Lifestyle

10 Memories of NS That We Seriously Miss, Because NS50

2017-02-09 , 3:05 pm

This year, two years after SG50, we’re celebrating NS50. 50 years of National Service, 50 years of chiong sua/chao keng. As a way to recognize our contributions, the government has decided to give us a S$100 voucher. No matter what you think about the voucher itself, we all know that the best reward we got from serving, was the people we got to know, and the memories we had together.

Here are 10 of those memories that even long after you ORD, you’ll definitely remember and miss.

1. Booking out

This one no need to say already. Even though many of us have already ORD long ago, the feeling of booking out every weekend is unforgettable. After 5 days, or sometimes even longer due to exercise or outfield training, the shiok feeling of packing up and leaving camp is incredible. Even going home after working OT cannot compare.

2. Cooking Maggie with Your Bunkmates

I’m sure many of you have done this, whether it was in BMT, or command school, or in your active units afterwards. Outfield or in bunk, it doesn’t matter. It’s a special thing to cook some instant noodles with your bunkmates, sit around during admin time (sometimes even past lights out), and talk about life.

3. Route Marches

This one is not so much the route march itself. We all know it sucks to walk for kilometres in full battle order. While definitely memorable, the best thing about the route marches is our buddies and section mates walking alongside us. We might have been swearing and complaining from exhaustion, but at least we were doing that together.

4. BMT

Some say BMT was the best time they had while serving, and with good reason too. It was the first time most of us ever underwent military training, and we were all thrown together with about 15 other people. We got to meet so many different kinds of people, made so many lasting friends, and went through so many unique experiences together. It’s very difficult to find that anywhere else.

5. Area Cleaning

Don’t look so surprised. Think about it. Without your sergeants and officers forcing you to clean your bunk, were you ever going to get to sleep and rest in such a clean bunk? Now take a look at your own room at home (I’m not talking to you, clean freak). You know you have never felt the same sense of achievement when your sergeant praises your standby bed ever since you ORD.

6. Live Firing

Aside from all the pes unfit clerks, most of you have gone through some form of weapon training, from the SAR-21 to large vehicle-mounted guns. At the very least, you got to fire a real gun with real bullets, and maybe even throw an actual grenade. That’s like, basically a childhood dream. Remember the first time you pulled the trigger, and the gunshot was much louder than you thought? Exciting times.

7. Personal Achievements

We went through a lot of tests in the SAF, from IPPT and SOC to weapon live firing. It feels really good to finally get that IPPT Gold, or a Marksman badge. The $200 or $300 cash reward didn’t hurt either. And the first time you sew the badges onto your No. 4 uniform, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride.

8. Overseas Training

Most of you in active units will get to go overseas for an exercise, and depending on your formation and unit, you got to go to different countries, from Taiwan to Germany. Fully state-sponsored overseas trip leh. You’re probably never going to get this chance again. And what’s more, the hotel stay for R&R is also fully paid, marking a memorable end to a memorable trip.

9. POP and Other Graduations

POP was possibly the proudest moment of your entire BMT. After the gruelling 24km route march, participating in a parade in front of all your family and friends at whichever your POP location was, was seriously awesome. It marked the end of your basic training, and throwing your cap up into the air was second to none. Best thing was, depending on which course you got to go afterwards, you got to experience more graduation parades.

10. PINK IC

Ironically, one of the best memories of serving NS had to be right at the end. It was like greeting a long-lost friend, or seeing someone close after literally years apart. It is an indescribable feeling, one that mixed happiness and relief, with a tinge of sadness and reluctance. It was a colourful and memorable two years, an experience that was guaranteed to stay with you for years after.

For all the hate and complaints that NS gets, it is undeniable that Singapore needs to have it, and most of us came out of it as better people and maybe even more mature. At least, we can all say despite our greatest efforts, we came out much fitter than before we went in. Treasure that, because it’s all downhill from now on. You’ll never see your six-pack abs again.

Read this article in the Goody Feed App now! It’s fast, seamless and ad-free! Download now and stand a chance to win $50 weekly!
iOS: https://goo.gl/a0FZdy
Android: https://goo.gl/WlJzV8

Featured Image: theonlinecitizen.com

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com