Dylan was one of them who received the pink reminder cards for NS enlistment. On 28 March 1983 it was the day when he had to report to the Central Manpower Base at Dempsey Road for enlistment. This marked his beginning in serving National Service.
Upon registration, Dylan had to be transported on 3-tonners from one place to another to collect his uniforms and other issued equipment.
After collection, all recruits boarded the Ramp-powered Launch (RPL) which chugged towards Pulau Tekong. The whole journey under the scorching sun took about forty-five minutes before it reached Pulau Tekong. Dylan marched with other recruits back to their barracks.
Dylan then put on his army uniform which reminded him of his responsibilities towards national defence. It was the transition for him to change from fresh-faced teenager to combat-ready fit soldier. National Service was also the period to establish self and mutual respect for each other, working towards cohesion and unity. He was posted to Bravo Company Platoon 18.
Life in Pulau Tekong wasn’t comfortable at all. Every recruit was only given a wooden cupboard and a single bed. Dylan had to share a common bathroom, where he bathed with whole platoon. Pulau Tekong was well known for being haunted.
Dylan’s first training was to undergo a standard Basic Military Training (BMT) at the Basic Military Training Centre. BMT taught him basic soldiering skills, which include weapon handling, individual field craft, bayonet fighting, etc to ensure survivability in the battlefield.
Apart from the basic training in military skills, Physical Training (PT) lessons are also conducted to build up the soldiers' physique and stamina, to instill a firm sense of discipline and teamwork amongst the soldiers.
After Dylan completed his BMT, he was posted to Bravo Company in Officer Cadet School, for his Infantry Officer Cadet Course (IOCC). It was a very challenging period, both physically and psychologically, as the cadets was pushed to their limits by the high demanding instructors. Rewards for good performance were always the main reason for intense competition between Delta and Bravo Companies.
Soon two years passed by, Dylan completed his National Service with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He then proceeded on to earn a living by being a general manager in an office. However, for the next 10 years he was still required to report back to army camp to continue his training. He is a Reservists, also known as Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). He is suitable for deployment in defending Singapore at wars.
At the main entrance of Central Manpower Base, there is always a tall standing statue of NS mobilisation symbol. The symbol depicts a soldier in an "On-Guard" posture, symbolising the Operational Readiness of our NSmen to serve the country should the need arises.
At times, the symbol can also be seen on national television, flashed with a set of codenames during mobilisation, to activate the mobilised units.
In conclusion, it is important for all Singaporeans young men to come together, and to put in their power in forming a defence force. Building a strong defence force helps to ensure peace and stability in Singapore. With stability, foreign investors would then be attracted to invest in Singapore, boosting Singapore’s economy. Majulah Singapura.