First cohort of SAFVC volunteers mark end of basic training
SINGAPORE – The inaugural cohort of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) marked the end of their basic training with a Beret Presentation Parade at Maju Camp yesterday (June 27).
The 226 SAFVC volunteers (SVs), who came from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages, stood steadfast under the sweltering sun to don their service beret and belt out the SAF pledge and the national anthem.
During the parade, Commander SAFVC Colonel Mike Tan said their training has better prepared them to serve alongside regular and national servicemen in supporting roles and also allowed them a glimpse into the SAF experience.
“The SAFVC has taught you to be adaptive, respectful of others, more resilient and to better appreciate the sacrifices made by our NSmen, NSFs and regulars of the SAF to protect the sovereignty of our nation,” said Colonel Tan.
MORE CHALLENGING THAN EXPECTED
Some volunteers went through a continuous two-week course, which they say was more challenging than expected but not beyond their capabilities.
“When it comes to physical training, yes they push you,” said SAFVC medical nurse Siti Khairunessa Abdul Kadir, age 31. “But for those who are a bit slower, they wait and we do it together. We leave no man behind.”
Families and employers were also out in force to support them.
“This is a very, very busy time for us, and it was difficult to have a person short,” said International Medical Clinic general manager Elizabeth Cowle, who is Siti’s employer. “Siti is a nurse and a very valued member of the nursing team. However, when you weigh things up, this is more important.”
Recruits unable to take the full two weeks off train on weekends instead and undergo a different set of challenges.
“My work in the office is quite busy, so I’m taking the modular training so there will be not much impact to the work,” said SAFVC auxiliary security trooper Chen Chang, who became a Singapore citizen in 2001. “However, training over the weekend is taxing on the family. I cannot go grocery shopping so family support is crucial.”
“Mondays to Fridays are fully on studies so when it comes to Saturdays, I’m totally a soldier,” said SAFVC infomedia staff member Laveniya Kathirasan, a 21-year-old Temasek Polytechnic student. “So it is two different occupations for me and it takes time for me to get into one mindset or the other.”
CLOSER TIES WITH SINGAPORE
For some, this glimpse of the SAF experience has helped them forge closer ties with the nation and its citizens.
“Looking at a lot of my friends here in Singapore who have done it, who are operationally-ready NS men, or who have done their part, I think I’m closer to them now, of course,” said SAFVC auxiliary security trooper Philip Von Meyenburg, a 37-year-old who became a Permanent Resident in 2011.
“We joined the brotherhood, essentially, of the SAF and personally, I am planning to have kids in Singapore. So I can be a role-model for my kids.”
Speaking to media after the parade, Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman said that it was very heartening to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers.
“We have experienced far from what we expected,” he said. “Was the training tough? It was tough, it had to be tough. we wanted it to be tough. This was what they were asking for and I thought it was very encouraging to see Singaporeans, PRs from all walks of lives coming together.”
Dr Maliki added that community support was important in facilitating volunteer participation in national defence. “Without the support of community members and the families of the volunteers, I think the volunteers themselves would not be able to perform their function as part of the volunteer corps,” he said.
It has been 18 months since the announcement for the formation of the SAFVC was made in Parliament and more than 1,000 applications were submitted. The 226 volunteers for 2015 exceed the SAF’s original target of 150 SVs. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
