Let's Talk about National Service

[doodbug]

...I didn't realize mental health issues were so prevalent among the youngsters...

OT: In my kid's secondary school, once you mention "suicide", whether in jest or not, teacher will send you to the counsellor's

That is the correct thing to do.

In the NS context, I was surprised because generally speaking you must be really incapacitated if they cannot even deploy you as a clerk or in other non-combat roles.

[zac's mum]

...I didn't realize mental health issues were so prevalent among the youngsters...

OT: In my kid's secondary school, once you mention "suicide", whether in jest or not, teacher will send you to the counsellor's

That is the correct thing to do.

In the NS context, I was surprised because generally speaking you must be really incapacitated if they cannot even deploy you as a clerk or in other non-combat roles.

I once received a panicked phone call from my kid’s primary school teacher becos he had scribbled the word on his exam paper (in jest). She just wanted to double check that he was really feeling fine.

I suppose it’s safe to keep away from weapons, but really even clerk or non-combat roles cannot? Agree a bit strange. Maybe it depends on the severity.

[janet88]

son serving NS at military medicine behind school of medicine at NUS. very unique deployment after a long journey starting at tekong, kranji and nee soon.

[manorway]

If a boy is sedentary prior to NS, can he survive the training?

[Zeal mummy]

son serving NS at military medicine behind school of medicine at NUS. very unique deployment after a long journey starting at tekong, kranji and nee soon.

Nice! Did he apply to medicine?

[Estéema]

If a boy is sedentary prior to NS, can he survive the training?

Best to do some pre-enlistment preps. Go for gym training or do runs at East Coast. Do sth to build up stamina & muscle. There’ll be a lot more to cope besides training. There’ll be mental & emotional challenges too.

[Zeal mummy]

If a boy is sedentary prior to NS, can he survive the training?

Can! Many have already completed their NS. Joining uniform groups in school helps as well.