GOING THE EXTRA MILE

No longer the domain of the 'xiao on' (over-enthusiastic) soldier, 'going the extra mile' seems to be a growing trend for Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). This is especially so for three NSFs who are involved in this year's National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations.

They hail from different units, have different backgrounds and are of different ranks, but one shared trait they possess is the pride that they take in not only doing their job, but doing it well, over and above what is expected of them.

An example of pride in dedication comes from LTA Ernest Chan (right), the Assistant Deputy of the Organising Secretariat, NDP 2006.

LTA Chan was a Platoon Commander at the Basic Military Training Centre until he disrupted from National Service (NS) in 2001 to further his studies overseas.

After resuming his service in January this year, LTA Chan had only six months left to serve in his current role before his Operationally-Ready Date (ORD) in July.

Not content with having to leave before NDP 2006 could even be previewed, LTA Chan volunteered to extend his ORD by about two months.

"The project means a lot to me, and I did not want to leave in the midst of it. I wanted to see it through, all the way till the end," explained LTA Chan.

LTA Chan cited "passion" in carrying out his role as one of the factors that motivated him to extend his ORD. Some people had surprisingly less 'passionate' feelings in their reaction to the news about his extension.

LTA Chan said: "Some of my friends did ask me why I extended my ORD as they were under the impression that no one does it. I just told them that I was passionate about what I was doing, and would not have much of a sense of achievement if I left the project halfway, as compared to staying until its fruition."

As much as LTA Chan could have chosen not to extend his ORD, he could have also chosen not to serve at all. Although he was born in Singapore, he spent the majority of his youth overseas.

However, LTA Chan proudly declared: "It would have been easy to forfeit my citizenship, but I love Singapore and my roots are here. So whatever I do as part of my NS is because I owe this to my country."

Similarly, 3SG Tan Zeyi (above), a Signals Specialist with the 8th Signal Battalion, also takes a patriotic stance when it comes to matters dealing with service to our nation.

When the opportunity arose, he immediately volunteered to be part of the marching contingent representing the Signals Formation during NDP 2006.

Said 3SG Tan: "I was keen to participate in this significant national event because I never had the chance to do so previously."

This is because 3SG Tan is a former Singapore Schools athlete who was actively involved in the discus and javelin events as a schoolboy. He even donned national colours during track and field meets held at the National Stadium.

Interestingly enough, this is also why 3SG Tan did not hesitate in deciding to participate in NDP 2006.

As this is the last time that the NDP will be held at the National Stadium, the event is doubly significant for 3SG Tan, who holds a special place in his heart for the grand dame of Singapore s sports scene.

"I spent quite a number of my formative years here, so I developed a strong sense of attachment to the National Stadium. I guess that this is my way of bidding farewell to a place that I have fond memories of," revealed 3SG Tan.

Like LTA Chan, 3SG Tan also has a passion for his role that he displays as proudly as his patriotism. Training for marching during NDP 2006 is tough, 3SG Tan shared, as rigorous as training for track and field events used to be.

"But it is a small sacrifice for a great cause, as I love my country a lot," said 3SG Tan.

3SG Tan also shrugged off suggestions that NDP training would cause him to neglect his military duties, as he felt that most, if not, all soldiers in the SAF "have been well-trained for our role in combat and we know what to do when the time comes".

Since this is 3SG Tan's first time participating in the event, he considers it "quite special, as it is a national event that every Singaporean cannot miss".
Agreeing wholeheartedly is CPL Cheng Zhenghui (right), the Webmaster for the NDP 2006 Website. In contrast with 3SG Tan, CPL Cheng is no stranger to participating in NDP, but the latter is no less excited.

"I was involved in helping to create the security access pass database for NDP 2005, so when I was asked if I was interested in taking on this role, I agreed at once," said CPL Cheng.

The positive experience that CPL Cheng took away last year was a strong motivator for his decision to step up once more, as he added: "I know how great the sense of achievement can be after the event is over, and I want the chance to relive the moment."

CPL Cheng was in the top 10 percent of his cohort in school where he graduated with a Diploma in Info-Communications, so it came as no surprise when he said: "It is a win/win situation, as I can put my skills to good use and help contribute to the nation at the same time."

Maybe 'skills' is an understatement, for the Regimental Policeman with Headquarters Guards impressed one of the sponsors for NDP 2006 with his talent so much that they have offered him a job with their company after he completes his NS.

However, CPL Cheng turned down the offer, as his priority is to further his studies before he starts working.

Clearly, these young men are dedicated to what they do, and believe in giving as much as they can in support of the nation. But do these three gentlemen see themselves as role models for other NSFs to emulate?

3SG Tan smiled and replied: "Well, my friends think that what I am doing is tough, but I hope to influence others not to be scared to do the same."

Perhaps LTA Chan summed it up best when he said: "There still is a minority of Singaporeans who see NS as an obstacle. But I think that if you have the passion, nothing will ever pose an obstacle to you."