NS men, at least the majority of them, probably don't look forward to in-camp training (ICT).

Because for every ICT, that's two weeks gone, lots of "rush to wait and wait to rush" and – most importantly – being stuck in camp, away from the comforts of civilian life.

But for the men of 823 Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR), according to a Facebook note posted by the unit's Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Darren Tan, ICT is an experience not to be missed.

In fact, in what is probably an SAF first, commanders and men asked for medical upgrades to participate in outfield exercises. Yes, even one who had just survived cancer.

"I have been overwhelmed by the commitment of 823 SIR. We have commanders and men asking for medical upgrades so that they can participate in outfield exercises. We have men with expectant wives or newborns coming in for ICT. We have men who were married over the weekend showing up for ICT. We even had someone who had just overcome cancer coming outfield with us. We have men whose employers request for deferments but pleaded with me to reject their deferments."

They were also very garang. #spoilmarket

"I remember the day we moved out for our last combat exercise together as a battalion. You were decked out in war paint loaded up onto the military vehicles. My heart swelled with pride. I was thoroughly enjoying each moment. Later, a well-meaning officer from another unit remarked that we shouldn't have applied our camo so early. I thought in my heart, you don't know my 823, we wouldn't want it any other way."

While people of course have shown their standard Singaporean scepticism, saying they think this story is too good to be true, some have come forward to verify his account.

You can read his entire post here: