you stole my heart but I had it first

Today's opportunity was definitely mine to lose. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would do it very differently. I guess this happens when I over-think things. Then again, I really do not mind the opportunity to serve in the Special Forces community as a sergeant. Given that I would now be a Staff Sergeant by now if I had signed that paper 5 years ago (and a Warrant Officer before I am 28), I guess if I do take up that scheme, would give me a comfortable life. But on top of that, there is much pride in being among the elites. But given the choice, I would definitely strive to being an officer because I strongly believe that I would be able to contribute more effectively as one.

If given the chance again, this is how I would have done the interview...


So tell me something about yourself.
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Tell me something about your army life...your time as an NSF..
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Why do you want to join us?
Have you ever heard of this phrase, "Never dress up how you like to work but rather dress up to the work that you like?" Well, this is one of the biggest reason. Not a day goes by without me itching to put on the uniform again. Besides the fact that I look really good in green, I feel an immense side of pride whenever I don green. The organization has given me nothing but a sense of purpose and direction in my life.

On top of that, I would certainly have a say in Singapore's defence and deterrence policy. Many do not realize that it is because of a strong organization as this that Singapore is able to function the way it does. Many of those whom I know in the Police or the Civil defence claim that my time spent in this organization is a big waste because I am merely "running around in the jungle playing war" while they deal with real life. I do not blame them for such short sightedness as they have been living the life of comfort while we provide them with a strong sense of security by "running around in the jungle playing war". If it wasn't for us, the country would have long been overrun. Without us, there is not Home Affairs for them to deal with. It is sad for them to think in such a way and think that they actually play a big role in creating, maintaining and sustaining what is Singapore when they actually don't. But we do.

That said, one more reason for me to join is so that I have an actual say in the defences of Singapore. Knowing that what I do is what keeps my love ones safe, that is one of the biggest satisfaction that I can get from this job. I do this so that others don't. I do this so that people can sleep peaceably at night while rough men like me, stand ready to do violence on their behalf.




What did your family say to your decision of wanting to join us.
I say that they are happy for me and am actually proud that I want to do this. It has indeed been a life long dream for me. Something that I dreamt about doing ever since I was a child.


What if you don't get it. What would you do?
Granted that there are other jobs waiting for me out there but the satisfaction as well as the fulfillment that they would give me simply couldn't match up to the one that this job would give me. I have indeed asked myself this question many times over. Truthfully, I do not want to really think what I would do if I do not get this job. However, what I have done is to prepare a contingency plan. I am 100% committed into taking this job and all I ask for is for you to give me the opportunity for me to prove to you that I am all that that you will never regret on selecting. Ever.

From here on, he goes on to tell me about the things that I will have to do...


So there you go, if I could travel back in time, I would certainly prepare myself to answer these questions and impress him. Alas, the moment is gone...all I have to do now is to pray that I get to the next round.

*Don't want to get into trouble. So if you missed out the first 2 parts..it's just too bad*