>> Saturday, September 08, 2007 <<
I know, I know. It has been a long time since I last posted. Almost 6 months I think. I guess I have no inspiration to write all this while. But suddenly I just feel like blogging. I doubt anyone reads this anymore.
It has been quite a half year. After Taiwan, everything should have slowed down, but I was wrong. Thailand, NDP 2007, SAF Day, my unit's 50th anniversary, all coming in thick and fast. I guess I made the right choice of going to Thailand and distancing myself from NDP because I know my weekends will be gone from the rehearsals.
After NDP, camp was pretty much in neutral gear. Only people who have not cleared their IPPT and SOC have to go for constant tests every week. As for me, I had to take over Platoon Sergeant role as my platoon sergeant went to Alaska for training. I guess it would have been a much easier task if I have some help. But I never get it all the time. Almost broke me down, but thanks to someone, I held myself.
Now that I have ORDed, I am looking for a job so that I can pay for my own studies next year. Got an interview next week. guess I just have to send out more resumes.
As crazy as it sounds, I missed army life. My bunk, my bed, my bunkmate (2SG Poh Yew Yee, the only person other than my girlfriend who knows me so well), my platoon, my men, the office. I was given some control over the company during the last few days as I was selected for Contingent Commander for the ORD parade, and it felt good. I guess all the training during the Platoon Sergeant course helped.
I'm gonna miss the canteen, where I have my weekly dose of nasi lemak and ice lemon tea, the barber, where the uncle knew me so well I just have to say "The usual" and he knows what to cut (I always cut 3 by 1, good soldier), the basketball court where we occasionally play soccer, and I also managed to squeeze quite a number of wonderful goals.
I am definitely going to miss my section. 1SIR 12th Mono, Charlie Company, Platoon 7, Section 3, Breaching Section. CPL Shaun, one of the best 2ICs around. His buddy, LCP Charles, never fail to make me smile. CPL Fairuz, abnormally tall and sometimes irritating. LCP Taufiq, always on the ball at the right time. LCP Zeming, the quietest, most bullied in the section, but very hardworking. And LCP Wei Zhi, a wildcard, very good soldier when properly motivated, but I have learnt when not to call upon him. I agree I did not spend much personal time with the section, mainly because I draw the line between commanders and men, but on a personal level, they are a great bunch to be with. The times spent overseas, in their bunk when I bought them Mc Donalds (I think it has been 5 or 6 times already). I cannot ask for a better section.
"A section can go on without its commander, but a commander is nothing without his men."
A wonderful chapter closes, a new chapter begins. The author remains the same, the title yet to be found. The wonderful person supporting the author has been there for 3 years, and hopefully many more years to come.
>> Tuesday, March 13, 2007 <<
[Mood: Great] [Mentally: Ready] [Physically: Tense] [State of Mind: Raring To Go]
This is it. 6 more hours to go before my flight. Let's get it over and done with.
-= Signing Out =-
>> Friday, March 09, 2007 <<
[Mood: Great] [Mentally: Stable] [Physically: Okay] [State of Mind: Thinking]
Okay, so what was it that my Encik asked that almost make me fell off my seat? It is actually something which I had once considered, and after consultation and thinking, decided againt it. Yeap, signing on to the Army.
He asked me why I didn't sign on. Said I have the capabilities. And with the Platoon Sergeant course under my belt, I am already one step ahead of other NSFs. It is true, to a certain extent. I told him I had considered it, but after talking to my Platoon Sergeant about it, decided against it.
So why didn't you ask me, he said.
I wanted to, but during that period, you were not available.
Made me think again about this issue. Of course, I have many other factors to consider. Mainly people. And after some small talk yesterday, I have decided...
To talk to my Encik about it in Taiwan. I need to clarify some things which is bugging my mind before I decide. Don't want to regret it.
A couple of regulars, platoon sergeants and me (and maybe some other NSFs in my company) are going to send Encik off tomorrow at the airport. Gathering there at around 12PM. Maybe after that, I'm gonna drop by the IT Exhibition at Suntec Convention Centre, before heading home. Need to mentally prepare myself for Taiwan.
Haizz... If only it was that easy to decide.
>> Wednesday, March 07, 2007 <<
[Mood: Fine] [Mentally: Fresh] [Physically: Normal] [State of Mind: Blank]
On block leave! All the way until next week before my flight. Although I just received an sms regarding a briefing on Monday, but that will not dampen my spirits. Lolz. The past 2 days was very hectic in camp, preparing the items for Taiwan. And after we had a final inspection on the kits, and loaded them into the lecture room, it was more or less a bit relaxed.
After book out yesterday, all the commanders in my company made our way to our Encik's house. He was having a mini Open House after moving there. Somewhere around Jelapang. We had a nasi lemak buffet there, and watched a funny Chinese movie halfway. And his 2nd son was so cute! the little guy just couldn't stop giggling. And he wasn't crying when the guys passed him around so that all of us could carry him. Really cute kid.
There was a small discussion in my Encik's study room while we were there. There were only about 5 of us, and he was talking about the quality of specialist being trained year after year. He talked about his specialist life in the Army, which I have to say, was impressive but not surprising, because he is one of the best. He then asked me something which almost made me fall off my seat, but I will not elaborate until after I have talked about it with someone close to me.
I'm almost done packing for Taiwan. But over the next few days, I guess I'll have to finish up the cylum straws (mini light sticks) my men had helped me with on Monday. I think we're gonna need more than 1200.
This blog will most probably not be updated while I'm in Taiwan, but I should be able to update my WAP blog (WLog on the right) like I did last year in Taiwan. Although I might have to recheck my bill that time and see how much it cost me. Otherwise someone will not be too happy. Lolz.
>> Sunday, March 04, 2007 <<
[Mood: Great] [Mentally: Sound] [Physically: Fine] [State of Mind: Norm]
Haven't been blogging for a few weeks now. Got to know a couple of things in the past few weeks. Like I have finally managed to get the Marksmanship Badge with my section. And how I was not selected for the CSM course. How some people improve in their work attitude, and some are totally from bad to worse. How my men have problems of their own, but instead of going to me, went straight to my platoon sergeant.
I guess I still have a lot to work on as a section commander. Not that I have time. Taiwan's coming, and after Taiwan, I doubt there's any exercises I can actually prove my worth. Oh well. Guess it's not time for me in NS.
I sure hope Taiwan goes well. Unfortunately, I can't paste any pictures from there. Something about sensitive information. Lolz.
Haizz. I'm out of thoughts. Out of words. Out of here.
>> Tuesday, February 20, 2007 <<
[Mood: Okay] [Mentally: In Pain] [Physically: Okay] [State of Mind: Down]
I almost lost myself today. Haizz. I don't know what triggered it, maybe a series of events. But I know I was wrong. I should have controlled my temper. I must really improve myself. I'm glad someone is willing to help me through it.
>> Sunday, February 18, 2007 <<
[Mood: Great] [Mentally: Better] [Physically: Bruised] [State of Mind: Stronger]
Just came back from Ex Pegasus. 4 days, 3 nights. Well, it was tough going through it, but when it was all over, it was pretty amazing I got out of it alive. Not without injuries though.
We set off on Monday evening towards our concentration area (a.k.a. friendly area) and set up our defence. Luckily we didn't have to dig, or our morale will be super low. We were preparing for a defence against 4SIR, who will be attacking us approximately 4AM the next day. They were late by an hour. Lolz. At their first shot out, we were all on alert, but my platoon sector was not attacked, so for an hour or so, we just stayed still. I almost fell asleep. Okay, so I DID fell asleep. *shrugs*
On Tuesday evening, we went to a landing zone to go heliborne and be inserted into another area for movement. There were 2 Chinooks and 2 Super Pumas, and I was lucky to be in the stick for the Super Puma. I had already been on the Chinook when I was in SISPEC, so the Puma was something new. The flight had a greater feeling in flight. Upon insertion, we regrouped, and went for movement to our attack location.
The movement took 9 hours. 9 hours of very little rest. 9 hours of constant swearing from my men. 9 hours of me praying that I didn't get lost. I have a bit of trouble seeing in the dark, and I mean pitch dark. My night vision goggles was also having problems that night, so it didn't help. I almost felt like giving up throughout the march, but I mean, looking at my men pushing on, I pushed myself. And finally made it in time for the attack.
Unfortunately by then, my platoon was only left with my section. Section 1 was attached out to do block force, and the whole Section 2 fall out. Yeap, I'm lucky to be in a section where the men don't give up that easily (either by their will, or by me ignoring their requests to fall out). After the attack, we set up defence again nearby waiting for 4SIR to attack us again. When they finally came, it wasn't really much of a fight. Lolz.
That night, we set off for another movement to our objective. To cut it short, I wasn't even bothered with the attack because I was too tired (fell in the drain twice), hurt my groin, had abrasion on my thigh, hungry (didn't eat since lunch), and I was carrying additional LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) on top of my already heavy breaching equipment. But pushed on I did, and when i was all over, I felt great.
On Friday, my unit had a Chinese New Year makan session at Marina Bay. No Halal food, so they gave us rations. Dotz.
Yesterday was a better day for me this week. Spent some precious time with my sweetheart in the morning till evening, before heading to my grandparents' place to visit them. I really pity them, staying alone. If my parents had a choice, they would be staying with us. But complications in the past prevented that. Haizz.
Chinese New Year and I am on duty tomorrow. My platoon sergeant wanted to change it for me, but I declined. I mean, it is MY duty, so I don't really mind. If I really have to change because I have something on, I will find a way.
Less than a month to go before Taiwan. I'm looking forward to it. The end of Taiwan, I mean.