SINGAPORE (UCAN) -- Prayer and a positive attitude are what will see young Catholic men through their two years of compulsory military service, say Catholic members of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Members of the Catholic Military Apostolate, both enlistees and full-time SAF staff, gave their first "pre-NS (National Service)" talk to 30 people at the Church of St. Mary of the Angels on Nov. 25.

The event was open to youths from the archdiocese's West District parishes preparing to enlist in December or early 2008. The audience comprised mostly teenagers and a few parents.

The organizers wanted to help "our youths prepare for NS both practically and spiritually," Keenan Tan, youth coordinator for St. Mary of the Angels Parish, told UCA News. "It is a way of reducing the anxiety of going into NS."

Corporal Jason Williamson told his future fellow enlistees that military life is "hard," but he said the discipline has taught him to appreciate things people take for granted. As an example he cited the "small breeze" that cools him while he stands "without moving for over an hour" on the parade square.

He also shared how prayer has helped him through tough moments, when he realized the only way to adequately meet the challenges of military life was "to give it all up to God."

Williamson admitted he is now "a very different person" than he was two years ago.

Lionel Wellesley, who completed his NS term in August, echoed Williamson in asserting "the one thing that gets you through (NS) is prayer, which lets you relate to Jesus."

Wellesley, who rose to the rank of lieutenant, said he learned the meaning of responsibility when he became commander of 145 men in a platoon. He drew a Gospel parallel with Jesus wanting to be alone to pray but choosing to look after the crowds that followed him.

Private Jeremy Lim, an enlistee who completed his 10 weeks of Basic Military Training a few months ago, admitted he did not enjoy it "because everyone is stepping on you." But he told the audience that the experience "will teach you tolerance and ... understanding."

An army regular, Lieutenant Gabriel Wong, assured the youths they need not fear their NS stint, because there are people they can turn to if they have problems.

He elaborated that platoon commanders interview their men on a regular basis, special orientation officers help recruits adjust to military life and every military unit has "para-counselors," like him, who are willing to lend an ear.

Wong also revealed that a Good Shepherd nun, Sister Lucy Chia, is available for any national serviceman who wants to talk about problems.

However, he told the youths that entering the army "with the right attitude, that you're going to serve," would ultimately sustain them.

Jesuit Father Colin Tan, who did NS in the 1980s, urged the young men to take the rigors of basic training "in good spirit," adding that this would toughen them up for the rest of their enlistment.

"Obedience is key" in the army, he admitted, but he reminded them, "God is always with you when you are experiencing hardship."

Citing Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians, he suggested they "have some words from Scripture to inspire you, such as 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"

He also advised: "Remember not to look out only for yourself, but for those who are weaker than you. That's your chance to be a good Samaritan."

Dominic Nalpon, 18, found the event "very interesting" and "insightful." He told UCA News, "The speakers were able to share in a way that touched me." For example, he learned "(why) we need to pray and how NS gives us the opportunity to practice and strengthen our faith."

He added that the event has helped him to "be more mentally prepared for NS."

Full-time NS was introduced in Singapore in 1967. Male Singaporeans are required to enlist for a period of two years, usually at the age of 18.

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(Accompanying photos available at here)