DOING YOUR BEST IN NS

What makes two years of National Service (NS) a meaningful experience? A positive mindset and the perseverance to constantly strive for excellence.

"Give your best. It might be a cliche, but in retrospect, I can firmly say that you gain as much out of NS as you put in. If you go in with an open mind and heart, and try to learn as much as possible, you'll gain more than you initially expect," said 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Khairul Rusydi.

The Automotive Technician Specialist from 3rd Army Maintenance Base was one of 70 recipients of the inaugural NSF (Full-time National Servicemen) of the Year Award.

An initiative put forth by the Fifth Committee to Recognise the Contribution of Operationally Ready National Servicemen to Total Defence or RECORD V in September 2009, this award was introduced to recognise NSFs who have made significant contributions beyond the call of duty and demonstrated strong commitment to the defence of Singapore.

3SG Khairul chose to extend his Operationally Ready Date (ORD) by about one and a half months to work on a Work Improvement Team (WIT) project, which was aimed at increasing efficiency by streamlining information-sharing processes between the workshops, depot and headquarters.

"There are a lot of transferable skills that you can learn and hone during NS which you can apply later in the civilian world, like planning and interpersonal relationship skills," he added. "I think it's important that you take the initiative and learn as much as possible."

Echoing the same sentiments was fellow award-winner 3SG Tan Biing Yih, who felt that while it was a challenge adapting to the life of a soldier in the beginning, it was a time to grow and mature. He said: "NS helped me to become more outspoken and confident when leading others and making decisions on the ground."

Currently a Basic Trainer in the Military Police Training School, he shared that the camaraderie and close bonds with his peers and superiors made him look forward to going to work.

For 2nd Lieutenant Vincent Lim, who served as a Watch Controller in the Operations Group of the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), his initial view of NS was that it was just a two year liability.

"But after going through the tough training at the Officer Cadet School, I got more insight into the importance of NS," he said.

"And when I was posted to MSTF where we handle real-time operations taking care of the day-to-day security of the Straits, you learn that the risks and threats are real, so you know your task is very important to the defence of the country."

Another winner, 3SG Madhanesh s/o Kunasegaran, an Infantry Leader from the Sembawang Air Base Field Defence Squadron, felt that clinching the accolade was a huge moment in his NS life.

"NS has taught me to do my best in everything. There are many other people who have put in a lot of effort, so I'm very honoured to get this award and it's a great form of recognition for serving the nation," he said.