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My heart sank when I opened the enlistment letter on 10 March 2026. The date I’d been dreading had finally arrived. I'd finally be enlisting for National Service on 13 May 2026.
Oh my... The Home Team Academy (HTA)? Does that mean I’d be joining the Singapore Police Force (SPF)?
While many of my friends were preparing for enlistment into the Singapore Armed Forces, I found myself embarking on a very different journey as a Full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officer with the SPF.
For many Singaporean males, enlistment marks the beginning of something unfamiliar and a little daunting. To prepare myself, I trawled through forums and blogs to find out what the National Service experience was like in the SPF.
I also visited the Central Manpower Base website to learn more about life as a PNSF officer. Still, it didn’t feel complete. Maybe this was something I could only truly understand by experiencing it myself.
The Calm Before the Storm
I still remember the night before my enlistment on 13 May 2026.
“Boy ah, remember to pack everything you need, okay?” my mother said.
Her words stayed with me as I shouldered the bag I’d packed for the big day. It was heavy, but no heavier that the uncertainty weighing on my mind.
“Remember to drink more water and take care of yourself,” my mother added.
I nodded, but my thoughts were already elsewhere. I kept running through the what-ifs in my head until exhaustion finally took over and I drifted off to sleep.
A New Beginning
Before I knew it, it was morning and I was standing at the front gate of HTA. It made an intimidating first impression, but who wouldn’t feel that way at the thought of National Service (NS)?
I joined a crowd of parents and soon-to-be PNSF officers, forming rows to enter the HTA. Officers from the Training Command ushered us in, while our parents were directed to Harmony Hall for a briefing on what to expect during their sons’ training journey.
Time to Lock In
As I watched my family leave after lunch, reality began to sink in. The casual conversations among us enlistees slowly faded as we collected our kit and settled into our new environment.
For many of us, it was the first time we’d be spending an extended period away from home. Gone were the comforts of sleeping in our own beds, enjoying home-cooked meals and having the freedom to do whatever we wanted. In their place was a structured routine, unfamiliar faces and new challenges.
I looked around and realised everyone felt just as uncertain. Some tried to remain calm, while others cracked jokes to ease the tension. Deep down, though, none of us knew what lay ahead.
I was introduced to my squadmates in the 204th Intake, Cohort One, Squad NS27/2026.
My intake consisted mainly of enlistees who had either not passed or not taken the Pre-Enlistment Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). As a result, we were required to undergo an additional eight-week Physical Training phase, followed by the 14-week Police Officer Basic Course (POBC).
The POBC is a rite of passage for every PNSF officer. It includes training in foot drills, the Pistol Operator Course, physical training, the Police Combat Tactics Operator Course, the Police Standard Obstacle Course, the Home Team Standard First Aid Course, swimming lessons and classroom lessons on criminal laws and policing procedures.
As I started getting to know my squadmates, it struck me that we were all in this together, living in a completely new environment and adapting to an unfamiliar routine.
I recalled what the poet Robert Frost said: “The best way out is always through.” Five months seemed like a long road ahead, but I was certain the challenges to come would shape us into stronger and more resilient individuals.
The Journey Begins
After a day of onboarding and administrative matters, we finally turned in for the night. As lights-out was called, I felt both nervous and excited about the journey ahead. Tomorrow would be my first full day as a trainee. There was no turning back, and for the first time, I felt ready to discover what lay ahead.
NS Diaries is a series that chronicles the National Service journey during the Police Officers’ Basic Course (POBC).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officer?
A PNSF officer is a Singaporean male serving his two-year full-time National Service with the Singapore Police Force.
What can I expect on enlistment day?
Enlistment day covers a range of administrative processes, including registration, body checks, medical declaration, kit issuance, bunk allocation, the Oath Taking Ceremony and familiarisation with the training environment in HTA.
How long is the POBC?
The duration of the POBC depends on your Physical Employment Standard (PES) status. Trainees who are PES “Fit” will undergo three to five months of POBC. Those who passed their Individual Physical Proficiency Test before enlistment go through three months of POBC.
What should I bring on enlistment day?
As explained in your enlistment notice, you should bring your identification documents and personal essential items, as well as any medical documents for conditions that you wish to declare. Pro-tip: Remember to bring a power bank too!
What is adjustment week?
Adjustment week is a 10-day stay-in period for trainees to adjust to training in HTA.
Can I contact my family during adjustment week?
Absolutely! PNSF officers are encouraged to contact their loved ones during this period. There’s also a dedicated time before lights-out for your parents to check in on you.
What advice do you have for new enlistees?
Build camaraderie with your squadmates! They’ll be one of your most important pillars of support during the POBC.
