Little Green Men

Had a navigation exercise last week---not in some deserted place or jungle, but our very own Choa Chu Kang

Had a tour around our friendly neighbourhood with a compass and a map. Wearing green fatigues, helmet and SBO, we elicited many curious stares from the public-----from drivers to ah sohs doing post delivery service. Furthermore, I had to carry (though we rotate) a rectangular metal box on my back with a 2m long vertical antenna sticking out (radio).

Picture that image with two other bored soldiers walking under the HDB block. Along the way, we came across a bunch of primary school children, who have not seen soldiers (or soldiers with an antenna sticking out) before. They giggled hysterically at us especially me as I attempted to walk under the bus stop (since the antenna was flexible, it could well...bend). Wanted to tell them that we are your friendly soldiers, ala from Hao Gong Ming, but I guess embarrassment overrided(or is it override?) that urge.

Our final checkpoint was at Choa Chu Kang park. Like lost Japanese tourists, we gathered on one spot figuring out where the last park shelter was. Just then, a group of young adults playing hide and seek came towards us.

"You all from Signal Institute ah?" "Eh ..yah" "Oh we just found some clue on the lamppost..something like Eagle". They continued their hide and seek, while we followed their direction. True enough, our last clue was found. Man, really appreciated the help of friendly civilians.

So next time if you see a group of army guys in helmet walking around urban areas, do give them a hand. Sometimes it can raise our morale too.