LITTLE THINGS, BIG STORIES

Exercises make for great In-Camp Training (ICT) memories, but the late-night chats out in the field are often the real gems. These are the stories that 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Lucas Ho wants to tell.

Imagine finding a $50 note on the ground. Or nicking your brand-new shoes. It's the best (or worst) thing to happen to you all week, and you can't wait to tell someone. But then you wonder, does anyone really care?

Playwright 3SG (NS) Ho does. "Our daily lives are so rich. There's so much we go through -- little bursts of joy or tiny tragedies -- that can set you back for a week. And I enjoy picking apart human interactions. It shows us a lot about who we are."

The 31-year-old Associate Artist with Checkpoint Theatre definitely cares about the little things. It is, after all, this writer's shoes he has noticed.

His excitable yet earnest and self-deprecating manner of speaking easily makes everyone feel like a part of the conversation.

The NSman's story

Another thing that 3SG (NS) Ho cares deeply about is telling the stories of ICT, or reservist, as it remains casually and affectionately known.

"It's something you go back for every year. And they make you do the same things you did when you were 18 even though you're physically not able to anymore," he joked. "But more importantly, you watch your army mates evolve over this huge period of time. Nothing else gives you this experience."

The Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman), who served as a Bronco vehicle commander in Headquarters Armour, revealed that he had always wanted to write a play about ICT after noticing that it receives less attention than full-time National Service (NS).

The opportunity finally came in 2015. After two years and countless drafts, his ICT story is finally coming to life in July as FRAGO. Set in an armoured infantry battalion, it centres on NSmen undergoing their second-stage Army Training Evaluation Centre, or ATEC, training during their seventh ICT.

And in case you're wondering, FRAGO (short for "fragmentary order") is pronounced "frag-o". It refers to the new operations order that is issued over a previous mission order, and can change a unit's course.

"ICT feels like a FRAGO," said 3SG (NS) Ho, who is married with a 10-month-old daughter.

Nonetheless, he admits that he has grown to appreciate ICT.

"It's also a mandated male bonding session," he said half in jest. "ICT gives men the opportunity to relive (their army days), reconnect and remind themselves that, hey, we did something great together.

"It's also gratifying to be able to handle the weapons and manoeuvre the vehicles again."

Strong Army women

3SG (NS) Ho cares just as much about the women who are involved in NS. This manifests itself very uniquely in the play -- a female warrant officer character. And she may be inspired by a certain former National Day Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).

"Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Jennifer Tan, she's a celebrity!" he gushed. When he was a Full-Time National Serviceman in 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (42 SAR), he had worked with MWO Tan, who was the Company Sergeant Major in the next company.

"The interesting thing (for me) is that at every stage of my NS, there was always a woman," he said thoughtfully.

"When I did BMT (Basic Military Training), there was a female recruit who did more pull-ups than I could. We had a female instructor who was a parachute rigger from the Commandos unit. In 42 SAR, there was MWO Jennifer."

"Their unwavering commitment to duty is all the more impressive because they chose to build a career within an overtly masculine environment," he added.

Learning to take command

Although 3SG (NS) Ho's NS experience had its ups and downs, there is one lesson he holds dear. "Being a vehicle commander has taught me to be confident. Drills are important; getting your act together is important. Once you've done that, know that you have the skills and just do it. Because if you think you're going to fail, then everything will fall apart."

He added: "As a playwright, there are days you don't know if what you're writing is going to work. But then you remind yourself, 'I've spent time mastering this, I just need to see it through.'"

While writing FRAGO, he attended his last ICT with his unit in October 2016, when he witnessed the unit's Ministry of Defence Reserve parade (he has one final ICT to complete).

"It was overwhelming because it was the last time we were all together for a singular purpose. This journey started for me in 2003, and it finally ended in 2016. You get a bit emotional."

And even though the play isn't autobiographical, he did find himself noting his army mates' mannerisms. "Maybe they'll see themselves in it or maybe they won't," he said coyly.

If they do, then it must feel like finding a $50 note.