Wish you here
Song by Pink Floyd
Back in the writing mood again ;-)
About 7 years ago when I received the letter to report back to the army my heart sank to my feet. I was nervous, angry, frustrated and could not believe that they called me back after 8 years of lull. I could barely remember what M16 looks like, let alone how to use it. Furthermore, they were going to send me to a course learning a weapon that I have never seen or even heard before. What was my wife reaction ? " Oh you gonna miss my birthday ! "
As it turn out, the first 2 ICTs was not as bad as I thought it would be. I get to book out almost everyday, made new friends and learned that the food at the cookhouse is soooo much better than it was many years ago when I was serving NS . As a matter of fact I actually enjoyed the training especially cos there was a lot of free time and we played soccer almost everyday.
But that was only the beginning. Once we were send to our unit, the training became a whole lot different. Most of us suffered a huge culture shock. It took some time for us to adjust to the new standards but somehow as time goes by we manage to adapt.
As the years go by, the M16 gets heavier, IPPT seems harder to pass and my men gets lesser. Some of us are downgraded to a stage where they are not suppose to go to the field or lift heavy objects. Others, like me marched on.
I have just finished my 6 year ICT. Although there are times during those 2 weeks when I wished I was anywhere in the world but there, I did enjoy myself occasionally. I had fun talking c#*k with my fellow commanders, cracking jokes with them and reminiscing the previous ICTs. I even discovered my new talent, table soccer or foozeball as some may call it. Me and one of my fellow bunk mate were only defeated once in close to 20 odd game. My men always have a roaring good time every time we go to the MESS.
The best part is that even though we did not have enough men outfield, we manage to pull ourselves together, did our very best and manage to pass the tests with flying colours. Even our trainers said that we did beyond our expectations. In fact our grades helped to pull up the other 2 platoon's scores and as a result, we got the best Company during the training. Although I was not around at that time,( cos I was busy settling other stuff for the platoon) I can imagine the raucous applause when my OC took the plaq for the best COY from the CO. I'm happy and proud of my men.
Back in the writing mood again ;-)
About 7 years ago when I received the letter to report back to the army my heart sank to my feet. I was nervous, angry, frustrated and could not believe that they called me back after 8 years of lull. I could barely remember what M16 looks like, let alone how to use it. Furthermore, they were going to send me to a course learning a weapon that I have never seen or even heard before. What was my wife reaction ? " Oh you gonna miss my birthday ! "
As it turn out, the first 2 ICTs was not as bad as I thought it would be. I get to book out almost everyday, made new friends and learned that the food at the cookhouse is soooo much better than it was many years ago when I was serving NS . As a matter of fact I actually enjoyed the training especially cos there was a lot of free time and we played soccer almost everyday.
But that was only the beginning. Once we were send to our unit, the training became a whole lot different. Most of us suffered a huge culture shock. It took some time for us to adjust to the new standards but somehow as time goes by we manage to adapt.
As the years go by, the M16 gets heavier, IPPT seems harder to pass and my men gets lesser. Some of us are downgraded to a stage where they are not suppose to go to the field or lift heavy objects. Others, like me marched on.
I have just finished my 6 year ICT. Although there are times during those 2 weeks when I wished I was anywhere in the world but there, I did enjoy myself occasionally. I had fun talking c#*k with my fellow commanders, cracking jokes with them and reminiscing the previous ICTs. I even discovered my new talent, table soccer or foozeball as some may call it. Me and one of my fellow bunk mate were only defeated once in close to 20 odd game. My men always have a roaring good time every time we go to the MESS.
The best part is that even though we did not have enough men outfield, we manage to pull ourselves together, did our very best and manage to pass the tests with flying colours. Even our trainers said that we did beyond our expectations. In fact our grades helped to pull up the other 2 platoon's scores and as a result, we got the best Company during the training. Although I was not around at that time,( cos I was busy settling other stuff for the platoon) I can imagine the raucous applause when my OC took the plaq for the best COY from the CO. I'm happy and proud of my men.
posted by micemaniac at 10:59 PM
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