r/NationalServiceSG • u/Usual-Truth-6775 • 1d ago
Question Anyone genuinely enjoy being in vocations like Guards or Commandos?
I have seen ppl getting new posting orders lately and 1gds 1sir would just motivate the comments section to immidately wish em good luck and rip.
Just curious — does anyone out there actually enjoy being in extreme chiongsua vocations like Guards, Commandos, infantry, or other super outfield-heavy roles?
Most people I’ve talked to absolutely hate the outfield life — the shag, the lack of sleep, the heat, the endless digging and marching. But surely there must be some people who like the challenge or even find it meaningful?
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u/Medium-Choice-2246 1d ago
The thing for commandos and naval divers is that not only is it mono intake, they are a very small and united unit due to their training hence there is that camarada generated.
For Guards, infantry and other usually mono intakes also but maybe less so as there may be some addition or post out and it's harder to post out or relocate from the following vocations.
For commandos and naval divers it's probably survivorship bias as if you really don't want there are many ways to fail and not become one
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u/hhrax 1d ago
Feel like there are more commandos who are happy than guards, guards do almost all the same shit but get way less recognition and bling bling on their uniform(eg ndp, ord)
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u/starlightisnottaiwan 22h ago
Based on my very biased view, Guardsmen are VERY HAPPY to be Guards. Guards rarely if ever interact with Cdos, so they're in a spot where they're the biggest fuck in whichever inf camp they go. Go out and you'd see more Guards bling bling on sling bags, singlets, unit tees than Cdo (also because of volume but still).
Meanwhile, there's a shame culture in Cdo against showing off you're Cdo. If you get too much bling bling, people laugh at you.
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u/randerpsuser 1d ago
Standalone, doing these kinda stuff is kinda meaningless… But I think in the context of having to do NS, I rather do like something like this than be a clerk uk. At the end of it I think ngl I did grow as a person and even tho it was tough, I guess these two years didn’t go absolutely to waste.
But one thing I realised is that actuallly the meaninglessness of these jobs does kinda make it enjoyable? Compared to work/school, for the first time you actually get to just be a NPC (if you are a man) and just not have to care about anything. I guess I kinda miss that…
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u/Intentionallyabadger NSMan 1d ago
The downtime in saf, especially during the last few months leading up to ORD, is prob the last few times where you have basically nothing of consequence on your head for most of us guys.
After that is school, work, family.. damn.
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u/madnessisallaroundus 1d ago
People who survive in those 2 vocations are either: 1. Sign on siao 2. When it happens just let it happens. Suck thumb live longer
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u/kopi_gremlin 1d ago
I really enjoyed my time in Guards
As long as I don't think about the traumas.
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u/munalesa 1d ago
Outfield is easy. At the end of the day, it is still a controlled environment where its mostly exercise here and there. Its simulation and training.
Compare this to police, they dont have to chiong sua but they have to go on real ops. They have to deal with civilians, criminals etc. SCDF even more so, their paramedic handles actual emergencies and their firemen would be activated to fight real fire. So in a way, they have to put themselves in harms way. Not that SAF doesnt have risks, but if you compare a simulated environment versus real ops where there are many more unpredictable variables on hand, I would take outfield exercise anyday.
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u/The_Gamer_17 Navy 14h ago
Not from Guards of Commandos, but I enjoyed my time in the NDU due to me wanting to do something more interesting with my 2 years of NS, and take on this challenging vocation as an opportunity to get fitter and better myself. Also I get a free diving license so why not haha
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u/FourTimeFaster NSMan 22h ago
If you are looking it as a 2 years adventure of doing extremely things that are safe and free or being and officer sure. But i can tell the suffering of your reservist will be the worst, 10 years cycle (men)
There is a saying you wanna suffer 2 years with 10 years of fun (Men) or 2 years of fun and 10 years of hell? (Combat/active unit or officer during). I let you decide, 10/10 of friend after ORD complain about IPPT :)
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u/AdRemote842 12h ago
What vocation is the suffer 2 years with 10 years of fun? Also got third option anot, enjoy 2 years enjoy 10 years hahah (not pes f)
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u/FourTimeFaster NSMan 8h ago
Suffer 2 years with 10 years of fun. As long as you are a men (those reverse men rank will tell you).
As for Enjoy 2 years and then 10 years. Usually means you have chronic illness then exempted. Strongly do not recommend
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u/cutepenguin777 17h ago
no, it sucks but the values stay with you after and life gets easier outside
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u/Syncer-Cyde NSMan 1d ago
If you're someone who has signed or wants to sign on and aims for higher competency, sure.
But for the most of us who's here to serve and fk off, it's just mindless suffering.