A Scorpion in Leopard's skin

On retrospection, I began to slowly appreciate why things happen as they were. View the past trials as blessings in disguise; I had experienced many things which my fellow recruits will probably never do and made a few close friends.

When I was sick and had just recovered, I was made to do all the jobs which are rarely appreciated (meaning sai gang in hokkien) or even noticed. Together with my new friends, we filled jerry cans, packed fresh food rations for the sergeants, refilled the empty cans, washed their milo containers, cleared their trash etc. While mealtimes were tough, we spent the rest of the time resting in the comfort of air-conditioned office. In the process of sending water and food to people suffering at the outfields, I sat many tunnel(big trucks) and land-rover rides.

Was attached to Leopard company for my SIT test; it was an eye-opener for me. The Leopards never experienced a single punishment throughout their camp. To sum it up: they emphasise a lot on care for soldiers. Appreciated their very kind hospitality; it actually felt weird not doing pushups for days.

Finally completed one major part of a recruit's life. =)

Back to a deserted camp

Had another 2 days extension of MC by the GP, who insisted that I must rest at home. Gave me a jab to suppress my sickness.

Missed most of the week's activities. Will be returning to a deserted company line, devoid of company friends, as most of them will be taking SIT test in the outfields.

I wonder what the platoon sergeant and commander have in store for me; what is their make-up training like?

Refuse to care about all these trivial stuffs, 'coz I find it worthless and tiring. Whew. Can be glad that I am going back to Tekong after a long recovery at home.

Not Broken

Planned to have an earlySunday breakfast with my mother and a haircut. Unexpectedly, I was recalled back to Tekong by 9.30 am to do an emergency guard duty. :( The company sergeant called me at 9 am and expected me to be ready in 1/2 hour. He tried to sound apologetic. Naturally I had to rush down in a taxi.

Bureacracy sucks. Apparently, 20 other people were there. The sergeant there had no idea what to do while we waited there in vain for the ferry to come. Wasted time there when I could have been doing other stuffs. If not for that screwup, I could have been having lunch with my family.

Boarded the speedboat (the small one) to Tekong. Wasted more time there (emphasis on wasted). The fresh rations provided lifted my spirits a little, though on reflection, I realised that the heaty food (for e.g fried chicken wing and chilli) provided compounded my problem. The first shift only started at noon. -.-'

Was given the job of a prowler. This meant that I have to patrol around the whole BMTC complex for ONE whole frickin day. My shift was 2 hours long, with a 4 hours rest in between. In that 2 hours, I was supposed to go round the complex twice.

Under the blazing sun, at a record high of 35 degrees, I trudged through the complex painstakingly. The jockey cap provided little relief from the radiation. Armed with only a shield and a baton that is only useful for chasing dogs (in my opinion), I was cursing away as my section mates were supposed to book in at 9 pm.

In one of the shifts, I met a gigantic wild boar at the parade square. It was chasing away some birds. Probably thinking that I was an intruder, it charged at me at fantastic speed, all 2 tonnes of it. Had to duck behind a tree to prevent being gored. No point carrying that useless stick of a baton and a rattan shield.

By 2 am to 4 am, I experienced a throbbing headache while doing my rounds. Wanted to faint but had to perservere. The next day, I reported sick with a fever of 39.3. Had 2 days off from army until Wednesday.

Initially, I was broken. This week was very important to me, as I had many major tests, (for guys, its SOC, IPPT, SIT test) including a hand grenade live throw. Shed bitter tears in desperation. If only I was not called for guard duty, nothing would have happened.

My mother and my sister took time to encourage me. Despite what I see as overwhelming obstacles, Abba will find a way around it and will turn the bitter waters of Marah sweet. (Exodus 16: 22-26) Really appreciate my mother; in spite of my broken spirit, she was ever patient by saying that there will always be a way.

As I am writing this now, I am feeling much better. :). Even if I had to be confined to make up for training, so be it. For I know my parents always care for me, and I promise that I will recipocrate them many times over one day.

You're Not Alone

On our way back, with Raymond and I left on the train, I could sense a tinge of sadness in Raymond's voice. He will not be seeing Singapore for the next two weeks due to confinement. Had to console him; I promised that I will send him SMS on Saturday and Sunday. I am hoping this small gesture can lift his spirits up.

Discussed about army life after BMT. Raymond is resigned to his fate that he is going to SISPEC, due to the tough competition in Hawk company. Sometimes, I wonder whether it was a blessing in disguise that I enter Scorpion because of my screwed-up NAPFA results; since it is extremely competitive and tough in Hawk and other companies.

Told him that we must aim to go to mainland after BMT, anywhere but Tekong. One day

we might even end up as comrades (either as men or officer cadets in the same section). At least we must have a goal to work towards to. Encouraged him (his physique is already at tip top condition, mine isn't yet), despite the current struggles and all.

Still remembered the day after field camp during service. Tears of joy and sadness streamed down my cheeks upon seeing other worshippers, despite my sincerest efforts to contain them. It left a bittersweet memory in me. Vividly remembered the scene when I was hearing the insects buzz alone, hoping that somehow, somewhere, there is at least someone that cared for me. My hands were lacerated by jack-knife wounds and thorns (could have been infected by tetanus and typhoid many times, as I did not receive any vaccinations, thankfully I survived) ; my body exhausted from the physical exertion of combat drills...

At last, Raymond have to go off at Tampines. Told him to take care. You're not alone, my friend.

Busy Day

Was out at 11 am. Went to Suntec Marche before noon and waited for 1 hour before my campus friends started strolling in. Jeremy, my caregroup leader, is flying off to Melbourne to pursue a course in medicine. Most arrived late; the others later. We were supposed to have lunch at noon, in the end it was delayed to two. My friend told me casually that "this isn't the army man..relax, dun need to come so early...". -.-'

After service at the Rock, I immediately went to Paradiz to meet the usual gang: Ginway, Eddie, Raymond and Julian. Initially tried many other games due to lack of challengers in Dota. In the end, we managed to find a team of four opponents to spar with. Ended the game just on time to catch the last train.

Zhengxian and I

Growth

If what my mother says is true, I will be taller than my uncle who is 1.75 m in height. :S Contrary to what people think, army makes guys grow (literally). I am also astonished by the fact that I have gained 2 kg in weight (gosh). Must be the combined effect of copious amount of protein during mealtimes and the tough physical training. All my holiday fats (like I have any) have probably dissolved; in place of it is muscles. (that's what I would like to think.)

Currently downloading "The Reason" from my younger sis. Even though both of us are using the same wireless connection, it is painstakingly slow. Shall go and bathe now.

Dullness

One of my closest friend cannot join us for the Treetop Community gathering on Friday. He has to do guard duty on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year. Another missed chance of meeting each other. Last time, we could talk about anything under the sun. Now it seems that both of us are tired. (laments) =(

Everything has lost its appeal to me; I have neglected many games which I used to relish in the past. Even as I blog now, I cannot find the appropriate words to describe my feelings as vividly as Hotseat can. The army trains our physical body, but neglects the mind. We are taught how to care for our rifle like our wives, but we have to put in extra effort to sharpen our intellect.

Have been reading some books, like the Word and LKY's memoirs, to keep myself busy, hoping that they will provide comfort to my mind. Wish to meet the others from the Treetop soon.

Brightstar

Was savouring my taste of freedom in the civilised world at the Rock, when I happened to chance upon a childcare centre, Brightstar. Heard that there is going to be an open house soon. Though it is not really applicable to me, I find their childlike fonts (plus the effects of mass media, for e.g pictures of exuberant children bouncing around) appealing.

Just came back from BMTC. I was "volunteered"(wow) into doing a spring cleaning around the company building while the rest of my comrades were lazing their time away. With a glee on his face, the sergeant ordered my friends and I to pick up every damn leaf on the floor, which is countless. He didn't repent even though we pleaded, begged and used every single excuse (like, "sergeant, you damaging the ecosystem u noe"..."F@#$ care about the environment lah" came his reply).

So we proceeded on the back-breaking task of picking up every twig and leaf, occasionally using the worn-out brooms. In addition to that, my section (unluckily) lost a bet with another sergeant. We betted with him that we can throw a grenade within target range. Now we are resigned to polishing his boots for 2 weeks.

Sigh. Life of a "chao" recruit". I'm waiting with bated breath for the Passing Out Parade and promotion. Till then, 30 more days to go.

After Field Camp

No words can do justice to the common experience of all recruits. So much have happened. Sweat, mud and soil permeated into every pore of our bodies. Simple routines like brushing of teeth, toilet business (basically civilian life) are much appreciated. Basic sanitation is seriously lacking. (to simulate wartime)

I am so glad when I returned back to the mainland today. During the field camp, our mental and physical states were stretched to the limit (due to culture shock). The only things that kept me going were the beautiful stars at night, the people back at homeland that we have to and want to protect.

Ate countless biscuit rations during the field camp, which kept my mind off the fatigue. Initially, we were appalled at the lack of personal hygiene, which was quickly replaced by indifference. Our fingers were covered thoroughly with camouflage cream, soil and mud; even our bottles are contaminated.

Booking in tomorrow, which leaves little time for me to blogsurf, wash my soiled laundry and rest. Shall do my reflection soon.