When a Soldier Became a Soldier in a Movie
From Explosive Training to a Hollywood Shoot
The 28‑year‑old actor Edwin Goh thought he’d missed out on a chunk of National Service after wincing through an injury on Pulau Tekong’s basic training ground. Instead of lingering in a hospital bed, he swapped the barracks for a film set and got a one‑stop‑shop crash course in military life.
The Role That Had Him Feels Like a Real‑Deal Soldier
- When Duty Calls 2 casts him as Wu Guanyan, a rookie who signs up with the Army Deployment Force.
- He’s part of a team that tackles humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and anti‑terrorist operations.
- The crew shot most scenes “overnight” – because nothing says authenticity like the deep‑blackness of night.
Lights, Camera, Sweat!
During the night‑time shoot, Edwin explains:
- He had to climb into full gear – helmet, vest, belt, and shoulder‑strap cannon.
- Even though the gun was light, the whole thing turned into a “carry‑it‑all‑night” marathon.
- Standing still in the full armor set basically turned his back into a personal sauna.
“You can’t walk but you can feel the weight. The heavier the longer you hold it, the trickier it gets,” Edwin jokes, emphasizing that his film experience may have been the closest Call of Duty ever to a real military laugh track.
Takeaway: Sometimes, you get your training by rolling a camera through the night.
Bend the Belly—The Backpack Saga
Picture this: the star of When Duty Calls 2 and his on‑screen pals hauling a backpack that felt like a small gravestone, slicked with sandbags that clung to it like a stubborn neighbor.
What Went on in the Backpack‑War Zone
- He admits the exact weight is a mystery. “I don’t know the exact weight,” he said, “but some of us had to put the bag on while lying down on the floor.”
- Fasten the back straps like a true hero, and then… wait for someone to lift you back up.
- True fact: that felt surprisingly heavy.
The Scene That’s All About the Jaw‑Dropping Intensity
He called it the “most physically intense” moment of the entire production. Thankfully, they didn’t have to go all “one‑seam, all‑at‑once” as we’d see in real life.
Why Shooting Segments Save the Day
- Instead of doing a marathon “one‑go” stint, they split it up.
- That gave the crew a breather—no falling off the sofa.
Is It a Reservist Cycle?
Half joking, half serious, he asked whether the whole ordeal could count as a reservist cycle—why, it was even more intense.
Because the entire “army” gig took three to four months to film, longer than the actual Basic Military Training (BMT) back in the real world.
Edwin’s “Easy‑going” National Service Spell
Compared to his mates, Edwin’s National Service (NS) felt like a stroll in the park. He did maintenance work for the commandos’ boats and hung out in the supply squad.
Why It Was a Piece of Cake
- He headed to Tekong for Basic Military Training (BMT).
- Unfortunately, an injury in BMT downgraded his Physical Employment Standards (PES) status.
- That meant no hands‑on grueling commando drills.
“I didn’t have to endure the same bone‑cracking ordeal,” Edwin laughed. “If anything, it felt less like a battle and more like a spa weekend.”
Mixed Emotions, Lots of Gratitude
Even though the scenes he now recreated on set were physically demanding, Edwin admitted to feeling mixed emotions while watching them. “It’s strange, but I’m also proud that I get a crash‑course look at what I missed during BMT.”
“I’m glad I could finally taste that adrenaline rush,” he added, hinting at the thrill of being on set.
Don’t Miss the New Drama
Catch Edwin starring alongside Desmond Tan, Paige Chua, Kym Ng, Pierre Png, Felicia Chin, Tyler Ten and Nick Teo in the latest drama When Duty Calls 2. The show airs every weekday at 9 pm on Channel 8 and is available for free on demand on meWATCH.
