WHY WE VOLUNTEER

They came, they saw, they conquered. Or rather, they saw the recruitment call, they came forward, and they conquered their limitations. The very first batch of Volunteer Corps trainees enlists in the SAF.

The green flag goes up, and they are off.

As the menacing sounds of bomb sirens and hostile aircraft fill the air, they force their way through tunnels and into bomb-blasted rooms. The mid-day sun is unrelenting, but they are as defiant.

Though their technique is imperfect, their grit and determination are undeniable. They throw their tired bodies onto dusty dirt paths, against walls and into muddy ditches. Their only goal: to take down the enemy awaiting at the end of the Battle Inoculation Course (BIC).

These are the trainees of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC).

Stepping up to the part

It was a momentous day for 68 volunteers as they passed through the gates of Maju Camp into the SAFVC Headquarters (HQ) on 24 Mar.

In the presence of their families and loved ones, they took their oath of allegiance and enlisted as the very first batch of volunteers who were about to begin their two-week Basic Training.

These men and women, who came from all walks of life, were now coming together for a common cause - to play their part in defending the nation and to learn more about National Service (NS).

Since the SAFVC was officially launched in October last year, more than 1,000 eager Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs), who are non-NS liable, have submitted their applications. After a five-month process that included face-to-face interviews and medical screenings, about 250 were eventually selected to form the 2015 cohort.

"My first concern is that people with the right motivations come to serve. And I believe we've selected the right people," said Commander SAFVC Colonel (COL) Mike Tan of the shortlisted volunteers. These included a Singaporean woman who came from a family of sisters and wanted to play her part in defending the nation like her father had, as well as a New Citizen junior college teacher who wanted to understand better what his male students would be undergoing in NS.

Progressive and safe training

Apart from a diverse cultural background, the age and fitness levels of the SAFVC Volunteers (SVs) were vastly different, with ages ranging from 18 to 45 at application. Hence, a brand-new training programme had to be designed to ensure that the SVs would be adequately and yet safely trained.

Major (MAJ) Lee Peh Gee, Officer Commanding of the Basic Training Wing, explained that the programme was designed to be progressive, engaging and safe while allowing the SVs to gain insights into military life and "better appreciate what it means to contribute to national defence".

The Basic Training comprises five milestones: learning and appreciating the military ethos, weapons presentation, Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21 handling, field camp and BIC.

My rifle and me

The first and most important step to becoming part of the military is receiving one's rifle. And as the sun set on their first day as trainees, the SVs were presented with their SAR 21s at the Kranji War Memorial.

Holding on to her rifle for the first time, SV Trainee [SV(T)] Khadijah Abdul Rahim said: "I feel a lot of responsibility. It's really that precious."

For SV(T) Alex Voss, who observes Remembrance Day every year on 11 Nov at Kranji War Memorial, "being given our rifles here was very meaningful for me". The Briton has been upholding the tradition commemorating the end of World War I since his Boy Scout days.

With a tight training schedule and live firing barely three days away, time was of the essence.

The very next day, the SVs got down to rifle training and learning the ins and outs of their new "life partners".

Huddled close together in the training shed, the SVs listened attentively as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Basic Military Training Centre demonstrated the finer points of stripping the SAR 21, loading and unloading rounds and Immediate Action drills.

Many SVs took to rifle handling easily, and were soon pitting themselves against their section mates to see who could strip and assemble their rifles in the best time. But for others, the confusion was written clearly on their faces.

"There's a lot to learning how to use it. We were a bit confused about the drills because of the various steps and parts. Moreover, we didn't have prior knowledge of rifle handling," said SV(T) Kadijah.

Even for SV(T) Vidyadhar Padmakar Mali, who had previously handled firearms as a student in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in India, using the SAR 21 was a new experience: "The discipline and safety practices required in possessing a weapon are not new to me, but this is a semi-automatic and more complicated. It took me some time to get used to the parts."

But they quickly gathered around the SMEs and instructors to clarify their uncertainties.

"Every single one of them is eager to learn. I'm happy and pleasantly surprised to see that they are so siao on (enthusiastic)!" exclaimed Staff Sergeant (SSG) Md Faris bin Md Dawood, SME Team Overall In-Charge.

Going live

As live-firing day approached, the atmosphere at the range was a mix of nervousness and excitement. This would be the first time many of them would be firing live rounds.

Awaiting their turns, the female SVs began to display the strong solidarity they had forged over the last four days.

In their small groups they went over the drills they had been taught, reminding each other of oft-overlooked steps. Cheers of "you can do it!" also flowed freely whenever a detail got up to enter the firing arena.

Following the commands issued, the SVs took their firing positions, repeating the steps they had rehearsed with their instructors, their buddies, and in their heads. There was no hint of hesitation. And the hard work paid off.

"I cannot explain the adrenaline rush!" SV(T) Khadijah gushed after her time at the range. "Holding and firing the rifle felt very good. As a woman, I feel very empowered."

SV(T) Chi Meina agreed: "It was very exciting - the smell and the sound. In the movies, it always looks easy, but the SAR 21 is quite heavy to manoeuvre, especially while wearing the uniform and ILBV (Integrated Load Bearing Vest)."

Even SV(T) Voss, who had used a single-shot rifle before, was impressed by the experience: "I've never had anything this high-powered in my hands."

As a Security Trooper, rifle handling would be an essential part of his role.

Was he becoming more comfortable with the weapon now? "They're not letting me do security patrols with my 'girlfriend' just yet, but I'm certainly gaining more confidence handling the rifle," he replied in his typical self-deprecating humour.

Surviving outfield

If the SVs had thought that rifle handling was difficult, up next was their toughest challenge yet: going through a three-day field camp in Pulau Tekong.

The first order of the day was to set up camp. After pitching their bashas, the SVs were set to work on their most back-breaking task to date - digging shellscrapes. Working two to a shellscrape, they laboured with their buddies.

Each SV faced different challenges completing the shellscrape: Some, like SV(T) Khadijah, found the repetitive nature of the digging mentally draining, while others, like SV(T) Mali, felt that the physical aspect was the toughest.

"Mentally, I'm still fresh; but we're not too young or physically strong, so it's challenging," he said, resigned to the fact that he had been given a root-covered plot which made digging harder.

Nonetheless, he remained positive: "You have to know this because it's essential in a war situation."

The SVs also had to get used to roughing it out in the great outdoors. This included powder baths in place of hot showers, hole-in-the-ground latrines instead of comfortable toilets, and of course, field rations.

"Most of us 'enjoyed' the field rations, it was better than what we got at camp!" joked SV(T) Voss after eating them as a staple for three days, eliciting boisterous laughter from his buddy nearby.

SV(T) Khadijah was unfazed: "I think it's okay lah, still got taste. What were you expecting, hotel buffet? No lah. It's meant for survival."

Getting ready for battle (inoculation)

To prepare for the BIC awaiting them at the end of the field camp, the SVs also had to spend their day practising drills for fire-and-movement and urban operations.

Learning to leopard-crawl and take cover was taking its toll on the beaten bodies of some SVs, and the muddy ground from the downpour the day before did them no favours. But they remained in top form, swiftly reacting to commands and directions that were being shouted from all sides.

SV(T) Mali believed that the training was important: "It was intense but not overwhelming. In the field, you don't have much time to think. All the drills have to be ingrained in your mind."

And for those looking forward to a good night's sleep after a long day of training, bed was a groundsheet on soggy rain-soaked soil. With sleep disrupted by hour-long sentry duties, one would expect the SVs to be pushed to their limits.

However, they rose to the challenge and found strength in the positives of the experience.

"The first night was the best sleep I'd had in two weeks," SV(T) Mali said, smiling. "We were so tired we just knocked out until morning. The temperature was cool and we didn't mind the surroundings."

SV(T) Chi agreed: "I slept very well. It's very good that you can see the moon and stars and hear the sounds of nature."

Even though they did not realise it, their positivity was rubbing off on their commanders and instructors. SSG Jess Ong, Section Commander of Platoon 2 Section 1, attested to their enthusiasm: "They have an energy that keeps them going. Even after completing very tiring tasks, they can still move around with smiles on their faces. It's very encouraging to the trainers too."

What exactly was keeping them going? SV(T) Chi summed it up perfectly with her answer: "I chose to come here and do this, so I need to finish it. And I will finish it."

"It's not just about understanding what our boys do, but respecting NSmen and NSFs for going through all this to protect the land." - SV(T) Khadijah reflecting on her experience

Becoming a part of the SAF family

With general-purpose machine guns blasting overhead, the SVs fired their last shots at their targets and made the final dash to the BIC finish line.

This time, it was the guys who finally revealed the brotherhood they had built up over the last eight days. There were manly hugs and high-fives for everyone as they filed out of the BIC arena, elated smiles and whoops of "we did it!" punctuated by exhausted panting.

The female SVs, though no less joyous about completing the BIC, were busy catching their breaths.

"I'm very proud of every single one of them," said MAJ Lee, who, together with the section and platoon commanders, had been with them every step of the way. "I'm very touched to see them step up, contribute, and make suggestions to improve things. They have a sense of pride and ownership in wanting to make the SAFVC a force to be reckoned with."

As the field camp and two-week Basic Training drew to a close, the SVs were in a reflective mood. "It's not just about understanding what our boys do, but respecting NSmen (Operationally Ready National Servicemen) and NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen) for going through all this to protect the land," said SV(T) Khadijah.

"I can now give my son a few pointers about what to expect and how to prepare for NS physically and mentally," added SV(T) Mali, who hopes that his experience will inspire his 16-year-old son when it is the youngster's time to serve NS.

On the pier of Pulau Tekong, the SVs stood facing Singapore island, the home they had sworn to protect. Sixty-five eventually completed their Basic Training course, and were finally receiving their formation patches, symbolising that they could now be called upon to play their part in defending the nation.

Putting the formation patches on their uniforms, COL Tan told each one: "You are now formally a member of the SAF Volunteer Corps. Make us proud."

And with a firm pat on the shoulder, they were sent on their way - the newest members of the SAF family.

The All-Singaporean Girl

It was being away that made SV(T) Khadijah realise the meaning of home. "I was doing my degree overseas for a year and really missed home, so coming back was a big deal to me," said the Senior Occupational Therapist at Bright Vision Hospital. Engaged to an NSman who is an infantry officer, SV(T) Khadijah is excited to be a part of the brand-new Volunteer Corps. "The (introduction of the) SAFVC is a very exciting thing for Singapore. I'll be able to concentrate on my career while still contributing to the country's defence. I'm happy to step up and do my part for the community."

The Model Dad

SV(T) Mali came to Singapore more than 14 years ago, and is happy to call it home now. The Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital was also keen to learn about national defence: "I want to know what it is to be Singaporean and why people always talk about NS." However, there was also a very personal reason he signed up with the SAFVC: he hopes to be an inspiration to his son. "My son is 16, and we've always brought him up to know that he has to serve NS. And my undergoing the training ahead of him will give him a positive outlook."

The Grateful Mum

As a System Architect in Thales, Singapore, SV(T) Chi's work in avionics gave her an interest in the SAF. "I'm grateful for my life here and I want to contribute to society. I heard that the SAFVC was recruiting and thought this was a very good opportunity for me to understand how the Army works." Home is in Pasir Ris, where her daughters, aged three and six, get a good view of recruits preparing to book in. "Every Sunday, the soldiers gather at the interchange. My daughter used to ask me why they're wearing the uniform and what they are doing. Now, I can explain to her better."

The Grown-up Boy Scout

At 46, SV(T) Voss, a Chief Surveyor in Alstom Transport, is one of the oldest trainees in the batch. He signed up as soon as he saw the recruitment notice,barely meeting the maximum age of 45 last year. Often poking fun at hisage, he joked that "for a 40-something-year-old, getting up and down is the hardest part of the training". However, the former Boy Scout with a strong sense of duty remains deeply passionate about national defence: "It's not a matter of 'why', but 'why not'. It's my city too, why would I not be prepared to defend it?"

Stepping up to serve

3rd Warrant Officer Herbert Jeremy grouping the platoon into sections and sorting us out into our bunks.

The first intake of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) enlisted on 24 Mar. Infomedia Volunteer Sheena Tan shares her experience during Basic Training as part of the SAFVC's pioneer batch.

Enlistment day came with a mixed bag of emotions: jitters at the thought of meeting new people, anxiety about not being able to cope with the training, anticipation of a new experience. And relief that I got to keep my hair. Phew.

The oath of allegiance marked the start of our training, and we recited it amid national mourning, as Singapore was still reeling from the demise of our former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a day earlier. His passing made us more inspired to contribute to this country in our own little ways.

Army 101

During the two-week Basic Training, we quickly got acquainted with the Army. On the first day, we visited locations related to Singapore's World War II history and were presented with our Singapore Assault Rifle 21 at Kranji War Memorial. We were reminded of the men and women who paid the ultimate price while defending Singapore, and with the rifle in our hands, we felt the weight of this responsibility.

"The rifle is your husband (or wife). It will protect you, and you must never leave it behind," we were told.

Days into this "marriage", the bruises on the forearms of many female volunteers suggested this to be an "abusive" relationship.

But those "birthmarks" gave us a sense of commonality.

We appreciated the early morning five basic exercises, cadence runs and circuit training that woke us up more effectively than coffee. We were familiarised with the Standard Obstacle Course, which triggered fears in us that we never knew existed.

We also picked up Army lingo. I've learnt that the order to fall-in in 10 minutes really means being ready in five. And "Where's your weapon?" isn't a query about the location of your rifle, but an indirect way of saying "You had the nerve to leave your rifle behind?! Knock it down now!"

Roughing it out

Live firing was an eye-opener for many who had previously only handled Nerf guns. It was a multi-sensory experience - the deafening gunshots, the smell of gunpowder, the sight of flying cartridges, and the feel of the blast wave on my cheeks. Each hit on the target made me appreciate the "husband" more.

Field camp at Pulau Tekong showed me the limits of my tolerance. My small frame nearly crumbled under the weight of the field pack and Load Bearing Vest, but I managed somehow.

Digging a shellscrape at a site full of roots was frustrating, leopard-crawling through soil, mud and possibly waste was unpleasant, and the Battle Inoculation Course was absolutely draining. But it felt extremely rewarding when I successfully completed everything.

What I found most uncomfortable was being drenched in the rain, and wearing that damp and dirty uniform for two days. Funny how it rained every day we were outfield, but all other days were scorching hot.

Hindsight

Our Basic Training may have been two short weeks, but what I took away from it had enduring impact. The discomfort of being drenched outfield made me introspective. Sleepless under the basha in the dead of night, I learnt not to allow my dis