My Pre-National Service thoughts
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Before i start typing down my thoughts and questions, i would like to salute all of the singaporean army regulars who use this forum and acknowledge their decision to work in the army with respect.
I am currently, a computer engineering diploma graduate with a PES grading of C1 L3. That means i am going through modified BMT but i would only be fit for operational duties at bases only and not for field duties or exercises.
After much deep thinking about National Service, i have come to conclude that it is not an easy obligatory National Duty to perform, yet i am a little keen on experiencing the lessons that the military world has to offer.
Right now, i would like to have a job in the army and one of my ambitions in the army is to become a sniper. I know by word that it is one of the toughest vocations in the army and that there is little room for error. I know that snipers have to be incredibly, responsibly decisive on the battlefield and to make the difference through accurate shooting and reconaissance to help out his buddies and commanding officers in warfare. I may not understand what do these men go through or feel in their training, but i only know that they are supremely professional.
What i want to know is, given my PES grading would it be difficult for me to get into some vocations that are challenging ? How do other recruits with the same PES grading like mine actually experience NS ? And finally, is it all worthwhile having to stay stalwart and to self scrutinize your every action that you do in NS, having to think of all the possible consequences for every action ?
Those are my questions and i would like to have answers as i might be going to the army soon. And who knows, i might want to join the army as a regular, because i believe it is a noble profession that is overlooked, perverted and misunderstood by many people in times like this. Thank you, for having to actually read my post and answer my questions. -
pes c = no combat vocation liao
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Perhaps, if my performance is good enough, my PES grading can be changed and i can go into a combat unit ?
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Haha,many pre-enlistees feel very garang before enlistment.Wanna go garang vocations such as guards,commando,sniper,diver etc and BE A MAN.
Many become disillusioned after they go in.When that happens,they think of all kind of excuses to downgrade.
Speaking from what I have seen so far...
Wonder whether you will become like this also...
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no PES grading is based on your medical condition.Originally posted by Puutan:Perhaps, if my performance is good enough, my PES grading can be changed and i can go into a combat unit ? -
i see the point that you're trying to drive home....... maybe i should allow the army to decide what vocation is best for me ?Originally posted by Marco_Simone:Haha,many pre-enlistees feel very garang before enlistment.Wanna go garang vocations such as guards,commando,sniper,diver etc and BE A MAN.
Many become disillusioned after they go in.When that happens,they think of all kind of excuses to downgrade.
Wonder whether you will become like this also...
hmmmm, maybe if i were to do something that is most suited to my abilities, i wouldnt feel so disillusioned so fast.
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This is the greatest illusion pre-enlistees have about NS(including me 8 years go)Originally posted by Puutan:hmmmm, maybe if i were to do something that is most suited to my abilities, i wouldnt feel so disillusioned so fast. -
Wow, i wonder what are the things about NS that would make one so disillusioned.....Originally posted by Marco_Simone:This is the greatest illusion pre-enlistees have about NS(including me 8 years go) -
You will find out slowly but surely.Originally posted by Puutan:Wow, i wonder what are the things about NS that would make one so disillusioned..... -
I guess i have to open my eyes and mind and to also stay prudent....Originally posted by Marco_Simone:You will find out slowly but surely. -
Alot of stuffs i.e Unreasonable treatment................Unfair treatment all those stuffs...............I have have seen 2 regular 2nd sgt who regret sign on and my ex PS (very good guy) ORD after his 7 yrs contract..........Originally posted by Puutan:Wow, i wonder what are the things about NS that would make one so disillusioned.....
Need to sign on must have a very strong passion for army......Not just think that sniper , cdo or any elites are hero or what......
Need to sign on must really think and think........... -
I guess not everyone in the army is as professional as they should be.Originally posted by MGGUN:Alot of stuffs i.e Unreasonable treatment................Unfair treatment all those stuffs...............I have have seen 2 regular 2nd sgt who regret sign on and my ex PS (very good guy) ORD after his 7 yrs contract..........
Need to sign on must have a very strong passion for army......Not just think that sniper , cdo or any elites are hero or what......
Need to sign on must really think and think........... -
A very good way to become disillusioned is to do duty every Sunday(not extras mind you). This happened to me.Originally posted by Puutan:Wow, i wonder what are the things about NS that would make one so disillusioned.....
During my time,no 5 day week,so book out on Sat afternoon,by the time reach home tired liao.Sleep a while wake up night liao.Think of Sun need to go back sian 1/2 dun feel like going out at night so stay at home. -
Sorry Marco, that must be tough....Originally posted by Marco_Simone:A very good way to become disillusioned is to do duty every Sunday(not extras mind you). This happened to me.
During my time,no 5 day week,so book out on Sat afternoon,by the time reach home tired liao.Sleep a while wake up night liao.Think of Sun need to go back sian 1/2 dun feel like going out at night so stay at home. -
Get MC every week lah to rest , the next week chiong
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u'll never know whether a military career is suitable for u or not unless u have been through it. i sugguest u go through BMT first to get a taste of a regimental lifestyle before making any decisions.
furthermore, SAF only offer contracts for PES A/B personels. therefore the 1st step is to get your PES upgraded if u ae really indeed interested.
mind telling your medical condition that got u your PESC? -
ok looks like i have to get my PES grading upgraded to at least B. and thanks to everyone for their experiences and their advice !Originally posted by Gordonator:u'll never know whether a military career is suitable for u or not unless u have been through it. i sugguest u go through BMT first to get a taste of a regimental lifestyle before making any decisions.
furthermore, SAF only offer contracts for PES A/B personels. therefore the 1st step is to get your PES upgraded if u ae really indeed interested.
mind telling your medical condition that got u your PESC? -
ask urself if u are willing to take up responsbilities. Coz, no matter in what vocation u are in, there are a million and one things to be done, and the shit work will always come, no matter the time of day. Most cannot take it, that's why sign on liao, wish for the contract to end A.S.A.P
And also, for the slightest mistakes, u can be charged, confined for the weekend, or whatever shit they come up with these days. It is all in the mind, and most can't bear the thought of being punished or the fact that they can't go home on weekends make them depressed. If u have a strong willpower and determination, u should be able to make it in the SAF. -
those tv commercials u see on TV and posters u see at bus stops, might differ from the real thing. what u see is the garang side, then there's always the other side.
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my advice
- Go BMT first and see if this is what u want
- think about the repercussion of upgrading your PES status... you might not be able to take the rigorous training if your body not up to it
- And even if you sign on, you cannot choose to go to vocation like sniper or what.. they'll assess and post you to whichever you are suitable -
The world is indeed unfair. I am grateful to the SAF in givng me my first exposure to this cruel world. I have seen white horse, and their treatment are indeed better than us. Most of them landed themselves in vocation that does not require guard duties even if they are Pes B. I had my 6 days of my off taken away by an army regular because they say OFF is a prilveage and they can take it anytime they want. Then what is the point in earning OFFs. Even when i ORD, the army are so nice to me calling me TWO months after i ORD for two MOB sessions. I was doing a HOURLY Pay job at that time and my boss will not pay me back hourly and he said it is my fault i am a combatant with the army. LONG LIVE THE SAF, THANKS [/b]
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So complain to CASE for false advertising?Originally posted by Gordonator:those tv commercials u see on TV and posters u see at bus stops, might differ from the real thing. what u see is the garang side, then there's always the other side. -
Originally posted by thickskin23:
What is ur vocation?
The world is indeed unfair. I am grateful to the SAF in givng me my first exposure to this cruel world. I have seen white horse, and their treatment are indeed better than us. Most of them landed themselves in vocation that does not require guard duties even if they are Pes B. I had my 6 days of my off taken away by an army regular because they say OFF is a prilveage and they can take it anytime they want. Then what is the point in earning OFFs. Even when i ORD, the army are so nice to me calling me TWO months after i ORD for two MOB sessions. I was doing a HOURLY Pay job at that time and my boss will not pay me back hourly and he said it is my fault i am a combatant with the army. LONG LIVE THE SAF, THANKS [/b] -
tis is so trueOriginally posted by Marco_Simone:Haha,many pre-enlistees feel very garang before enlistment.Wanna go garang vocations such as guards,commando,sniper,diver etc and BE A MAN.
Many become disillusioned after they go in.When that happens,they think of all kind of excuses to downgrade.
Speaking from what I have seen so far...
Wonder whether you will become like this also... -
Yea army is good if everyone is professional in the work and attitude. Everyone in the NS is running things in order, the leadership are those who are really qualified. But in reality, things are far from it...
Often management are crap, things isn't professional. Most people is unwilling and uncommitted. Army is nothing come close to professional. Some people can be quite childish with a rank. I was thinking army is fun too before I went in and realised the real truth. Admit there are good leadership too but not all are so in this peaceful island of Singapore. Things is different. Unlike the US army where eveyone is professional soldiers who are signed on. Therefore at least most people are commited and does it like a job, or Israel everyone does NS because the threats of national security are very real. Singapore everyone does it like slavery deferring our career oppotunities.