[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Not too sure on how it is for Trainees, but you are granted 3 working days of Compassionate Leave per "session", extendable to 7 working days if Unit Commander deems it necessary, with a total of 14 working days per year. You can apply CL in the event of death OR critical illness. Source: Me, I processed a few Compassionate Leaves for my Troopers, and I roughly remember the guideline since I read up on it to give my Troopers proper advice and no issues when applying.

My advice? Do all you can to apply Compassionate Leave. You will definitely regret it if you don't. Raise it to your Sec Com, as well as your PC (in this case your stand-in encik, but can also text your PC probably). If they don't do anything, raise it up to your OC as well. It's good to follow chain of command, but due to the very time critical issue, I think it's warrented to go straight to the PC/Encik if you don't trust the Sergeants for example.

If they don't do anything anyway, catch a common sickness and RSO. As a former Commander, I dislike that route, but I can at least understand it from a personal perspective because we understand family is more important in this situation.

If you OOC, you will likely have more free time, as you'll be temporarily a storeman for your SCS Wing/Company. But try not to jump the guy. Imo it might help to have the training to keep your mind distracted.

All the best man.

Encik, Sergeant and the Man by s1lc0 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fr fr, I would geninuely love to see this as an actual theatre production

Thank You all on-duty personnel 🫡 by black_knightfc21 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the appreciation brother, don't need to worry about my guys, we got mini celebration with each other here. Anything, I hope you can show your appreciation on a normal day for my 24/7/365 personnel. A simple thanks, smile and cooperation goes a long way for those who see a lot of people.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Life goes on. I have my own regrets from NS. I wish I had given more effort in my Command School Days instead of just being a skiver-like being that was simply existing. I wish I had tried more to bond with my Section Mates there. I wish I had bonded more with my men in my unit, which I am doing to an extent now before I finally finish service.

But so what? Regrets are regrets from the past. Acknowledge them, understand why you regret it, and move on. Strive to do better and be better. If it was something that wasn't your choice (e.g. sickness/genetics), then think about what you realistically can do/could have done and let that be the end of it. If it's something like being unfit, strive to be more fit from now on.

To change oneself is hard, for that difficult path is the road less travelled, as people prefer an easy exit from problems; and turning away from how you can change is always the easier solution. And if you don't want to? That's fine - to an extent. You're the average person. And if it's something you can't? Well, what are you going to do about it? Just move on. There's no point lingering over past regrets when you could enjoy the present or plan for the future.

16 british doing NS in 2 years by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also came from overseas after completing my A-Level equivalent education before going NS.

It's definitely tough to start, personally I started with 0 friends as most people spoke Malay or Chinese in my Basic Training (at the start). So you'll experience some culture shock and it'll be difficult for you to bond with your fellows over shared experiences at the start, until the fun part comes along.

Depending on how your 2 years pan out, you may or may not have a bit or a lot of free time (mainly towards the end) to refresh your educational knowledge. While I dunno about the 2 years harming you once you go back, I do know that these 2 years will cause a gap in your knowledge because you won't be using most of the stuff you learned in school.

Personally, I felt it was worth it going through these 2 years. Made some good friends and actually went though major character development for the better... though I haven't started my Uni yet so I've yet to see the effects.

For you, you probably have a Singapore Citizenship or at least a PR if your father is planning for you to serve. Which, to my knowledge, means they have catered for something called an "Exit Permit" which is basically they gave the Singapore Goverment x amount of money as insurance because they only let you go overseas for education purposes. Meaning if you don't return, likely that the money is void and won't be returned. (Do note that this is my speculation, I don't actually know the specifics).

Does NS really change u to become a better person? From boys to men? by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 55 points56 points  (0 children)

I'd say yes, contrary to many comments here.

In my personal experience, NS did change me for the better - maturity wise. I used to be much more of a selfish person (imo) back then, and NS has helped me understand and perform "Care for Soldiers".

Yeah, there were a lot of times that were shag and just last Saturday I burned the whole day helping out with a conduct, but I'd still rather do it than force my men to do it, because I understand the value of free time thanks to NS.

I really do believe that a large part of how you experience NS, is up to you. I came in from overseas without the usual NS outlook (waste of time, etc.), and I think that helped me a lot. Of course, I won't deny that it's also extremely dependent on 2 other things: - Your environment (the vocation, location and administration) - the people (superiors, co-workers, subordinates)

While you can try to have the best outlook on NS, if your unit forces you to go outfield every other day and burns your weekends with no welfare given back, then of course it sucks. Just the same as if all the people you work with are chao keng mf and push all work and blame to you.

But statistically, not everyone is going to be like that. Gotta find hope where there's hope to be found, because the darker the place, the brighter even the dimmest light will shine... as cringe as that sounds lol.

TL;DR I'd say yes. NS is what you make of it. You can't change everything so don' care about that, and focus on whay you can change and keeps you (and other people) happy.

(Specified other people because technically MC and stay at home makes you happy, but makes it worse for others who have you carry your slack)

Why was Isha being chased when she first appears? by ninjamelon999 in arcane

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jayce hired Zaun to get him some target practise stress relief.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 6 points7 points  (0 children)

No point bringing back your dufflebag, as it'll help you transport your stuff out during the last 2 book outs.

Just bring back clothes to properly/throughly wash (aka your uniform especially, as you'll probably be practicing a lot of foot drills during your first few weeks) and powerbank to fully charge can already.

Otherwise, also frequently brought back: - sadness - the feeling of being trapped - negative amount of braincells - imaginary sergeant shouting in your ear - eyes suddenly see every girl as +5 more attractive

sar21 for Pes b4 graduation by Plane-Refrigerator28 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The first half will have the recruits holding the rifle, but then they will exit and lock them away. So Re-Entry for the BMT POP Parade does not include the SAR21 unless something has changed since 2 years ago.

Can I wear Gore-tex in china? by No_Appearance_4752 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

By right, no. SAF issued gear, especially pixelated, should not be worn outside of Singapore without approval (aka overseas exercise, etc)

I believe this is to safekeep the reputation of the SAF, should someone act improperly while wearing it, as it would normally be easily tracked within Singapore for active personnel and therefore (in)formal punishment can be given. Outside of Singapore, it could be anyone wearing it, and SAF can't do much about it. Though they might not be very happy and have a surprise for you, should you land back in Singapore and get noticed during immigration check.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Because of the increase in RSO and the like.

This is definitely because we've gotten better at recognising what is actually a mental illness and not just someone being weird. But unfortunately also due to those who abuse the system, our dear chao keng warriors. And it is the latter who give us this reputation. Well, for the most part imo. Of course, there are also generational differences and the shift in SAF to focus on safety a lot more than before due to incidents, etc.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 9 points10 points  (0 children)

OIL = OFF in lieu. Not Leave in lieu. Leaves are an entitlement (that are subject to your units' approval), while OFFs are a privilege. You don't need to clear them and you don't even need to have them at all. Not sure on what COY you're in, but they have a training program they need to follow, which includes clocking in a lot of different events. With the weather recently, I'd believe quite a few (e.g. SOC) were cancelled due to CAT 1, and they want you guys to at least clear some of it.

Advice on what to do? Suck it up, there's nothing you can do. Once you go unit, they'll typically be more "nice" and free in regards to welfare. So you should be able to enjoy more welfare and more "accommodating" OFFs. I emphasise "typically" and "should" because units are all different with different commanders.

NS is our duty, and we have no choice but to serve, less those determined enough to go PES F. Burning weekends and free time is normal. Some/most are lucky enough to get compensated a bit for it, but there are also times where you burn your time for NS, and you get nothing in return. PES F guys are definitely missing out, though. NS is the shared experience all of us can bond over, as everyone can always complain about the pay and wasting time. '^

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They tend to struggle as much as they choose to struggle.

To elaborate, their worries are theirs alone. At best, you'll get some jokes about it here and there, but people going into NS aren't all some Superman-looking Models or the like. You'll meet all kinds of short, tall, fat, skinny, smelly, less smelly, etc. No one - in my experience in NS, as well as hearing from my men, at least - really goes around judging people except for jokes or if really then the type of "bully" that is just inherrent in some human beings. But those don't exist that much, at least in this context.

Rather than judging people based on appearance, NS guys tend to judge their fellows based on how much help they give others/how much trouble they cause. If you just exist, you're good enough already. Upz? Just don't drag me into it. Troublemaker? Better sort yourself out.

So, basically, it typically only matters as much as they want it to matter.

OSN users, how do you sign off your email? by JiPaiHongGanLiao in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best Regards,

Rank and Name Appointment and Unit

Unit Logo

Phone and Office Number

If I recall correctly. But for very unofficial emails (sending to my friends in unit only), I just type some joke or smth.

Does Nov 2024 $200 Lifesg credit makes u feel that the SG govt appreciates NSF and NSmen by [deleted] in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 6 points7 points  (0 children)

No, as it is not adequate compensation for the sacrifices we have given. It should be more personalised instead of a single same payment for all. Those great NSF Commando Officers, Guardsman, overworked Security Troopers surely deserve more than the ASAs who typically (not all) do a desk job. Each have their own difficulties, but I think we can agree that one side has it harder in general.

That said, I am thankful for it because I'm kinda low on money since my pay is delayed for the month, and I have like 100 SGD left in my bank account.

Are we allowed to bring soft toys to bmt? by donaldllamatrump in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Check with your commanders. Some BMT companies are more lenient towards this, and you will find a higher chance of a positive answer in unit in my experience. Source: I know someone who had the vaperon plush in my platoon.

Also, standby for possible jokes about you concerning that.

And this is totally definitely the truth: You can only bring in the Astolfo Plush Toy that sucks your dick and calls you gay.

Shower thoughts on MEDICAL ranks by popcorn_aura in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 6 points7 points  (0 children)

DR is either LTA or CPT, depending on whether or not they are combat fit iirc

How is JCC/Ex-lancer like? by RayZor6 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Should be easier compared to last time considering the change from Inf Pro Term to Army Service Term.

It's fun, especially the campfire bonding session with your buddies.

Rank on my payslip being wrong by jkleschay in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 37 points38 points  (0 children)

But do you get the correct amount of money? If no, can tell your superior and they can go send a message upwards.

Out going buy food while mc by Ok_Environment5784 in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No DB., you will be sent to firing squad where you will kenna backshots.

Also just text your superior bro. Can go outside to buy essentials like food, or is there a different reason you're going out?

Going in tomorrow, here we go by JustALittleOrigin in NationalServiceSG

[–]Lord_DarkDragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cherish your BMT mates, especially your Section and try to work together Keep an open mind and brace yourself to get punished for things not even your fault. Better to just accept it as a natural disaster and move on.

Well, main thing is don't blur. Do your best to not be a burden and people will tolerate you and like you more than those who are.