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On 10 October 2026, I stood in formation for my Graduation Parade, marking the end of five months of training at Training Command (TRACOM).
It was a proud moment, but also a bittersweet one. After months of training, overcoming challenges and growing alongside my squadmates, we were finally ready to take the next step in our National Service (NS) journey.
The Final Stretch
But before we could reach this milestone, there were a few final hurdles to overcome.
To complete the Police Officer Basic Course (POBC), we had to pass several assessments, including the Summative Assessment (SA), Scenario-Based Assessment (SBA), Pistol Operator Course, Police Contact Tactics and Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). The SA tested our knowledge of basic criminal law and policing procedures, while the SBA assessed our application of these knowledge and skills during practical incident management scenarios.
For me, the SBA was the most challenging assessment because the scenarios could vary. To prepare for it, I practised different scenarios with my squadmates and worked on applying the skills and knowledge we’d learnt during training.
With our assessments behind us, we had time for other activities, including a visit to The Albatross File Exhibition at the National Library and attending talks on the different NS vocations we could be posted to.
Just before our Graduation Parade, we participated in a Sports Day organised for the 204th Intake.
I joined the frisbee team because I enjoyed the sport’s fast-paced nature. Beyond the competition, seeing everyone encourage one another reminded me of the camaraderie we’d built throughout training and how far we’d come together.
A Milestone Worth Remembering
As the Graduation Parade approached, I felt both nervous and excited. More than anything, I wanted to do my best for my family, who had supported me throughout my NS journey.
Looking back, one of my proudest achievements was attaining the Silver Standard in my IPPT. Though physical training had been challenging at first, achieving the Silver Standard showed how much my fitness had improved since enlistment.
But I couldn’t have done it alone.
I’m especially grateful to my buddies, Special Constable (SC) Muhammad Illham Bin Amran and SC Elisha Kwok, and my fellow squadmates, who were always by my side whenever I struggled. My Course Manager, Inspector (Insp) Cheong Kwok Leong, and my Field Instructor, SC Corporal Gnanavel Kaviyarasu, were my pillars of support throughout my five months here.
Growing Through the Challenges
The early days of training weren’t easy. Balancing the fatigue from physical training with the course’s core components was a major challenge. There were times when I found the training demanding and had to push myself to persevere.
Over time, I learnt to take things one step at a time. Talking to my squadmates helped me through difficult days and reminded me that I didn’t have to face every challenge alone.
The experience has also made me more disciplined, confident and resilient. I’ve also learnt to communicate better and look out for the people around me.
If there’s one lesson I’ll carry forward, it’s that teamwork and discipline make a difference. With the support of others and consistent effort, even the toughest challenges become more manageable.
The Road Ahead
Completing the POBC isn’t the end of my NS journey – it’s a new beginning. As I take on my next role as a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer, I look forward to applying what I’ve learnt at TRACOM into practice and serving members of the public.
Whether it’s assisting someone in need or helping to keep the community safe, I hope to make a difference through my efforts. I aspire to become an officer who is professional, approachable and fair, someone whom members of the public can trust to prevent, deter and detect crimes.
As the saying goes, “Tough times don't last, but tough men do.”
The past five months have taught me that challenges are easier to overcome with perseverance and the support of those around me. With the POBC behind me, I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the lessons I’ll carry into the next chapter of my NS journey as a GRF officer.
NS Diaries is a series that chronicles the National Service journey during the Police Officer Basic Course. Check out:
-NS Diaries: Enlistment Day
-NS Diaries: Physical Training
-NS Diaries: Getting Ready for the Ground
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Graduation Parade?
Graduation Parade marks the completion of the Police Officer Basic Course (POBC). It celebrates trainees’ achievements and their transition from training to their next phase of National Service with the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
What happens after a Full-time Police National Service (PNSF) officer completes POBC?
After completing the POBC, PNSF officers are deployed to their respective vocations. Most officers will undergo further training to serve as frontline officers in the Ground Response Force, Police Coast Guard, Public Transport Security Command, Protective Security Command and Special Operations Command. Others will be posted to SPF staff departments where they will support operations and administrative functions.
What are some vocations I can pick as a PNSF officer?
PNSF officers are assigned to different vocations based on the SPF’s operational needs and officers’ suitability. These may include frontline policing roles such as Ground Response Force officers, as well as other operational and support roles across the SPF. Postings are also subjected to officers’ Physical Employment Standards (PES).
What are some important qualities for a PNSF officer to develop during training?
Discipline, resilience and teamwork are important qualities for PNSF officers. Training also helps them develop communication skills, adapt to challenges and learn to support their fellow trainees.
What advice would you give to someone about to enlist as a PNSF officer?
Take things one step at a time, stay disciplined and support your fellow trainees. Challenges become more manageable when you work together and put in consistent effort.
