time going to classes. Get as many paper quali (given it is Spore you want to live in) as possible.

Age 32 - come out and have a life

Xprobe SG

Read somewhere (even in LKY memoirs) that because of cultural and history, Indians/ Nepalese/ Sikhs (may wrong spelling) consider uniform profession relatively more respectful and honorable than Chinese. Traditionally, "soldier" in China is about unedcuated, farm boys, looters, disciplined criminals, etc. Remember the cantonese saying "Ho Zai Ng Dong Chai". Remembered when I wanted to sign on as a CNB inspector, my dad came into my room and gave me a long talk about why I should stay clear of uniform life.

wuming78 SG

hm ok. yah i heard of tt b4.

but in modern society, uniformed jobs are just as prestigious as any other professions, if not more. furthermore you will be providing a service to the nation. better than just being a money-spinner right?

Xprobe SG

Glad your generation is turning around. But for my generation (30s) you can expect the facial expression when you tell someone you are a regular in the army. And you cant really say how "glam" your job is because it has to be a secret. So, the only cues you can give is your rank. Imagine, when you are in your 30s and you tell someone you are CPT and below, ha! They will think: "must be condemn one la". Noticed the difference when US soldiers wear their uniform everywhere, even when they go to a pub? Then think of the SAF guy. Cant bloody wait to peel the greens off and wear civilian when book out. There you have it.

NSMANorNOT SG

Xprobe your scenario sounds very tempting. I am going to really consider it. Now wonder what I should do about my GF of 6 years.... it may be hard. I don't think I can make it to OCS, I heard its very hard to get into. I am not tthat fit anymore. In fact cannot remember when I last went jogging.

Do you guys know who I can speak to at Mindef about this stuff. Someone who can help me make a decision?

Thx

wuming78 SG

think saf has enhanced its image by quite alot over the years. and ppl's perception of a career wif them has improved alot, more likely than not due to ns and the scholarships they give and the image they portray.

and youngsters nowadaes r quite receptive too. and contrary to wat u said, alot of ppl wear their no. 4 and walk around mah. o cos they inevitably break some rules here and there in the process. but well. tts the image tt they live and want ppl to see when they wear the uniform.

wuming78 SG

if u r thinking of signing on, approach the SAF career centre at cmpb, or go to the mindef website, and locate the recruitment sites of the respectives services.

Xprobe SG

You in Singapore or not now? If in Singapore, just go to the Manpower base and ask to speak to a career conseulor or someone like that.

Visit the mindef website and check out the career literature. Remembered that they even have this interactive thing that tells you what vocation you are suitable for.

If not in Singapore, a bit difficult right now.

But keep your options open, if you sign on, dont have to be the ARMY, there is POLICE and CIVIL DEFENCE. I think Police is a bit more loose on working hours. But for the 1st yr, prepare to be restricted as you will be going thru courses at the various schools and academies.

Just make sure you can do 6 chinups and run 2.4km under 12 min. Can train one la. Then at BMT, you will get conditioned to do better whether you like it or not.

Xprobe SG

Like I said, maybe your generation is better now. No more baggage. SAF will be glad to see their efforts finally paying off.

Xprobe SG

You gonna live for yourself or live for someone else? At this stage, it is a MAJOR change, no doubt about it. Hell, I cam empathize. I made a MAJOR change around 26-27. But well, no point sobbing about that because you were too young and had limited perspective of how to plan your life. But you must be DAMN SURE that this is what YOU want. Not a lot of "take twos" in life you know.

One more thing, OCS is more mental than physical. Your metabolism is okay until you hit about 34 when you really feel the difference between what your mind wants to do and what you body can deliver. Stay can do it la.

wuming78 SG

x 2 Wink

NSMANorNOT SG

Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.

I better get my chin ups to six and start running.

wuming78 SG

dun think got part time.

but mabbe 8-5. Wink

NSMANorNOT SG

wuming78 SG

if the decision was made after serious consideration theres no need to fear the consequence - jus live it. Wink

NSMANorNOT SG

If it was any of you in my position what would be your decision? I am curious. Sometimes I get worried because it seems like a lot of people want to get out of singapore while people like me want to go back? Am I a minority?

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