My Army Career
All Singaporean males have to serve the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) for at most 2 years. During this period, we are known as NSFs (National Service Fulltime). Our army service actually doesn't stop when our NSF term ends. Every year, we are liable to be called back to serve in units given to us after we leave the army (called 'NS' or National Service). Different activities include exercises, in-camp training or physical fitness tests.
Overall
During my time in the army, I attained the rank of Third Sergeant, as I served as a manpower clerk. So that meant I didn't go through so much physical torture in the army, but being a clerk in the army is surely not a bed of roses. Overall, I had my good and bad moments, and I have finished my current obligation to the SAF.
My service ended with a training stint in the Republic of China. It was a very memorable time, as it was an entirely new experience. Of course, one can say that the R&R (Rest and Recreation) was perhaps the most memorable time, as we went from town to town until we reached our final destination: Taipei.
Finally, a few days after coming back from Taiwan, I left the army in April 2007. That was about 4 or more months before I started on my college career.
1SIR
For the majority of my army career, I served in 1SIR (or 1st Singapore Infantry Regiment), also known as the 'Leopards' due to the unit logo. The Leopard signifies seemless adaptibitlity in its environment. Recently, 1 SIR has celebrated its 50th Anniversary, and it is actually older than Singapore herself! The Leopards continue to serve Singapore as her premier Infantry Battalion.
http://40years.ns.sg/portal/ns/mindef_saf_history_1950s/1957_our_first_battalion/
