ok i have to admit that all my posts until now were mainly about ns as much of this 1 year 10 months was centered around it. The following will be a summary of what transpired and some additions of my own. Hopefully, it is an unbiased conclusion of an eventful charter of my life.
Enlisted on 9th jan 2008--
My feelings that day were momentous, and i broke into tears as my composure was somewhat shattered by the reality of conscription.
However, there was a bright side. Rong Jun happened to be my bed buddy and it was a real stroke of luck.
In BMT, i could literally taste the regimentation of recruits. The physical and mentally taxing sermons kept me on my edges.
As most of us recruits set on sights on officership, there was a certain competitive spirit, but displayed chivalry.
Despite that, i really had fun(it was the most enjoyable period of my ns life)
We had understanding commanders too.
I made mistakes and was punished for it; all of us were.
BSLC @ SISPEC
Posted there at the end of bmt.
Morale was an all time low for those posted at the beginning of the course cause did not manage to get into OCS.
SISPEC was seen as a secondary choice.
Developed an initial inferiority complex--no kidding, i was grousing.
Decided to stay positive and adhere to the rigor of the 8 weeks.
Training was slacker than bmt over there.
ASLC @ TAB
Tengah AirBase Field Defense Squadron.
ALL I CAN SAY is that the admin is fucking disorganised. Course was so slack but no one was complaining, since the heck care mentality 'since we were only gonna be 3SG' made it seem like no big deal.
In these 1y10m, if i've learnt about the way SAF goes about doing stuff, OFFICERS PLAN, SPECIALISTS DEPLOY. Specialists are 'on the ground', without being 'put through the mill' will be unable to control the men in times of adversity. It is even more crucial for specialists to learn how to execute command and control efficiently. Even for NSFs, SPECIALISTS need to go through courses that only officers go through in such areas. I stress that the training standards of both officers and specialists should be equal despite differences in rank and job scopes so that specialists will be able to AID officers in times of need. OFFICERS PLAN, but if they are unable to attain knowledge of what happens on the ground or if all the SPECIALISTS happen to be INCAPACITATED, what is going to happen to the platoon? I hereby stress again that officers need to get on the ground too in case of such an eventuality. Even higher management should not fail to realise the need to do so as it may result in a better decision? Finally, officers should not demand that of specialists if they cannot do so of themselves. Its all about taking the lead.
PLAB - FDS
Finished my ASLC and got posted here.
On the job training helped me comprehend my areas of weaknesses which BSLC & ASLC could not rectify. First experience handling men in a unit.
Alot of 'firsts' showed that i was still inexperienced and i strived to improve myself for the betterment of the unit.
RSAF OPEN HOUSE.
INSTRUCTOR TO FIELD DEFENSE COURSE.
NATIONAL RUNWAY CYCLING.
SAF DAY PARADE.
These were some of high key events in my unit where i was involved in. And yea, i had my share of tough times too.
In the SAF, NSFs are posted to different units which they often stick with till they ROD. Some units will probably be more outfield intensive for various reasons and maybe involved in overseas exercises too. I was probably one of the luckier ones to not have any overseas training because of the varying scopes. Yea this will probably invite scorn and insinuation over its 'slack ness'. Nevertheless, those who give their utmost deserve respect.
ORD 081109--
As an Nsmen, i am aware of my liabilities. I am glad that NS taught me to be more aware and open minded. It was not a smooth sailing experience but i have become a more rugged person because of ns.
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