From SAFVC volunteers
Mas Nicolas Michel
My family was very supportive, although my wife was a bit hesitant at first. In the end, she also chose to join SAFVC after hearing about my experience!
It is my personal stand to think that defence is very important, so when I heard about the establishment of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), I immediately volunteered. From there I had the privilege to be accepted in the pioneer SAFVC intake and was very proud and excited.
Being an ex-French Navy reserve officer, I already had some exposure to the military world and some idea of what the SAFVC training could be like. However, my role in the SAFVC as an Auxiliary Security Trooper (AST) under the Army was totally new to me and was quite different from the ships I used to serve on.
Basic Training (BT) was an awesome experience, as I forged very strong bonds with my section mates. Although we came from different backgrounds, we quickly forgot about them and worked together to complete BT. The highlight of BT was going through the Battle Inoculation Course (BIC) on Pulau Tekong.
Having completed Qualification and Advanced Training subsequently, I think one of my biggest challenges faced during these trainings was the SAR21 shooting. It took me some time to adjust to using the SAR21. However, with training and the support from my section mates I overcame that challenge.
During these trainings, I was impressed by the quality and the expertise of all the trainers and their dedication in teaching us what we needed to know in order to perform our duties.
I had the opportunity to be deployed during National Day Parade (NDP) 2015 with a few other ASTs. We worked alongside the SAF regulars and NSmen to assist with crowd management around the Marina Bay area, and ensured that everyone could enjoy celebrating Singapore’s 50th NDP in a safe environment.
My following deployment was during SAF Day 2016 at SAFTI Military Institute. It was a different yet valuable experience as we assisted with Personnel/Vehicle Access Control (PAC/VAC) to facilitate guests’ access to the event. During the deployment, we had the opportunity to apply the skills we learnt during our Qualification and Advanced Training. We also learnt about being part of the operations, and such experiences helped to build up our competencies for future deployments.
My family was very supportive, although my wife was a bit hesitant at first. In the end, she also chose to join SAFVC after hearing about my experience and has since completed her Basic Training! One of the challenges we face now is to ensure we do not mix our “barang barang” – i.e. belongings such as uniform and personal equipment, when we are deployed! Back in France, my parents were curious about it and it took some time for them to understand about Singapore’s defence, but ultimately they fully supported the both of us.
More than ever, I feel like I am a part of Singapore and I will serve to defend the nation without hesitation. Singapore is the place I call Home so joining the SAFVC was a no-brainer. I am eager to pursue this journey, and be deployed purposefully. As we say in the SAFVC, “Steadfast and Vigilant!”
Background information
Mas Nicolas Michel
Chief Technology Officer
Eatigo Pte Ltd
Permanent Resident
SAFVC role: Auxiliary Security Trooper