KUALA LUMPUR: While taking part in the National Service Training Programme (NS) 3.0 was a valuable experience, trainee Wong Wei Pin wished it could have been longer.
The 20-year-old from Kuala Selangor, who aspires to be a military commando, said a three-month programme would be sufficient given the valuable experiences to be had.
"It has been the best experience of my life, given my huge interest in the military."
"I was studying law when the opportunity to join NS 3.0 came about."
"I grabbed the chance to join as I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said after the end-of-training ceremony for the first batch of PLKN 3.0 trainees on Tuesday (Feb 25).
Wong said his favourite part of the programme was basic military training, including abseiling and weapons training.
"The first week was the hardest as I was still getting used to the schedule, but by the second week, it was smooth sailing."
"I love the marching exercise as well as the weapons training, as my ultimate ambition is to become a commando," he said.
Above all else, there was a sense of brotherhood among the trainees, Wong said.
"My fellow trainees and I are comrades for life," he said.
For 24-year-old orang asli trainee Ivy Nurshafica Amaynie, the programme really boosted her self-confidence, especially in public speaking.
"Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed using the M16 rifle during weapons training; in fact, I was one of the best shooters."
"However, other modules really enhanced my skills, especially when speaking publicly."
"I also feel that my mental toughness increased after overcoming training obstacles, especially those that required climbing a six-foot wall," she said.
Ivy, who previously worked in the security sector, said she was also grateful for the skills picked up such as jungle trekking and hiking.
"I know that I will be able to handle myself if I ever get lost in the jungle," she quipped.
Meanwhile, the support of his family drove 18-year-old Muhammad Zulirfan Mustaqim Mohd Zukri to join NS 3.0.
"My mother gave me a lot of encouragement and advice."
"I also aim to join the armed forces one day, so this programme is a good stepping stone for a possible military career."
"The programme is good as it builds character and discipline."
"I feel that I gained a lot of knowledge and skills from the programme," he said.
