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Every year, they return.

Some have become new fathers; others have taken on greater responsibilities at work. Yet, for a few days each year, these commitments take a back seat, as Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen) from all walks of life put on the SCDF uniform and meet their peers once again for their in-camp training.

Over three decades, COL (NS) Raizan Bin Abdul Razak has seen fellow ORNSmen progress through different stages of life, while continuing to answer the call of duty. This has helped him to appreciate their dedication to NS and shape his own understanding of leadership. 

Since enlisting in SCDF in 1996, COL (NS) Raizan has held numerous appointments. He began his journey with the Immediate Response Unit, which was established to augment frontline operations. 

He later became Deputy Commander of Banyan Fire Station before assuming the role of Head Operations for 11 Rescue Unit. He eventually went on to become Deputy Division Commander of 1^st SCDF Division in 2021. 

Apart from his operational appointments, COL (NS) Raizan was among the first few SCDF ORNSmen to become an Honorary Aide-de-Camp (HADC).

“It was a privilege to represent SCDF at presidential events, ensuring that ceremonies and events proceeded smoothly and in accordance with protocol. It also provided the opportunity to work closely with counterparts from the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore Police Force, as well as fellow SCDF HADCs,” COL (NS) Raizan shared.

Among his previous appointments, he felt that his time as Head Operations for 11 Rescue Unit was the defining chapter of his leadership journey. 

"That appointment gave me a broader understanding of operations at the command level," he said. "It strengthened my understanding of how the Rescue Unit operates and honed my leadership skills for subsequent appointments."

As his responsibilities grew, his leadership philosophy also evolved. 

“It is important to lead by example, but at the same time, you must also empower others. As leaders, we need to make the effort to coach and mentor others, and give them opportunities to lead,” COL (NS) Raizan shared.

COL (NS) Raizan (first row, second from right) at the former Hougang Training School in 1996. PHOTO: COL (NS) RAIZAN BIN ABDUL RAZAK

"Now that there are different generations in the workforce, their views may differ," he explained. "Leaders need to understand their people and build strong camaraderie, enabling teams to work well together."

Whether working with National Servicemen, Regular Officers or fellow ORNSmen, COL (NS) Raizan believes that a shared purpose brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds.

“In 2025, following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, I was deployed for Operation Lionheart as a Deputy Team Leader. Our contingent of 80 SCDF officers, which included 11 ORNSmen, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. During the deployment, I saw firsthand how everyone served with the same purpose, which is to help those in need,” he said.

As Deputy Team Leader, COL (NS) Raizan supported the Operation Lionheart Team Leader in establishing the base camp and coordinating logistics and info-communications to facilitate the deployment of rescue teams.

“What stood out was how seamlessly the ORNSmen integrated with the Regular Officers," he recalled. "Rescuers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, Fire and Rescue Specialists, and ORNSmen worked together effectively because we shared the same training, operational procedures, and standards.”

The experience also impressed on him the importance of resilience.

He recalled how the local community went out of their way to share food and water with the Operation Lionheart contingent, aiding the efforts of the rescue teams. 

"Despite the earthquake, the locals remained resilient and continued to help one another," he said, reinforcing his belief that emergency preparedness is a collective effort, with every individual playing a part by helping others in times of need.  

COL (NS) Raizan (front row, fifth from left) with a section of the Operation Lionheart contingent as they contributed tents to Naypyidaw Women’s Hospital. This was part of the relief efforts to help the people of Myanmar rebuild their community after the earthquake in 2025. PHOTO: SCDF

Through these platforms, he promotes fire safety, first aid skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the community. He has also brought these efforts to his workplace at the Ministry of Education Headquarters by organising training sessions in first aid and lifesaving skills for his colleagues. 

"Emergency preparedness is something everyone can learn," he said. "By learning CPR and how to use an AED, we can collectively build a community that is ready for emergencies, helping to protect and save lives and property, when the need arises."

Looking back on his ORNS journey, it is not the appointments or milestones that stands out the most for COL (NS) Raizan. Instead, it is the people he has served alongside.

"I'm still in close contact with many of my NS batchmates, and we meet regularly to catch up," he shared. "These friendships have lasted well beyond our times in service, and I treasure them greatly."

Encouraging the next generation of full-time National Servicemen and ORNSmen, COL (NS) Raizan said, “See every challenge as an opportunity to learn something new. The more effort you put in, the more you will gain from the experience. Remember that the knowledge and skills that you have learnt may one day keep you and those around you safe.”