NSmen from 115 C4I Bn undergoing refresher training on weapons technical handling. Photo: MINDEF Facebook
For many, the call-up for In-Camp Training (ICT) can be met with a mix of emotions –anticipation, logistical juggling, and the occasional sigh. Between demanding jobs, family commitments, and the pace of everyday life, setting aside one to two weeks for military training may seem disruptive. Yet, talk to enough NSmen and you’ll quickly realise: not everyone dreads the call-up. In fact, a good number of them genuinely look forward to it – some even circle the dates in their calendar with enthusiasm.
Why? For some, it’s the rare opportunity to reconnect with old army buddies. For others, it’s the sense of purpose, discipline, or even nostalgia that comes with putting on the uniform again. And for many more, ICT offers something their day-to-day lives can’t always provide: a break from the norm, a dose of camaraderie, and a chance to serve with pride.
We spoke to several NSmen across different vocations and life stages to find out what keeps them motivated – and why, after all these years, they still welcome ICT as something more than just a duty.
“I was trained as an Anti-Aircraft Gunner during my full-time National Service and it was a meaningful chapter of my life. Even though I had to go through things I didn’t enjoy at first, like tough physical training, the support from my commanders and trainers helped me grow stronger. I eventually became the Best Gunner in my course and was honoured as the RSAF Outstanding Serviceman of the Year. I’m truly grateful to the dedicated leaders who guided me throughout.
During my reservist years, I always look forward to meeting my unit mates again. It was a chance to reconnect, share stories, and learn from each other. Training sessions were both fun and meaningful and we worked as a team to complete our mission. Of course, I have noticed a big difference in my fitness level from when I was 18 compared to now at 38, but we still give our best and support one another through every deployment.
160 Squadron is like a family to me. Every year without fail, we gather to celebrate our anniversary, and those moments remind us of the deep friendships we have built over time. These bonds go beyond words. As we like to say our cheer proudly ending with our motto, ‘Alert Always!’”
CFC (NS) Jagathishwaran Rajo, 160 Squadron, RSAF
“For us NSmen, the experience begins the moment we receive the call-up notice. Our unit chat groups start buzzing again as we exchange packing lists, updates and check in with one another. Each ICT brings the opportunity to forge new friendships while reconnecting with familiar faces. Donning the uniform again never fails to bring back a flood of memories from our NSF days, from the smell of outfield to the familiar routines we somehow never forget. We still remember how to tie our bootlaces, even after a year later!
While ICT can be physically demanding, it is deeply rewarding too. What truly gets us through the long days and tough moments is the camaraderie and teamwork together. I still remember how the toughest night shifts were made lighter with comrades cracking jokes over instant noodles at 3 am. Back in camp, having nights-out during ICT is always a bonus that is as eagerly welcomed – some head out for supper, others rush home to run errands or spend time with loved ones, and a few choose to stay in camp chatting, replying to work emails, or just catching some much-needed rest. As we go through each ICT cycle together over the years, we grow closer and more cohesive as a unit.
Our connections don’t end when the ICT concludes. Many of us meet up regularly for meals, sports, and even overseas trips. ICT has become something of an annual reunion. Over the years, we’ve watched each other grow – from students to working professionals, and for some, into parenthood. In the later ICT cycles, a few even had to buy new uniforms simply because they couldn’t fit into their old ones anymore!
As another ICT approaches, I genuinely look forward to catching up again to share stories, laughter, and memories. Beyond training, it’s the people and the brotherhood that makes this journey truly meaningful.”
LTA (NS) Wee Soon Keong, 929 SIR, 2PDF
“Since the day I ORDed, I’ve had the privilege of serving in one of the Armour NS brigades. I began my journey as an Ops Officer in the Fire Support Coordination Cell (FSCC). My role was to lead a team focused on backend operational planning – ensuring that fire support elements were coordinated effectively during missions. It was a role that demanded foresight, teamwork, and precision.
Over the years, I’ve always looked forward to ICT. It’s not just about the training. It’s about reconnecting with my team and reigniting the shared sense of purpose behind National Service. Every ICT is a chance to regroup, reinforce our skill sets, and remind ourselves of the bigger mission we serve. There’s something fulfilling about returning to camp and working alongside familiar faces towards a common objective.
Many of us enlisted as young men. Since then, we’ve each gone through different life journeys – pursuing studies, entering the workforce, building careers. Some have even gotten married and become fathers. ICT becomes a meaningful checkpoint in life. We catch up with each other, exchange stories, and relive the memories from our active days. These moments remind me that beyond the uniform, it’s the people and bonds that make this journey truly special.
What I enjoy most is the feeling of being a small but important piece in the larger puzzle of national defence. Each time I step into camp, I’m reminded of the responsibility of leadership – to guide, to encourage, and to keep the team mission-ready. That sense of accountability continues to shape how I lead, both in and out of uniform.
In my civilian life, I lead project teams in the real estate industry. Many of the leadership values I picked up through the SAF – discipline, structure, resilience – have proven incredibly useful in my work. Whether it’s leading a new launch campaign or managing operations, I often draw on my ICT experience to bring out the best in my team. National Service has been a meaningful part of my life, and I’m grateful for the lessons, friendships, and purpose it continues to bring.”
LTC (NS) Brian Lee, Armour NS Group 1 (ANG1)
“ICT always feels like stepping into a familiar chapter of life that I wouldn’t normally experience in my day-to-day routine. Putting on the uniform again brings back memories of my full-time service, and it’s always a little surreal to be back in camp after spending most of the year in the civilian world. The early mornings and long days can be demanding, but it’s pretty nostalgic still.
What I look forward to most during ICT is reconnecting with my platoon mates. No matter how much time has passed, the camaraderie and inside jokes pick up right where they left off. From sharing stories about our lives outside of camp to going through training together, there’s a bond that comes from these shared experiences. It’s a reminder that while we’ve each taken different paths in our careers and personal lives, we still come together as one team.”
CPL (NS) Tavis Lee, 412SAR
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