Cheng Yingmei

I was attracted to the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) feature by Pioneer Magazine (June 2015 issue). Nobody took me seriously when I repeatedly told them that “I WANT TO JOIN SAFVC!”

It was until I hit the gym four times a week and started to make arrangements for my leave and childcare, that my husband, family, colleagues, knew that I was serious about it. My bosses and colleagues were very supportive and helped to plan my work schedule in order for me to attend the two-week Basic Training.

I always hear guys share their army stories of wearing the SAF No. 4 uniform, rushing to adhere to timings, training in uncomfortable sweat, and sometimes with the rain on the face. Now I can understand their point of view as I smelt the soil, the land, the rain. I also realised that Singapore’s defence cannot be taken for granted because it does not come freely. This sentence will always linger in my mind – “There is always somebody making sure that we can sleep peacefully at night”.

Our SAFVC training cannot be compared with the males serving their National Service, but now that I caught a glimpse of it, I know that National Service is really not easy. The evening at the Kranji War Memorial where we were presented with our SAR21 was indescribable. Understanding the background of how our war heroes sacrificed their lives, the solemn pledge ceremony and the rifle presentation was especially meaningful. My training at the gym also paid off as I could keep up with the Basic Training.

There were definitely some moments which are very touching and memorable. My tears rolled down when I received encouragement notes from my family. My mum wrote in Mandarin “I did not tell you face to face, but the army is very tough especially for a female. I am worried for you, but since you are there, I believe the instructors will take care of you, do me proud”.

My husband, a Regular in the Navy, also reminded me to be strong and take care as it can be physically tough since I would be training with the younger females in my platoon. My two year old son did a coloured palm print on the letter, and it warmed my heart very much. I whispered in my heart. “Next time, mummy will also write you a letter of encouragement when you are serving your National Service.”

After Basic Training ended, I headed back to work. I stepped into office, enjoying the view of Marina Bay Sands, countless of vessels out in the sea and cars seemingly small on the highway. Peace doesn’t come easy. I am proud that I can be part of the team to maintain peace in my own country.

Qualification Training was a different journey from Basic Training. Sergeant Major Ho mentioned this during Basic Training, “Train hard, fight easy” and I feel that it applies to both training on land or in the water. I took up swimming to qualify for my SAFVC role as a Bridge Watchkeeper. In preparation for my Qualification Training, I swam thrice a week to build up my skills and was delighted to pass the swimming proficiency test.

The experience is unbelievable and it is only the beginning of my journey to protect my country. I used to wonder how my husband sustained his passion in his job as a naval diver, but I think I understand now, from my experience of being part of the “Navy family”. Advanced Training and deployments will soon come in the following years and I look forward to it.

Background information

Cheng Yingmei
Contracts Analyst
Phillips 66 International Trading Pte Ltd
Singapore Citizen
SAFVC role: Bridge Watchkeeper