MY FATHER, MY ROLE MODEL

Over the years, National Service (NS) has bonded not just those of the same generation, but also fathers and sons like Officer Cadet (OCT) Christopher Tan and his father Colonel (COL) (Vol) Andy Tan.

"Seeing Singapore again, it's a great place to live. To preserve its freedom, ours we must give."
The closing stanza in OCT Tan's poem Fighting For My Loved Ones captures the essence of what NS means to him.
"It's a labour of love for my family, my friends and my country," said the 21-year-old.

Enlisted in November last year, OCT Tan wrote the poem after reflecting on his Basic Military Training (BMT) experience.

To him, it was a period when his physical limits were stretched and his mental strength put to the test. He saw writing not only as an outlet to relieve stress, but a form of motivation as well.

"The poem ends on a positive note and reminds me that it is worthwhile protecting Singapore and my loved ones, who bless me with such a carefree and comfortable life."

Raised in a close-knit family of six, OCT Tan shared the poem with his parents. COL (Vol) Tan recalled how he and his wife, Susan, felt after reading their son's work: "Every beginning is difficult, as is BMT. So we were pleased that Christopher was coping well, and that he feels proud defending Singapore."

Added Mrs Tan: "My main worry was how well he would be able to adapt to the harsh training upon enlistment, but after the initial confinement was over, I knew he could take the heat because he was still upbeat about his experience and had so much to share with me... He had this new-found strength and eagerness in him."

In Dad's footsteps

Like most fathers, the 52-year-old General Manager of the Singapore Youth Flying Club prepared his son for NS through conventional yet practical ways - giving pep talks, sharing perspectives and exercising together.

Were the tips useful? OCT Tan nodded with a smile. Drawing on his father's experiences, he said he had a feel of what BMT was going to be like before he enlisted. "Even though I didn't manage to fully prepare for the intensity of the training, I did brace myself mentally for the hardships ahead."

Aviation enthusiast, OCT Tan aspires to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was a fighter pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for 29 years.

OCT Tan attributes his ambition to join the Air Force to his desire to soar in the skies as well as his father's perseverance and dedication as an RSAF pilot. "My father's career was demanding as it required him to be away from home for training and missions for extended periods of time. But he remained dedicated to his job and was always there for the family whenever we needed him," explained OCT Tan, his eyes glinting with pride.

Giving back to the country

Although COL (Vol) Tan retired from the Air Force five years ago, he continues to contribute to Singapore's defence as Commander of Changi Air Base. "The Air Force has imparted numerous skills to me, such as leadership and management. Volunteering is my way of giving back to the Air Force and my country."

OCT Tan, who is undergoing pilot training, is the oldest child and has three siblings - Jeremy, Sara and John-David - aged 19, 14 and 12. Every now and then, he relates his NS stories to Jeremy, who enlisted in May this year.

"Having gone through BMT, I feel there is a need to take away the fears and apprehension that most people have before they start serving NS. It's true that it's tough, but if you have the right attitude and are willing to learn, you'll do just fine."

10 minutes with father & son

PNR: What were the most memorable moments during your NS?

OCT Tan: The little acts of kindness that were really heart-warming - the way we always helped each other polish boots and fill up water bottles; the way we supported each other in training and how we forgave each other's mistakes, no matter how bad the punishment for it was.

COL (Vol) Tan: During my BMT, my platoon commander challenged us to beat his timing for the 5km run in Skeletal Battle Order (which has since been replaced with the Load Bearing Vest). The reward was a day off for those who succeeded. During BMT, days off were hard to come by, so I ran with all my might and achieved my best timing ever - 10 seconds faster than his timing of 22m:30s. That's when I realised that with determination, any goal can be accomplished.

Have you grown closer after NS?

OCT Tan: It has definitely brought us closer, because it's another common topic we can talk about. Nowadays, I relate to my father's military experiences better as I've gone through a part of it. I've learnt more about his views towards serious issues like national defence and having a military career.

COL (Vol) Tan: What my son shared with me reinforces my thinking that NS does have a big impact on moulding the character of a person very positively. I'm quite happy that we both went through similar tough training - it strengthens our characters and our perseverance to succeed in whatever we do.

"With the right attitude, you will persevere to do whatever that's needed to sharpen your ability. Without it, you cannot put your skills and talents to good use."
- OCT Tan on what he learnt in NS