From Toy‑Gun Dreams to National Service Debate
Remembering My First CCA Fair
Six years ago, when I was just a 12‑year‑old making my grand entrance into secondary school, I roamed the Co‑Curricular Activity booths like a curiosity‑infused explorer. The National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) was staring back at me—not just a cool uniform, but the promise of real‑life gun training that felt like the ultimate sci‑fi adventure.
I was a bit nervous. My brain still remembered the last time I’d fired a toy gun at the kitchen sink. But a kindhearted push from my family nudged me into the cadet line, and that was the first step into something brand new.
Four Years Later—Sergeant, Check!
Fast forward to four years later: I had earned the rank of sergeant in NPCC. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows—every corner of the journey threw at me steep challenges, and each obstacle became a lesson in stoicism, teamwork, and resilience. After all, you can’t become a commander by staying in your bubble.
Why the Current National Service Debate Matters
Today, on May 9, MP Poh Li San and Carrie Tan sparked a conversation in Parliament about enlisting women into National Service (NS). Their curiosity hit me—I thought back to my NPCC days, where every mission was a learning curve.
Minister Ng Eng Hen’s Take
- “Enlisting women could delay their entry into the workforce,” he warned.
- Such a delay would “accentuate a decline in the local manpower pool” and “reduce household incomes.”
- He added: “The societal cost of including women in NS, even for non‑military roles, would far outweigh any benefits.”
My Takeaway
My journey through NPCC taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone—whether through training with a mock gun or taking on a debate—yields growth that feels worth all the brambles. As I watch this debate unfold, I’m reminded that every decision shapes not just careers, but the very fabric of our society.
<img alt="" data-caption="Students getting a feel of some of the weapons in April this year.
PHOTO: Facebook/ The Singapore Army” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”53a1d7ec-fe60-4ae5-83ad-6cff1c7276d4″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/090522_saf_fb.jpg”/>
From Parliament Talks to Personal Triumphs: My Unexpected Journey Through NPCC
When Parliament began debating compulsory National Service, I couldn’t help but wonder: Would life change dramatically if I had to serve? The answer, I discovered, wasn’t all the dramatic red‑shirt drama the news shows up. Instead, it was a mix of grit, growth, and a handful of unforgettable moments.
Four Years of NPCC: A Crash Course in Life Skills
During my time in the NPCC (National Police Cadet Course), I plunged into a side‑by‑side world of:
- Crime scene investigations – learning the art of sniffing out clues (and milk on the kitchen floor).
- Adventure & survival training camps – where the only thing I survived was the boredom.
- First aid training – because you never know when someone’s gonna fumble a parachute the wrong way.
- Law enforcement basics – shouting “Freeze!” in a controlled setting was oddly soothing.
- Self‑defence – a skill so important that I now laugh at the idea of a woman without a quick‑draw!
All these lessons became “must‑knows” for every woman out there now. Whether you’re in a crisis or just need to help someone ditch a spilled drink, self‑defence and first aid are your secret weapons.
The Boot–Polishing Philosophy
One phrase that stuck with me was the drill mantra: “If one of us goes down, all of us go down.” In a literal sense, a mistake almost always reflected on the whole squad. That led us to form tight bonds; we backed each other, yet we also, for no real reason, spent hours perfecting the way to braid hair or polish boots.
Sure, the regs annoyed me. I’d spend afternoons staring at a perfect bun or polishing a boot to a gleam that made it look like a disco ball. But those rituals taught me discipline and perseverance— skills that benefit both the body and the mind.
The Roller Coaster: Panic Attacks & Persistence
There were days when panic attacks felt like a storm in my chest, and I cracked into tears because the squad’s standard seemed impossible to match. These were the times I questioned, “Am I good enough?” Yet I kept pushing forward. I learned that those “bad” memories are essentially milestones: they remind me I’m never giving up, no matter how discouraged.
From Cadet to Cadet Leader – My Leadership Leap
In secondary three, I finally became a cadet leader. Suddenly, I was in charge of a mini‑team, balancing responsibility with the courage to speak up. That role, as tricky as it was, taught me how to coach juniors, share learning, and build confidence.
In the end, the journey through NPCC wasn’t just about “survival”; it was about discovering who I am when the white‑coat number reads “NS.” It showed me that the toughest hurdles are the ones we’re never ready for… and that with perseverance, we can turn them into our greatest strengths.
<img alt="" data-caption="Members of the public trying out the standard obstacle course at Maju Camp in 2018.
PHOTO: Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9bb99ed7-6339-4970-8edc-a64a0e477066″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/090522_women_st_0.jpg”/>
Why the “Women in National Service” Debate Still Makes Waves in Singapore
It’s a hot topic that traces back to the late 1960s, when the idea of putting women on the enlisted roster first hit the public forum. Today, the chatter is still alive—just with a few more tweets and Instagram stories.
Common Concerns (and The Lens Through Which They’re Viewed)
- “I’m not sure I need to join” – Some ladies see military service as a detour that could throw a wrench into their future plans.
- “It’s too physically demanding” – Others worry that the rigorous training might be beyond their comfort zone.
- “What if people judge me?” – A few friends fear that stepping out of the usual trajectory—marriage, university, career—might invite unwanted scrutiny.
Would a Short‑Term Option Make a Difference?
If the government trimmed the calendar to just six months, it could be a game‑changer. A half‑year stint might be perceived as a “life‑pause” before the next big chapter.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages more women to weigh the positives rather than the negatives.
- Transforms service into an exciting interlude rather than a compulsory commitment.
- Provides a sandbox for exploring military pathways such as piloting or naval commands.
Personal Perspective from Inside the Corps
With four years of NPCC experience under his belt, the speaker shares that the idea of serving as a pilot or officer is appealing—provided the rigour is manageable.
Insights from a Fellow Female Soldier
Shanmuga Prathaa, 18, intern at AsiaOne, studies Communications and Media Management at Temasek Polytechnic. She actively documents her day‑to‑day life on Instagram, giving followers a taste of what the army life looks like. Her posts often highlight:
- The amazing camaraderie built with fellow soldiers.
- How these bonds echo the very connections forged at NPCC—standing shoulder to shoulder, tackling challenges and celebrating victories.
- Her unwavering positive spirit and zest for life.
Why This Matters
Witnessing a peer thrive in the armed forces can change mindsets. Even if the idea of conscription still seems daunting, shining examples show that the path can be rewarding, social, and fundamentally empowering.
Bottom Line
Even though the Ministry of Defence currently has no concrete plans to streamline women’s NSS, it’s clear that societal perceptions need more than mere policy tweaks. A balanced conversation—one that blends emotional nuance with tangible benefits—might just persuade more women to consider National Service as an asset, not a hurdle.
Shanmuga Prathaa’s own journey, coupled with the firsthand accounts of female soldiers, illustrates that a move toward inclusion isn’t just policy rhetoric—it could be a game‑changing step for the next generation.
