Reflections of a Full-time National Serviceman

GRAPHIC and PHOTOS: Joash Tan

ORD LOH!!! 

I believe many can relate to this moment on the last day of their National Service (NS) enlistment, to finally accomplish this milestone of an average Singaporean male citizen.

For me, it’s a bittersweet moment as my Operationally Ready Date (ORD) draws near. I certainly did not expect I would actually enjoy my stint, having had no idea what was in store for me two years ago. 

As we wrap up this year’s NS55 celebrations, I reflected on my Police NSF journey serving in MHA Headquarters as a reporter with Home Team News. There were many experiences that have shaped me into the person that I am today. I have distilled some tips that I hope will help future boys as they walk this rite-of-passage.

Tip #1 Attitude
A positive mindset goes a long way. 

The work of an NSF at staff departments (as opposed to those with Physical Employment Standard aka PES C and above serving frontline operational roles) might seem rather mundane, especially if one is mainly doing clerical and administrative work. 

However, having an optimistic outlook and a willingness to learn helped shift my mental headspace away from apprehensions nipping at my heels.

An example in my case was my fear of doing graphic design as art is not my forte. But I constantly pushed myself; I sought advice and scoured for ideas. I felt really proud of myself when I managed to come up with a first piece which was quickly followed by many. 

One of the first infographic designs I created for an internal newsletter.

Staying open and take things as they come truly helps, which brings me to the next point.

Tip #2 Adaptability
Regardless of vocation, being adaptable is vital. It helped ease me into a different environment. One will be exposed to new skills and new ways of working, so it helps to prepare oneself mentally and physically to go with the flow. 

Personally, photography and graphic design were huge learning curves that I faced, as I came into the job without any prior experience using DSLR cameras let alone setting up shoots with professional lighting. 

Me working on graphics and at various shoots with colleauges.

Thankfully I was blessed with supportive bosses who sent me on courses, coached me, gave me many on-the-job trainings, and now I have “graduated” to conduct photography training for interns and my successor. 

Tip #3 Humility and Finding Meaning in Work
Although what one does during NS may not be directly related to what one plans to do in future, there will always be transferable skills that can be picked up along the way. 

More than the hard skills such as manipulating data in Excel, soft skills like problem-solving and time management will definitely come in handy in future. 

My NS stint was a good training ground to prepare me for the real working world, and staying humble, taking challenges as opportunities to learn helped me derive meaning from my work. 

Unbeknownst to many, NSFs work alongside regulars in a variety of vocations such as graphic design, videography, data analytics and equipment maintenance.

Tip #4 The Importance of Communication
Beyond having a greater appreciation of how communications function in the public service, I realised its importance to help bridge the gap of knowledge and ideas between individuals in the workplace. 

It was all the more imperative for me to raise questions, speak out and listen to peers and supervisors, as COVID-19 hit just as I started my NS at the MHQ Corporate Communications Directorate. 

Along with the rest of Singapore, we worked from home and not having the physical interaction means relying on Skype and Zoom meetings. It was not easy but over time, I came out of my shell and managed to bond with my team over virtual lunches and online team bonding activities.
(Editor’s note: Indeed, Joash has become the life of the party.)

One of the many team bonding activities conducted via Zoom.

Tip #5 The Power of Teamwork
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to see the inner workings of various Home Team Departments. This made me realise the power of teamwork. 

Together, the Departments create a harmonic force, multiplied by the strengths and operational capabilities of each department, achieving synergy in one shared mission to keep Singapore safe and secure 24/7. 

Fun Fact: NSFs are also part of the marching contingent at the National Day Parade.

The past two years have opened my eyes to the extent of work involved and the level of commitment of each and every Home Team officer to safeguard our homes and neighbourhoods. I am grateful for the work they do, and I feel proud to be able to say I have played a part, however small, in the Home Team.

Next up for me, starting my next phase of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) or what some know as “Reservist” journey. I shall practise what I have preached.

55 YEARS OF NATIONAL SERVICE (NS55)
The year 2022 marks the 55th anniversary of National Service. Since the introduction of NS in 1967, generations of national servicemen have served with unwavering dedication, pride and strength to keep Singapore safe and strong. 

To celebrate this significant milestone, a slew of events were organised to showcase the evolution of National Service to help the public understand the importance of defending Singapore. Goodies like an NS55 Recognition Package comprising $100 credits and one-year complimentary SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership were given as well to thank past and present National Servicemen.