From BMT to Bare Knuckles: My Surprise Drop into Singapore Police
Who actually owns the National Service buzz?
For most folks in Singapore, National Service (NS) is synonymous with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). That’s the image that pops up whenever someone mentions “Ah Boys to Men” or the “Ah Girls Go Army” franchise – colourful, silver‑lined suits and a laugh‑tracking army of soldiers.
But another branch has its own flavour: the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Though they occasionally stream dramas, they’re rarely front‑and‑centre in the pop‑culture headlines.
My First Stop: Tekong
Like many others, I landed on the island of Tekong, thinking I’d be a “regular” recruit heading to a mainland training camp. The basic military training (BMT) was a full‑blown “recoot” journey – no flats or distant friend calls in sight. All of a sudden, the world’s on lockdown; COVID‑19 turned the familiar drill grounds into a speckled submarine of sanitizer, masks, and strict social distancing.
- Morning roll call, but the line was longer than a queue at a hawker stall.
- Group transitions were “stay together but keep distance” – a training version of social grouping.
- Everyone calibrated hand‑shakes to a new “silence” level.
The Unexpected Plot Twist
During my block leave, I got the confirmation I’d never imagined. My posting order shouted a BIG surprise: I was going to serve with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Picture my eyes widening – a hero doesn’t end up wearing a badge, or does he?!
- Expectations: Battlefield strategy, metal gadgets, and a life in defense.
- Reality: Police radios, community patrols, and a badge that says you’re “safe” in the name of the community.
It’s a bit like they’ll ask you to present your uniform at your nephew’s wedding – they did indeed attach a “police” patch to his first magnificence.
What This Means for Me (and a Few Others)
1. Police Basics: We’re going to replace military drills with patrol tactics – old “March” replaced by “March & March”.
2. Interaction with the Public: Advice on “How to deal with rudenesses” is part of my AT curriculum now, not a “which side to stand” strategy.
3. A New Universe: I’ll transition from “BMT in a COVID‑quarantined barracks” to “BMT in a COVID‑under‑cover patrol” – With mask, baton, and a heart.
Closing Thoughts: Life’s Unexpected Rewrites
Every time I thought I’d walk into an army parade, on the way I read a police line said “Original operators been replaced with commuters.” It turned out that being a police officer is an entirely different rhythm, but I’m excited to start that new chapter. I promise I’ll tackle this with the same zeal I had back in BMT – Except, this time, I’m writing in pepper spray, whistles, and friendship. Well, that’s a nice variation to a Jedi light‑saber scenario, don’t you think?
Life lesson #1: Adapting to change
From Tents to Trench: My First Soldier Shuffle
Back in my National Cadet Corps days, I was already familiar with the dusty drill parades and the ritual “yes sir” that came out of my mouth almost automatically. Those little nuggets of knowledge turned into a real advantage when I marched into BMT. I wasn’t just a rookie; I knew a few of the basics like how to hold a picket line or what to do when the sergeant shouted “step off, step up!”
Only thing that kept the world spinning was the scent of homesickness that followed me from Tekong. All else? Smooth sailing, at least on paper.
Spruce Up & Switch Color
The moment I swapped out the green uniform for a crisp blue, my brain did a little “but that’s not the same!” jolt. The SPF Officer Cadet Course brought new commands, new routines, a whole other rhythm. It’s like going from a beat‑for‑beat bar to a free‑form jazz piece—you just don’t know where the next chord is going to land.
And yeah, I’ll admit: adapting took a bit longer than I’d like to right‑click on the “I love challenges” button in the National Software. But the tough part spun a lot of my pride into something bigger.
Beyond Push‑Ups: Law & Mental Fortitude
While my body did the heavy lifting—push‑ups, burpees, and that extraordinary bounce back from a 27‑kilogram barbell—my mind had to tackle something else: the law. The study of military jurisprudence added an angle I hadn’t expected. It taught me to think under pressure, to calculate the weight of both a rope and a rule, and ultimately, to build a hard‑wired mental toughness that felt less like a muscle and more like a shield.
- Training Tips: Keep rebels in check. Don’t let patrols forget to chill.
- Turns: Switch that uniform—does the change of color literally change your viewpoint.
- Mindset: Remember the law while you’re training—it’s the unseen, yet personal, compass of your day.
So here I am, a former cadet soldier, trotting through life with my head to the outdoors, keeping sharp with discipline, and knowing that the next time the blue cloak appears, I’ll take it as a sign of the evolving buddy I just called friend—because who ever said you can’t fold in the sweat and find your comfort zone on the move?
Life lesson #2: Overcoming personal fears
From “Wet Fears” to “Wet Cheers”
The childhood nightmare
I used to dread every splash.
The lucky pivot
Because of the pandemic, our swim‑lesson had a Safe‑Zone plan.
We were split into two squads:
My class ran smoothly—until the final challenge.
The fear‑driving finale
The coaching rescue
The cinematic inner‑hero
I imagined myself racing Aquaman—except, spoiler, I stayed on a first‑level lap.
Through repetition, the deep became just another part of the pool, not the entire danger zone.
The final sprint
I still stared into the abyss, but now my focus was:
Takeaway
When life throws a big wave at you, the trick isn’t to shove it aside; stay cool and go step‑by‑step.
Sure, it’s tougher than a meme‑themed workout, but once you earn that brave swim‑badge, the waters look a lot less scary.
Life lesson #3: Appreciating our frontliners
Life on the Beat: A Day with Singapore’s Neighbourhood Police
During my second year of National Service, I spent two weeks shadowing the real heroes at a Neighbourhood Police Centre. I got the front‑line scoop, not just from the paperwork desk but from the streets themselves.
What I Saw Under the Badge
- These officers aren’t just skilled at diffusing disputes—they’re also natural “human resources” specialists, listening keenly to anyone in distress.
- Their work rhythm is impressive: one call, one call, then another, all while maintaining that hard‑earned “A” grade performance.
- It’s easy to criticize the police, but it’s far harder to appreciate the relentless commitment they show every shift.
Behind the Scenes – Weathering the Storm
Imagine the same circles of law and order breaking down during the Covid‑19 peak—those officers had to keep the peace while dealing with a public health crisis. Honestly, they carried the weight of the nation on their shoulders.
A Tribute to the Night‑Owls
This piece is dedicated to the ones who rise before dawn and patrol the darkest hours. It’s a salute to the front‑liners who keep Singapore safe with a blend of grit and compassion.
Takeaway for All of You
Whether you’re about to start NS or already in the thick of it, here are the 3 key lessons I learned:
- Stay calm and keep your “A” game—each call deserves a full, focused effort.
- Listen more than you speak—empathy is a frontline weapon.
- Respect the unsung heroes—you can’t tell the whole story unless you hear from them directly.
Hope these stories spark some inspiration, no matter what your path is. The original article was first shared on Wonderwall.sg, under the National Service and SCDF tags.
