DES Interview & Training Experience
I’ve recently completed my 6‑month DES course, and to be honest, National Service was tougher. For those curious about the process, here’s a breakdown:
Interview & Selection Timeline
- 27 March 2025 – Applied for DES via Career@Gov
- 2 April 2025 – Received email invitation for Tea Session (Virtual)
- 8 April 2025 – Tea Session via Zoom
- You’ll be in the same Zoom meeting with a few others. Each person introduces themselves and answers questions posed by the interviewer.
- 8 April 2025 – Received email the same day for a Panel Interview
- 16 April 2025 – Panel Interview
- About 5–6 interviewers were present, but only 2–3 actively asked questions. Waiting time can be up to an hour depending on the applicants before you.
- 16 April – 1 May 2025 – Received emails to fill in forms and attend a psychometric assessment
- 2 May 2025 – Received email for a 2nd Interview (unexpected and stressful for me!)
- 9 May 2025 – 2nd Interview, similar to the first panel interview
- 22 May 2025 – Medical screening
- 23 May – 31 June 2025 – Further medical check‑up due to mild scoliosis (I almost lost hope here)
- 1 July 2025 – Received email confirming selection for SPF. The email included rank, salary, sign‑on eligibility, enlistment date, and items to bring.
- Pre‑enlistment – Submit several forms. About 1–2 weeks before enlistment, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group by your Course Manager (CM) and required to attend uniform sizing at Home Team Academy.
- Enlistment Day!

The process from application to enlistment was relatively fast for me compared to some squad mates, who took up to 8 months due to medical reasons.
Training Overview
If you’ve gone through NS, you’ll survive DES training. Everything runs on routine:
- Daily Schedule: Fall in between 5:30–6:10am depending on the day’s schedule and squad IC.
- Physical Training (PT): Two sessions daily (morning and evening).
- Classroom Lessons: About 5 hours daily on law (3 hours after first PT, 2 hours after lunch). Staying awake can be tough!
- Foot Drills: Occasionally replace PT. You’ll be tested on them, though they feel like a waste of time.
First 3 Months – Police Officer Basic Course
- Glock weapon handling & shooting
- First aid training
- Free Class 3 driving lessons
- First law assessment: 50 MCQs (failures allowed 2–3 retakes)
Next 3 Months – Ground Response Force (GRF) Phase
- Fast‑paced training with no major schedule changes
- In‑Situ Response Team (IRT) – 3 weeks of intense training:
- HK MP5 handling & shooting
- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) at HTTC (7 days + assessment)
- Public Order (PO) training (riot shield drills)
- Final assessments: Scenario‑based drills, MCQs, and short essays
Attachment
- 2 weeks / 4 tours at a Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), usually near your home.
- Depending on the NPC, workload varies. Some are quieter, others busier. Use this time to learn as much as possible.
Final Week
- Return to HTA for administrative tasks: de‑kit dummy weapons, return laptop, rehearse for Passing Out Ceremony (POC).
Passing Out Ceremony
On Friday, you’ll wear your sergeant amulet and receive your certificate.
POC lor!
All the best! May you be selected to join the force.