Some go in with fear and trepidation, and some are ready to face the challenge head-on—and sometimes, one comes out with a book to his name!

Singapore’s National Service (NS) is a mandatory conscription system for all male citizens and second-generation permanent residents. Established in 1967, NS requires eligible individuals to serve in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force, or Singapore Civil Defence Force for a period of two years. After completing their full-time service obligation, conscripts are placed in the reserve forces and must undergo periodic training and mobilization until they reach their mid-40s to early 50s. The aims of NS include ensuring the country's security, fostering national unity, and instilling discipline and resilience among its citizens.

After enlisting, Max West (class of 2017) quickly realized his NS experience would be unforgettable. Scribbling notes daily, writing furiously before lights-out (and sometimes after), he knew he wanted to share his journey. What began as a personal journal evolved into a book, capturing memories to last a lifetime.

In June 2017, nearly four years after West first put pen to paper, Marshall Cavendish published How To Forge A Frogman: A Recruit’s Account of Basic Training in Singapore’s Naval Diving Unit. The book was the first of its kind in Singapore and became a Kinokuniya Nonfiction Bestseller. It is
a memoir of West’s first nine weeks in NS during Basic Military Training (BMT) in the Naval Diving Unit (NDU). It proceeds in a day-by-day journal format, detailing his life as a recruit, from the tough training to the lighthearted moments and new friendships. Before being published, the book was reviewed by the NDU, Singapore Navy, and Ministry of Defence, which together took 18 months to offer their seal of approval. The only changes West had to make were to the names of regular servicemen and the removal of some of the most offensive language. But hey, as we all know, people in the Navy do not swear! 

The uncertainty of what lay ahead was a common sentiment.

 

Max West (class of 2017)

Despite the challenges, camaraderie forms the backbone of their NS experience. Talekar fondly remembers the times spent off-shift, building connections with his fellow Naval trainees. "We would eat, play games, and that's where I made some of my closest friends," he shares. These bonds remain strong long after their service ends.

Going through NS has left an indelible mark on these SAS alumni. Hussey found purpose and focus through his service. "Leading my platoon in the National Day Parade was unforgettable,"
he says. The experience of commanding and earning the respect of his peers profoundly influenced his approach to leadership.

Talekar speaks of newfound adaptability and leadership skills, qualities that serve him well as he navigates his studies in aeronautical engineering at Imperial College London. Hasan embraced a unique lens through which to view Singapore and its people. "Serving in the Police Force enabled me to see the human condition from a different perspective," he reflects.

This broadened understanding of society shapes his aspirations as he pursues a career in finance.

The journey through NS is transformative for many reasons. It tests limits, forges lifelong bonds, and shapes character in profound ways. From initial dread to ultimate triumph, these experiences continue to guide and inspire our alumni, proving that their challenges were not in vain.

 

If National Service were not mandatory...

"If National Service were not mandatory, I wouldn't dismiss the idea of enlisting. Given my experiences, I might still choose to join. Serving in the Police Force helped me grow as an individual and provided unique experiences that broadened my perspective on the world and my role in it." — Zahin Hasan (class of 2020)

"I would still choose to do National Service even if it weren't mandatory, though this decision comes from reflecting on my experiences after completing it." — Yash Talekar (class of 2019)

"On some days, I am grateful for who I am and where I am now, none of which would’ve been possible without the army. On the other hand, I still struggle with the “what if” scenario of not having done NS. I just don’t know if I’ll ever know. It is what it is!" — Chris Hussey (class of 2008)

Christopher Hussey (class of 2008)

Christopher Hussey (class of 2008) describes his initial weeks in NS as a test of endurance. "I was homesick and cried constantly," he confesses. "Mentally, nothing can prepare you for NS." The regimented lifestyle is a stark contrast to the freedom enjoyed at SAS, but it’s in these moments of struggle that our enlisted Eagles find new strength. West, in the elite NDU, redefined his conceptions of toughness and resilience and pushed himself to limits he never thought possible. "We are all capable of doing far more than we think we are," he says, reflecting on the physical and mental challenges he faced.

Completing NS is a shared experience that builds a deep connection to Singapore, especially for SAS alumni. It is a journey of growth, resilience, and discovery. From forging unbreakable friendships to gaining new perspectives, NS leaves a lasting impact. The bonds, lessons, and memories are unique. Whether in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, or Civil Defense Force, every SAS NS story reflects the strength and spirit of our alumni, bridging their international backgrounds with the shared bonds of service to Singapore.

Yash Talekar (class of 2019)

For others, the journey begins with a mix of apprehension and resolve. Yash Talekar (class of 2019) recalls the initial excitement. “Enrolling in NS as a duty-bound Singaporean citizen was daunting. You never fully know what to expect,” he shares. The uncertainty of what lay ahead was a common sentiment, echoed by Zahin Hasan (class of 2020). Hasan's initial feelings were dread and fear, a stark contrast to the excitement his peers felt heading off to university. Despite the collective nature of NS, the experience is often solitary. This was true for both Hasan and Talekar. Hasan was the lone Singapore American School (SAS) enlistee in the Police Force from his class. Yet this solitude helped him develop self-reliance, independence, and resilience. Talekar found himself alone in his platoon, isolated from fellow SAS alumni, and yet went in equipped with some great advice from past SAS enlistees. After being posted to the Navy as a shipborne specialist, Talekar was excited to take on this challenge and navigate this new world.