If you don't already know what is SAFVC, it actually stands for Singapore Armed Force Volunteer Corps. It is a scheme put in place recently to allow Singaporean women as well as first generation PRs to contribute to the defence system of our small nation. 

To date, many guys have started dreading National Service (NS) and i know of many guys who hate to serve or are unwilling to serve their nation. Some parents have also got to campaigning their precious son against NS. So why did i, a female, who isn't even obliged to serve, choose to serve the nation?

PRIDE

I think our generation is increasingly vulnerable because we are simply too pampered and have been living a good life since we were born. Although war is unlikely but being a really small country compared to the world shouldn't we take pride in defending ourselves, our family and our country? Its only so little of us here. 

DIFFERENCE

I've always adored outdoor activities and look forward to camps when i was younger. As i was making this decision, i shared the idea with some girlfriends around me. The response was actually shocking because they too thought its a great idea and said they would want to as well. But after that, one of them shared it with her parents and they objected to it. The rest, when i really decided to sign up, i guess they backed out or were simply too lazy to do it. I asked the guys about it too and the response is always the same, "YOU SIAO AH! Don't go lah". Hahahahaha. 

Actually, my parents too. Initially when i shared with them about this idea, they were very receptive and even encouraged me to (more of my dad, mum was relatively neutral). But after i signed up and was called for the interview, my mum asked me "Why do you have to go?" 

BREAK AWAY

One of the major things that triggered my thought of serving the nation was to break free from the outside world for awhile (I initially thought this scheme is 2 years, like how the guys are obliged to serve but its a 2 week course with a separate 1 week advanced training depending on what you got posted to). 

Choosing a junior college as my tertiary education has also put an immense pressure on my well-being. As a relatively average student who scores mostly Bs in my major exams, its really not easy. I thought i could cope because having gone to a neighborhood school, my ranking was always at the top, with me receiving Edusave awards almost each year for being the top 10% or top 25%. So i guess, that gave me confidence to choose a JC path? It was my aim since i was sec 2 and although i faced a tough heartbreak because my ex is against me going to a JC and we broke up eventually after i got into JC, i suppose i still don't regret it. I can only move forward right?? Hahahahaha.

HOW DID I SIGN UP?

There is an option through the internet via their portal (http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safvc/join-us.html) but i couldn't download the application form from their portal at all. 

So, we had this career talk in school where you get to choose talks to attend to. A talk on SAFVC was one of the options so i undoubtedly choose it. A uniformed guy came to show us a video on what to expect and at the end of the session, we gave him our names. They then contacted me via email to sign up. 

I have now went through the interview and got called up recently for a medical check up at CMPB. So i guess my application is pretty much approved unless of course there's something wrong with my health. 

FYI: There are 3 phases of the two weeks training to choose from -March, June and August

I choose the March phase as my first choice and right now i have yet to be updated of which phase i got into. REALLY REALLY hope i get into the March one though. 

I met this girl during my medical check-up while waiting for the doctor at the final examination room. It took quite awhile before our awkward smile and we started talking. She is probably a PR because she has a china accent. I don't know whether she is after the benefits of being in SAF which many will think so. But in my opinion, i feel that if a non-Singaporean has the courage to step forward and make this decision, what is stopping you fellow Singaporeans? Probably, you think its a waste of time if i would say. 

If you have any questions to ask me regarding SAFVC, do feel free to email me at zuoen_gal@hotmail.com

Till next time,

xoxo