My NS Story: As Told By A Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial And Gen Z
Have you ever wondered what National Service was like through the years? Since the National Service (Amendment) Bill was first passed on March 14, 1967, over a million male Singaporeans and permanent residents have served the country.
If you think about it, that’s at least four generations spanning over half a century. Imagine the stories and out there, all with a unique NS journey.
As a millennial who enlisted more than a decade ago, I often wonder how NS differs from era to era, whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen X or even a Gen Z. With a bit of detective work (stalking on social media), and in the spirit of SAF Day, I’ve managed to track down four profiles to share their unique NS story.
My NS story as told by a Baby Boomer - Koshni, 63
NS vocation: Logistics Corporal Quartermaster, 3 SIR
NS period: 1980-1982
What was NS like in the 80s?
NS was tough during that era, especially for those who are physically inactive or not the sporty sort. Despite the regimental environment, my years at Bedok Camp were filled with interesting episodes and characters.
While I didn’t pick up much military skills since I was in logistics, I made lifelong friends in the army, some of whom I keep in touch with to this day.
What were people's perceptions of National Service during the era you served?
Full-time National Service was still relatively new then. The country was still young, barely two decades on from independence so we understood how vulnerable a position we were in.
NS was also deemed a necessary requirement if you wanted to secure a job afterwards. Many friends of mine had their job prospects hindered because they had not been called up. I matured a lot during this period. My BMT days were especially tough.
However, I did find the enlistment period during that time, which was two and a half years, too long. Thankfully, I was able to use those experiences to instill discipline for further studies and future employment.
What's the biggest change you observed regarding NS from your time to now?
Food is better catered now. Before that, it was mastin, dog biscuits or red bean soup. There was also a lot of emphasis on our personal bearing, from the shine of our shoes to the upkeep of our uniforms.
During my time, we could still come back to Pulau Tekong to revisit its kampungs for durians after BMT but eventually the island closed to the public and is now used solely for military training.
What advice would you give someone from a future generation regarding National Service?
My advice is to approach NS positively. I believe that it helps to make men out of boys. Enjoy the process and take it one step at a time.
My NS Story as told by a Gen X - Aziz, 45
NS vocation: Driver
NS period: 1999-2001
What was NS like in the 90s?
It was tough but enjoyable. But it’s definitely not as tough as the earlier batches.
What were people's perceptions of National Service during the era you served?
Public perception back then was just to tahan the two years and not get into unnecessary trouble.
What's the biggest change you observed regarding NS from your time to now?
Things are much more lenient now, in my opinion. I heard that "push-up punishment" has a limit these days? That was unheard of during earlier days.
What advice would you give someone from a future generation regarding National Service?
Serve sincerely. NS will toughen you up mentally and prepare you to undertake responsibilities in the future. Personally, NS has shaped me for the better.
My NS story as told by a Millennial - Taufiq, 31
NS vocation: Platoon Sergeant, 5SIR
NS period: 2010-2012
What was NS like in the early 2010s?
It was the start of the "safety" era for NS where a lot of new things were being implemented and people's well-being were more of a concern then previous eras.
What were people's perceptions of National Service during the era you served?
That NS robbed men of two precious and prime years of their lives, leading them to play catch up in Singapore’s rat race lifestyle. The first Ah Boys To Men film was also just released during this time so there was a lot of renewed interest as well from the Singapore mainstream media.
What's the biggest change you observed regarding NS from your time to now?
As mentioned, it was the start of NS's safety era as troopers' wellbeing were brought more into the light with the era of social media.
That aside, speaking from the perspective of a PS, the number of people per platoon has also drastically reduced and from a logistics and caretaker perspective, that allows for a lot more safety to be practiced while also prioritising a soldier’s mental wellbeing. It's not easy to care for 20-30 young adults who are coming into their own.
What advice would you give someone from a future generation regarding National Service?
I would say, "Don't lament your time in NS”. It's going to be two years of your life that is pre-designated due to the nature of Singapore's precarious position in the world and our severe lack of manpower. Make the most of your time there, take care of your own safety and your buddy. Two years will be over before you know it and you'll be laughing at those days in reservist cycles 1 through 10 soon enough, saying "How the heck did we do those two years?".
My NS Story as told by a Gen Z - Ng Kai, 26
NS vocation: Munitions Supply
NS period: 2017-2019
What was NS like in the late 2010s?
I think NS was a bit more comfortable compared to the stories my father shared with me. There were definitely tough periods during my NS, but nothing so shag until “Wa, cmi sia.”
What were people's perceptions of National Service during the era you served?
I think this stays more or less the same across generations. Some would complain “waste time lah”, others would say it helps “ah boys become men”, and some just want to get it over and done with.
What's the biggest change you observed regarding NS from your time to now?
More safety checks. After several unfortunate incidents, and COVID-19 as well, there’s been increased scrutiny on our NSmen’s wellbeing and safety.
What advice would you give someone from a future generation regarding National Service?
I still remember my BMT sergeant sharing that “Every one of you has to go through the two years. So just make the best of it.” I’ll pass along the same piece of advice. Just do your best (as with anything), because you never know how things will turn out!
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