Ask anyone who’s completed National Service (NS) to list some high points in their journey and they’ll probably say nothing beats the moment they got their pink IC back. You finally get your life back. No more regimentation, no more last parades, the freedom to do what you want, when you want. But that high starts to wear off once you realise, you’ll be heading back for annual call-ups and in-camp training (ICT) for the next 10 years. For anyone new to the term, especially the wives and girlfriends who have heard it tossed around, ICT takes up to 40 days a year and is meant to refresh our military skills and knowledge to keep us prepared for a real mobilisation.

I’ll be doing my fourth cycle this year, and while I used to feel that familiar sense of dread whenever I received a reservist call-up notice, I’ve started to reframe the experience to try and see the positives of returning to NS life.

Here are four mindset shifts that helped me see ICT in a new light – they might just help you too.

Take a break from the everyday grind

It might sound weird but there’s something oddly comforting about booking in for ICT. It’s a throwback to a simpler time when we were 18 and life revolved around going to the canteen, roll calls and making sure our boots were a shining black. As an NSman, the regimentation is definitely lighter and the pace a bit more forgiving than when we were full-time servicemen.

Between the demands of a 9-to-5 job and family responsibilities, ICT is one of the rare stretches in the year where I can fully step back and focus on myself. It’s so easy to get swept up in the bustle of your everyday routine that it’s not often one finds time alone to do the things you want (just to set the record straight, I love my wife and job though, I really do 🤪). In between ICT training sessions, I’ve started using the downtime to catch up on shows I’ve been meaning to watch or squeeze in some reading. I finished the first three books in the Game of Thrones series during my last call-up. With fewer in-camp restrictions these days, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing in your laptop or portable game console and using your time during ICT to catch up on these hobbies.

Catch up with old friends and make some new ones

The previous tip might sound like bliss for introverts like me, but if you’re more of a social butterfly, ICT is also a great time to reconnect with old friends – especially if you don’t otherwise get many opportunities to see them. These are the guys you saw every day back in NS and while things like the daily canteen runs haven’t really changed, so much else has. It still feels a little surreal getting wedding invites from my platoon mates or seeing photos of their kids. Ten years ago, that all felt so far off. Now, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve all come.

It’s also worth getting to know the new faces in your company. You never know where a simple chat might lead. During my first ICT, I struck up a conversation with my new section commander, whom I learnt worked in human resources. He shared some solid advice on how to improve my resume as I was applying for a new job at the time. That conversation played a part in helping me land the job I’m in today, as I’m writing this very blog article.

So go ahead, strike up that heart-to-heart talk outfield or in the bunk. It might end up being more than just a “talk cock” session.

Stave off the dadbod by keeping trim and fit

No conversation about NS or ICT is complete without mentioning the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, better known as IPPT. It’s one of the rare times in adult life when keeping fit literally pays off. The cash payout (S$300 if you get a Gold score) for doing well is a nice touch, but what’s more valuable is the motivation it gives to stay in shape. Whether you are aiming for that cash incentive or trying to avoid being enrolled in the NS FIT programme, having reservist on the calendar helps to make sure you can still manage a decent run, push-up and sit-up score.

As someone who spends most of the week working at a desk, I’ve come to appreciate ICT as a reminder to look after my health. Whether it’s heading outfield in full gear or just keeping hydrated in camp, ICT takes me away from the usual sedentary life at my desk. Wearing the full battle order in long-4 uniform for hours under the sun isn’t easy. You’ll sweat buckets and maybe even shed a bit of water weight while you’re at it. It’s not exactly a spa day, but it does shape you up.

Leverage your NSman exclusive benefits

I’ve touched on NS perks in a previous article, but the two privileges I personally make use of are the MINDEF Group Insurance Voluntary Scheme and SAFRA membership. These aren't just for you; they can make a real difference for your family too. I’ve saved thousands of dollars on insurance by getting coverage for my wife and myself under the MINDEF Group Insurance Voluntary Scheme. We’re each covered for up to S$300,000 across four plans: Group Term Life, Group Personal Injury, as well as Living Care and Living Care Plus (which protect us against critical illness even in the early stages). The best part? Coverage starts from just S$0.73 a day per person, and I can even cover my children under the same scheme at the same rate in future. It also unlocks a wealth of other perks, including exclusive Singlife discounts like an additional 15% off Singlife Travel Insurance plans. It’s affordable, practical and gives us peace of mind.

Our SAFRA membership has also been more useful than I expected. We recently brought our baby niece to the pool at one of their clubs and had a great time splashing around. It was a nice bonus to redeem a free apple pie or sundae from the McDonald’s outlet, one of the many little perks exclusive to SAFRA members. If you’ve not already signed up for a SAFRA membership, consider doing so this year to enjoy their SG60 promo, which includes 12 months of free personal accident insurance with coverage up to S$50,000 from Singlife. You can even stack it with their long-term membership gifts to receive a branded timepiece, like the Timberland Northbridge Collection Watch or the Aviator F-Series GMT Chronograph.

Just a heads-up though, perks like the MINDEF Group Insurance Voluntary Scheme are only available while you’re still in active service*. However, with surprises like the bonus credits for NSmen which was announced in Budget 2024, you never know what new perks we’ll receive next. It’s always best to stay in the loop and make the most of your exclusive privileges while you can.

ICT is more than just a call-up if you want it to be

As much as we may grumble about having to book in year after year, there is plenty to reap from ICT. With the right mindset, it becomes a space to reset, reconnect and reflect on not just where you are in life, but how far you’ve come since those early days in green.

Whether it’s catching up with old section mates, clocking your best IPPT timing yet, or simply enjoying quieter moments away from the usual busyness, there’s value to be found if you’d just look for it. Hopefully the next time your mobilisation notice drops, you’ll see it in a more positive light.

Oh and if you’re a recruit looking for all the NSman tips you can get, check out our guide to surviving BMT or the savings hack I used to save $15,000 by the time I ORD-ed.