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.