Should I Serve NS
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Read somewhere (even in LKY memoirs) that because of cultural and history, Indians/ Nepalese/ Sikhs (may wrong spelling) consider uniform profession relatively more respectful and honorable than Chinese. Traditionally, "soldier" in China is about unedcuated, farm boys, looters, disciplined criminals, etc. Remember the cantonese saying "Ho Zai Ng Dong Chai". Remembered when I wanted to sign on as a CNB inspector, my dad came into my room and gave me a long talk about why I should stay clear of uniform life.Originally posted by wuming78:no i dun noe. care to elaborate?
or r we getting off topic?
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hm ok. yah i heard of tt b4.Originally posted by Xprobe:Read somewhere (even in LKY memoirs) that because of cultural and history, Indians/ Nepalese/ Sikhs (may wrong spelling) consider uniform profession relatively more respectful and honorable than Chinese. Traditionally, "soldier" in China is about unedcuated, farm boys, looters, disciplined criminals, etc. Remember the cantonese saying "Ho Zai Ng Dong Chai". Remembered when I wanted to sign on as a CNB inspector, my dad came into my room and gave me a long talk about why I should stay clear of uniform life.
but in modern society, uniformed jobs are just as prestigious as any other professions, if not more. furthermore you will be providing a service to the nation. better than just being a money-spinner right? -
Glad your generation is turning around. But for my generation (30s) you can expect the facial expression when you tell someone you are a regular in the army. And you cant really say how "glam" your job is because it has to be a secret. So, the only cues you can give is your rank. Imagine, when you are in your 30s and you tell someone you are CPT and below, ha! They will think: "must be condemn one la". Noticed the difference when US soldiers wear their uniform everywhere, even when they go to a pub? Then think of the SAF guy. Cant bloody wait to peel the greens off and wear civilian when book out. There you have it.Originally posted by wuming78:hm ok. yah i heard of tt b4.
but in modern society, uniformed jobs are just as prestigious as any other professions, if not more. furthermore you will be providing a service to the nation. better than just being a money-spinner right? -
Xprobe your scenario sounds very tempting. I am going to really consider it. Now wonder what I should do about my GF of 6 years.... it may be hard. I don't think I can make it to OCS, I heard its very hard to get into. I am not tthat fit anymore. In fact cannot remember when I last went jogging.
Do you guys know who I can speak to at Mindef about this stuff. Someone who can help me make a decision?
Thx -
think saf has enhanced its image by quite alot over the years. and ppl's perception of a career wif them has improved alot, more likely than not due to ns and the scholarships they give and the image they portray.Originally posted by Xprobe:Then think of the SAF guy. Cant bloody wait to peel the greens off and wear civilian when book out. There you have it.
and youngsters nowadaes r quite receptive too. and contrary to wat u said, alot of ppl wear their no. 4 and walk around mah. o cos they inevitably break some rules here and there in the process. but well. tts the image tt they live and want ppl to see when they wear the uniform. -
if u r thinking of signing on, approach the SAF career centre at cmpb, or go to the mindef website, and locate the recruitment sites of the respectives services.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Xprobe your scenario sounds very tempting. I am going to really consider it. Now wonder what I should do about my GF of 6 years.... it may be hard. I don't think I can make it to OCS, I heard its very hard to get into. I am not tthat fit anymore. In fact cannot remember when I last went jogging.
Do you guys know who I can speak to at Mindef about this stuff. Someone who can help me make a decision?
Thx -
You in Singapore or not now? If in Singapore, just go to the Manpower base and ask to speak to a career conseulor or someone like that.
Visit the mindef website and check out the career literature. Remembered that they even have this interactive thing that tells you what vocation you are suitable for.
If not in Singapore, a bit difficult right now.
But keep your options open, if you sign on, dont have to be the ARMY, there is POLICE and CIVIL DEFENCE. I think Police is a bit more loose on working hours. But for the 1st yr, prepare to be restricted as you will be going thru courses at the various schools and academies.
Just make sure you can do 6 chinups and run 2.4km under 12 min. Can train one la. Then at BMT, you will get conditioned to do better whether you like it or not. -
Like I said, maybe your generation is better now. No more baggage. SAF will be glad to see their efforts finally paying off.Originally posted by wuming78:think saf has enhanced its image by quite alot over the years. and ppl's perception of a career wif them has improved alot, more likely than not due to ns and the scholarships they give and the image they portray.
and youngsters nowadaes r quite receptive too. and contrary to wat u said, alot of ppl wear their no. 4 and walk around mah. o cos they inevitably break some rules here and there in the process. but well. tts the image tt they live and want ppl to see when they wear the uniform. -
You gonna live for yourself or live for someone else? At this stage, it is a MAJOR change, no doubt about it. Hell, I cam empathize. I made a MAJOR change around 26-27. But well, no point sobbing about that because you were too young and had limited perspective of how to plan your life. But you must be DAMN SURE that this is what YOU want. Not a lot of "take twos" in life you know.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Xprobe your scenario sounds very tempting. I am going to really consider it. Now wonder what I should do about my GF of 6 years.... it may be hard. I don't think I can make it to OCS, I heard its very hard to get into. I am not tthat fit anymore. In fact cannot remember when I last went jogging.
Do you guys know who I can speak to at Mindef about this stuff. Someone who can help me make a decision?
Thx
One more thing, OCS is more mental than physical. Your metabolism is okay until you hit about 34 when you really feel the difference between what your mind wants to do and what you body can deliver. Stay can do it la. -
x 2Originally posted by Xprobe:You gonna live for yourself or live for someone else? At this stage, it is a MAJOR change, no doubt about it. Hell, I cam empathize. I made a MAJOR change around 26-27. But well, no point sobbing about that because you were too young and had limited perspective of how to plan your life. But you must be DAMN SURE that this is what YOU want. Not a lot of "take twos" in life you know.
One more thing, OCS is more mental than physical. Your metabolism is okay until you hit about 34 when you really feel the difference between what your mind wants to do and what you body can deliver. Stay can do it la.
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Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. -
dun think got part time.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running.
but mabbe 8-5. -
Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. This could either be the biggest mistake of my life or it could be the smartest thing I ever decide on doing but either way it will change my life forever... -
if the decision was made after serious consideration theres no need to fear the consequence - jus live it.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. This could either be the biggest mistake of my life or it could be the smartest thing I ever decide on doing but either way it will change my life forever... -
If it was any of you in my position what would be your decision? I am curious. Sometimes I get worried because it seems like a lot of people want to get out of singapore while people like me want to go back? Am I a minority?
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its best to find someone in ur position to comment.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:If it was any of you in my position what would be your decision? I am curious. Sometimes I get worried because it seems like a lot of people want to get out of singapore while people like me want to go back? Am I a minority?
for those of us here who r die-hard patriots, o cos we wud say choose to come back.
for those of us here who cant wait to dump this place and burn the pink ic, o cos we wud say u r mad.
our comments would be v much tainted by our personal experiences and context. -
Where got so good. This is the Spore gahmen we talking about. No part time police one la...just more chances for you to go home as police work dont really require stay in. Wah liao...you really out of touch man!Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. -
Dont have much on your circumstances so cannot really say but if I need a passport. I would go back and just tanhan it. If I dont need a passport + not a 1st class degree holder or scholar or high tech trained or engineer, I wouldnt even think about going back. I am in Shanghai now, and the only reason I am here is that I BELIEVE that I can make my own pot of gold here. I have already made up my mind to live here because I want to take part in its boom and get good returns in the process, to live and not just to stay alive. Essentially, I am Ah Beng in my heart and dont really care if the ppl around me are "Cheena" or not.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:If it was any of you in my position what would be your decision? I am curious. Sometimes I get worried because it seems like a lot of people want to get out of singapore while people like me want to go back? Am I a minority? -
Ask your dad to talk to a lawyer also to ENSURE that they dont charge you the minute you arrive. By the way, what type of document are you traveling on nowadays?Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. This could either be the biggest mistake of my life or it could be the smartest thing I ever decide on doing but either way it will change my life forever... -
err.. charge him for?Originally posted by Xprobe:Ask your dad to talk to a lawyer also to ENSURE that they dont charge you the minute you arrive. By the way, what type of document are you traveling on nowadays? -
Wah you are in China, I believe they will be a super power one day. I do have a degree and work experience plus I have Australian passport thats why I am considering but whether army care about that or not I don't know, sometimes it is the luck of the draw.
So how is China at the moment? I heard it is very happening? so not coming back to Singapore anymore? -
sorri...forgot he renounce, thought he jumped bailOriginally posted by wuming78:err.. charge him for? -
If you choose to server NS, you have no choice in your posting. The govt decide.Originally posted by NSMANorNOT:Thank you for your help guys, I have sent my father my mindef correspondance papers from last time and he will check if immigration will let me back first. He is also going to ask about police force so I can serve on part time basis after BMT. I have no idea what is he talking about nor do I know if there is such a thing as part time service.
I better get my chin ups to six and start running. This could either be the biggest mistake of my life or it could be the smartest thing I ever decide on doing but either way it will change my life forever...
If you want to sign on as career soldier, it's 6 years. But you can break the contract after 5 years. 2.5 years is only for NS. If you choose to sign on, you can choose your career path. Example, you apply to be an Air Force technician or a signal specialist with the Army. You need not indicate your choice up front. You can decide during your BMT. During your BMT, you'll be able to make a better choice.
I'm from IT as well. I know of ex-Army guys who sign on as signal specialists and subsequently became managers with Alcatel. So, it depends on what IT specialisation you're in.
Please remember that if you serve half way and decide to quit, you'll be treated as a deserter. You can forget about coming back to Singapore forever because you'll end up in jail. This is worse than you not serving NS in the first place.
Physical fitness: running is very important. Do it as often as you can. Run 5km regularly and you should be fine. -
Yeah I realise that I cannot select where I go after BMT. I will just have to wish for the best. I do 1st and 2nd level desktop support so it is not really anything special such as systems development. But I just don't want to become obsolete in the work force. Hope government can give me some good options.
5km..... wah that is a lot, Better start now eh.. -
just come back and serve your NS. many things can happen in 2.5 years.
the economy may boom. some old politician may die, the PAP may fall. the US might get nuked. whatever it is, things will happen. no point wasting grey matter pondering about things you cannot control.
rather, think of solutions should things turn bleak, if you can't secure a job in singapore after completing your 2.5 years, there's always the option of going back to australia for a job.
the world is big, don't restrict yourself.