Bringing their civilian expertise to contribute more in NS

ME4 (NS) Muhammad Arief Aditya used to be a supply assistant at Headquarters National Cadet Corps in Amoy Quee Camp.

Today, shaped by years of experience in the social service sector, he brings a different set of skills into the Army.

He now serves as a counsellor in 505 Personnel Support Unit (PSU), and was among the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) newest batch of Senior Military Experts (MEs) on 21 Jan.

Building expertise & bringing new skills to SAF

Speaking at the Senior ME Appointment Ceremony at SAFTI Military Institute, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo noted that this was the largest cohort since the Military Domain Experts Scheme was introduced in 2010.

“This year, we also welcome the largest group of NSmen (Operationally Ready National Servicemen) graduating under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme. These are individuals who chose to continue serving – not because they had to, but because they believe their skills could make a difference.”

For ME4 (NS) Arief, his passion to serve the community was what motivated him to enroll in this initiative in 2022.

The scheme enables NSmen to redeploy to units where they can contribute with specialised skills that they have acquired through their civilian careers.

Finding new purpose

Currently a Senior Manager at self-help group Yayasan MENDAKI, ME4 (NS) Arief looks forward to his In-Camp Training (ICT) each year.

“I have a very caring commanding officer, and the culture he has set for the unit is a very welcoming one,” he explained.

“Everyone is very open to each other’s perspectives and we learn along the way, but we are very mission-focused (at 505 PSU) as well.”

He added: “Many of my friends in the unit are also social service professionals and we have grown together, forging deep bonds during ICT, outside ICT, in our professional lives and also as friends!”

The 36-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience from his civilian career to his NS (National Service) role as a counsellor.

He has been a youth worker at Boys’ Town, a correctional rehabilitation specialist with the Singapore Prison Service and, most recently, the Team Lead for North East at MENDAKI @ Punggol.

Having worked in the social service sector for 14 years, he picked up skills such as basic counselling, group facilitation, and training of volunteers.

“When the Army offered me the opportunity to use these skill sets, I felt compelled to give back in whatever way I can. That was the driver that made me want to join the Military Domain Experts Scheme and also join 505 PSU,” explained ME4 (NS) Arief.

In 2022, ME4 (NS) Arief began the Military Domain Experts Course. He underwent the Joint Leadership Programme and completed 3 high-key ICTs before officially graduating as a Senior Military Expert this year.

Balancing NS responsibilities alongside work and family life is no easy task. Luckily, his family and employers have been all been extremely supportive.

“My family and I see NS as a duty that comes with small sacrifices along the way, such as making tweaks in our everyday routine whenever I’m on ICT.

“My kids are also proud and excited each time I don the Army green and that keeps me going and ever ready to serve!”

On graduating as a Senior ME, ME4 (NS) Arief said: “This achievement is not down to me alone and I attribute it to the support I received from my unit and my family – especially my mother, and my wife who is battling cancer.

“I hope (attaining) this milestone has made them proud.”

Taking a different path

Fellow graduate ME4 (NS) Mohamed Najid Bin Mohamed Sultan also took the road less travelled in becoming a Senior ME.

He had to drop out of the Officer Cadet Course in 2008 during his full-time NS after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and later became an admin support assistant in Officer Cadet School Headquarters.

“Tearing my ACL felt like a major setback at the time. I struggled with the sense of being sidelined, but supportive mentors and peers helped me to rebuild my confidence and make the most of my remaining NS.”

Looking back, the 37-year-old views the unexpected “detour” in a different light.

“That experience taught me resilience and reinforced that there are many ways to serve.

“It’s shaped my belief that meaningful contribution is not only about rank or role, but also about how sincerely you show up and add value wherever you are placed.”

Embracing new challenges

In his professional career, ME4 (NS) Najid was an Information Officer and served across multiple government agencies, such as the Prime Minister’s Office and President’s Office, for nine years.

Recognising the opportunity to contribute his public communications expertise, ME4 (NS) Najid joined the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme in 2022.

“Being called up to the Navy specifically was driven by opportunity and curiosity, as I had spent my entire SAF journey in the Army previously.”

Now, as a Naval Warfare Systems Expert at Navy Information Centre (NIC), he supports the Navy’s public communication efforts – from shaping crisis communication plans to advising on media strategy to sharing his knowledge with younger officers in the unit.

“My whole-of-government background (as an Information Officer) has also helped the team understand how Navy communications fit within the wider national communications landscape,” he added.

From adapting to Navy contexts and terminology to gaining stronger leadership confidence, ME4 (NS) Najid noted that the Military Domain Experts course has been “challenging but deeply meaningful”.

Changing from Army to Navy and stepping up and learning to become a leader were “not in my plans at all,” he said frankly.

“But plans change and, honestly, I’m very glad that I took that step. I think being able to share my experience in communications to NIC has been very fulfilling.

“I look forward to continuing to learn, add value, and serve with purpose during my ICTs.”