You can hardly discuss the NSman’s time in the army without mentioning the iconic 24km route march. Informally known as the ultimate trial where one transitions from being an Ah Boy to a man, this pivotal milestone demands that our soldiers be at their best, both physically and mentally.
We asked four National Servicemen who have conquered this challenge about their personal experience in the 24km route march, and the lessons in perseverance they learned along the way.
“Just recently, I have heard that there will be be some changes to the 24km route march. I’m not too clear about the details, but I think it’s going to be broken into two separate phases. Regardless, it is still a major endeavour even for the fittest of the bunch. While the trek is definitely physically demanding, the true test is in our minds, where we are challenged to complete a truly daunting feat. I recall at one point thinking that the task is nearly impossible, that I wouldn’t be able to do it. And I wasn’t the only one.
Miraculously, I made it all the way, as well as the many sceptics who marched alongside me. We chanted military tunes, sang some of our generation’s greatest hits (albeit, badly) and talked about the life that awaited us after National Service. As we pushed forward, the light at the end of the tunnel became brighter, and it became clear that were stronger and more capable than we thought.
To the young soldiers who are fed up with old geezers telling them how easy they have it – ignore them! You don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself! This route march is the culmination of every challenge, adversary and obstacle that you have overcome during your time as a soldier, and I hope that you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you!”
– 3SG (NS) Patric Teng , 2PDF, Infantry
“My 24km route march was pretty ordinary, apart from the haze problem that we had to contend with. I dreaded the march (who wouldn’t?) but was excited to finally be on the mainland. It’s one thing to have our practice marches at Tekong, where the terrain was mainly forested. But it’s not every day that you get to go off the beaten path, trekking through areas of Singapore that I would not normally visit!
It was as much a physical test as it was a sightseeing adventure, and that really helped to take my mind off the mounting exhaustion and discomfort that intensified as we neared the finishing line! I wouldn’t do it again, but it is an experience that I will remember for a lifetime!”
– 3SG (NS) Huang Mao Han, 701SIR MSC, Logistics
“The days leading up to the 24km route march were uninspiring – we all assumed the march to be a pointless military drill, a fitness test marketed as a pivotal milestone. But to my surprise, during an informal sharing by my Officer Commander before the march, we found out that there is a historical and cultural significance to the route march. Going back to one of Singapore’s darkest moments, when Japanese forces invaded and occupied our land, prisoners of war were forced to march from Nicoll Highway to Changi. Little did they know, they were marching to their living tombs.
This march is our way of remembering our fallen soldiers, of commemorating the noble sacrifice of those who fought to protect a nation that we love. Sure, the route march will be tough. But it is the least we can do in honouring our hard-fought sovereignty that our predecessors have worked so hard to preserve.”
– CPL (NS) Jonathan Leh, Specialist Cadet School, Trainer
“My 24km route was probably much more different than what it is today! I remembered starting at Sungei Gedong before we proceeded to the West Coast, then passing by Singapore Discovery Centre as we trudged forward to the War Memorial. What followed was a short speech given by our Commanding Officer and a short celebration marking our Passing Out Parade! It felt apt to ‘graduate’ at this ceremonial space, kind of like our way of appreciating our veterans.
Overall, I enjoyed the serenity of the march and having the opportunity to visit lesser-known areas like Kranji Dam. It helped that my platoon was very prepared for the exercise, often reminding one another to keep our bootstraps tight and our feet powdered.”
– CPL (NS) Donald Yeo, 46 SAR, Armour Infantry
Main photo: SPH Media Trust
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