Hebitch
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O.R.D-Day, 150306... Finally.
Bitched on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Time: 3/15/2006 07:53:00 PM
Latest Update: Finally, the day has come. 15th March 2006.
My sis told me, "What's the big deal? Pink IC only what." A female friend asked me, "What's ORD?" Well, girls will never understand. True, huh guys?
My pink IC was forcefully taken away 2 years and 2 months ago. Now, we are finally re-united! Amin to that! I miss you old buddy. You have a new home. My wallet. No more cupboard for you, bud. You will always be close to me. Well, at my butt... but close to me nonetheless.
I was so estatic from the moment I stepped onto the island just now. My two buddies who were also going to ORD with me, Haikal and Irfaan, must have really felt like giving me the sock the whole day. Haha...
I was nervous when I got back my IC. In fact, I didn't realise that I had gotten my pink IC until I saw Irfaan's expression when he saw my IC. I couldn't stop smiling since then. It has returned to me, baby!
Haikal was wearing the same shirt he wore when he enlisted 26 months ago! How symbolic was that! (he never failed to remind us again and again, 5 times actually) And since he doesn't have a blog, allow me to help him share this piece of trivia with the world!
And I managed to take pictures with all the big shots in my school (unit)! See them here. I took pictures with my RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major), my CO (Commanding Officer), my School 1 2IC (2nd in Command), my very own companies OC (Officer-in-Command) and CSM (Company Sergeant Major)...
Sigh... I miss Tekong island already. I'm never getting onto another fastcraft (ferry) ever. Come to think of it, I am never stepping onto the island again!
Before I go, here is an excerpt from my journal which I wrote on my first day of my enlistment.
"Fear, anxiety, lethargy, excitement, How should I feel? I did not have time. It was rush rush. Replace IC with army card. Oath taking. Dinner with family. Family gone. Meet new platoon and section. Company ~ Scorpion. Get new stuff. Army stuff. Shave head. Close. (mummy, good night)" - 16th January 2004, Friday.
That was 26 months ago. Today wasn't rush rush. It was the opposite. It was slow and easy. I was finally free. ORD LOH!!! Labels: Army, ORD, SAF

O.R.D-Day, 150306
Bitched on: Sunday, March 12, 2006 Time: 3/12/2006 05:30:00 PM
If life was like the Grammys or Oscars, I will have these few (some made-up) catergories to award the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), for the past 2 years and 2 months.
The Most Adrenaline Rush Award (aka Action-Packed Movie): When I rappeled down the helicopter. Boy, was that fun. I still remember looking at the underside of the helicopter after I jumped out of it...
It was months of practice jumps at the Guards Tower for that 2 minutes of pure excitement. My heart was palpitating, my throat parched and my mind was a complete mess. I can proudly boast and retell the stories to my not-as-fortunate Infantry comrades.
*clap clap* 2 minutes *clap clap* skid *clap clap* rope *clap clap* L-shape *clap clap* GO!
The Most Oh-my-God-I-am-going-to-die Award: No, its not related to the above experience but instead it was quite... ermmm... embarassing. I was...
...chased by a pack of 7 to 10 wild dogs when I was on my way to my bunk via a shortcut (last time I took that shortcut). I swear the dogs were huge and menacing and there were so many. I could have easily clock 9 seconds flat for that 100m. And boy did I shout (manly, not shrilly surprisingly).
The Most Sleaze-all-in-One-Night (aka Most real-life Porn I'll ever get) Award: I was roped in by my ex-platoon sergeant and ex-company 2IC from 3Guards to pay a visit to Orchard Towers and Geylang after a night in Cheeky Monkeys (my first clubbing experience)! That was the first time I got to experience 2 of Singapore's red light districts first hand. And like any red-blooded male I was excited at the thought but when I finally dwelled into the sleaze, I wanted out, prompto. Normally, rows and rows of girls in bras standing by the roadside parading themselves for you to pick might sound like every guys' dreams but I was ermm.... embarrassed to be there, and I felt sorry and pity for the ladies. They were treated like objects, like meat!
I came out of the experience with 2 mental notes, guys are pigs and I will never succumb to paying for sex, ever.
The Most Tear Jerking Performance (aka Most I-miss-my-Mommy Award) This happened in Taiwan, during one of the outfield exercises. It was constantly pouring (Taiwan was so similiar to Singapore; hot, wet and very Chinese). I remember particularly it was our first day outfield and it was raining heavily for a very long time.
My two buddies and I had built a makeshift shelter with our groundsheet over an overhanging branch of a nearby tree. Our shelter was powerless against the heavy rain and it wasn't long before our only protection agaist the rain brokedown. So what did my buddies and I do? Well, we took turns to stand and bend over in the centre of the 'shelter' to replace the branch. The other two will then pull the four corners down so that rainwater wouldn't accumulate anywhere.
Drenched from head to toe (argh!!! I got my foot rot since then), we complained, bitched and cried our misery out for the whole day! Looking back, I find it really hilarious how 3 grown guys were actually lamenting about missing home... and the sun.
The Best Movie Award (aka Should-be-made-into-a-movie-with-many-many-sequels Award) Drumrolls please... Hmmm... we have a tie! And they are both comedies!!!
Well, both 'comedies' occured during my roving stint in a unit (which has a special place in my heart always), Singapore 3rd Battalion Guards. And both occurred days apart when I was leading my section in one of our many navigational exercises in the jungles of Lim Chu Kang.
On the first day of the exercise while we were walking up a really steep slope to find our next checkpoint, I suddenly and painfully had cramps in my both my legs (like in my thighs and calves!!!) I was obviously immobilised and screaming in pain..
Haha... My section (group of men) was obviously horrified (initially) and they were scrambling for help. But where were they to find help in the middle of the jungle? So we were desperately signalling for help using the one and only signal set.
But alas help never arrived (they were busy tending to a 'real' casualty) and so instead I, with the help of my men, made our way back to our HQ (headquarters).
That story became the joke of the century! Everyone began immitating my 'shouts of pain'... Arhhh... arhhh... arhh...
So funny, guys... Not.
The next day,we moved on to the next navigational exercise (with me still embarrassed from the previous days' spectacle).
This time, my section 2 IC, Reyhan (now Corporal Reyhan, so proud of you bro), was instructed to lead the way while I was the observer. He lead us well from checkpoint to checkpoint. Occasionally, the whole section would simply bash into the forest directly to find the next checkpoint.
On of those occasions, we came across a small stream. It appeared shallow enough to just walk (not even wade) across and narrow enough to jump over (if need be). It seemed harmless like many of the other streams we came across, or so we thought. Poor Faizhul was the first victim of the evil stream...
The poor boy fell into the mercilessly stream the moment he stood on the banks (only rivers have that ey?). Well, he 'sank' all the way to close his chest level! It was that deep. His huge and heavy field pack might have helped the stream to suck him further down. He cried out for me, shouting, 'Sergeant, help, quicksand!!'
I was from the back, rushed to the front to see Al-Bokiah, laughing at his buddy who was now trying to struggle to get to the other side. When he eventually got to the other side, he swore at his buddies who instead of helping him were laughing at him.
Next to try was Bokiah. He tested the banks first. But even before he could leap off, the part of the bank he stood on collapsed, taking him down with it. But he managed to pull Reyhan (who was behind him) down with him and a small shrub completely with the huge tuber (we were guessing sweet potato) of the soil. So the two fell into the stream with a splash. By now, the stream was becoming wider and deeper and muddier... And we had food, Bo's sweet potato. haha...
So we devised a plan to use our parang (a machete) to cut down a small tree which was thick and sturdy enough for us to use as a small makeshift bridge. We tried making a human chain as we crossed the bridge and that was fine until Reyhan, who had gotten onto the other side, playfully released Sulaiman's hand. Sulaiman who was in the middle of the 'bridge' lost his balance and fell straight into the stream! That was hilarious!
The whole situation was hilarious!! It was like we took turns solo to cross but each one of us fell. At the end of it, none of us were spared from brown (instead of our original green camo) muddy clothes. The drama was really incredibly unforgetable. It was a small stream but it 'defeated' all of us! More importantly, we bonded as a section, something we swore we would never forget. It was one of those things that when you were shagged and you get dirty, you will just laugh it off. We had fun. And we immediately found our checkpoint after that, behind a tree. Haha...
The Best Actor It goes to.... Me! Haha. I remember when I was still a trainee in SISPEC during one of our navigation exercises, I lost a magazine (gasp!! Not FHM or Maxim hor...). A magazine is the part of the rifle that you use to load the rounds and you 'attach' this magazine to the weapon to fire. Mind you it was loaded with rounds (blanks only). And after hours of searching for that damn magazine, I... (due to sheer 'shagness'...) feigne...d... I mean.. I fainted! Haha! It wasn't really hard to put up that performance when you were really dead tired, the weather was really hot and that you knew that you will be so screwed losing that thing. Haha... I was really hoping that my superiors would take pity on me and maybe the punishment for the loss (we found the magazine the next morning) would be lessened but boy was I wrong... The punishment? Try three weekend confinements...Ouch.
The Best Supporting Actor The award has to go to the medic from the above's 'drama' who was tending to me despite knowing that I was faking it! Haha... I think he knew after he checked my temperature (which wasn't really high for heat exhaustion). Haha... That medic even suggested I be put on a drip! Well, luckily they couldn't find a drip in the middle of the jungle. So he did the next best thing, he iced me to death! Like really, I could have gotten frostbites on my fingers... and nipples!
Other awards given out include;
Best Break-out Performance Me again. For my occasional break-out of zits.
Best Song That song that accompanies the lowering or raising of the National, SAF and Army flags and everyone has to freeze whenever the song is played (God knows what's the title of that song...).
Best Newcomer All those who have just enlisted into the Army. Suckers!!! Hahaha!! Chao recruits!!!
And If I were to have an Acceptance Speech, it will go something like this;
Thank you SAF, for the most enriching and eye-opening time of my life. I truly had a wonderful 2 years and 2 months. I have become a man. Not a lil boy anymore but an independant grown-up.
Though I did bitch about National Service (NS) initially (I'm sure you guys serving it right now must be doing that right now), but boy am I thankful (and also thankful that it is over too)...
No, it wasn't a waste of my time instead I had the time of my life then. But it was a waste of my brain cells, cause man, have I become dumber... So thanks.
It was like camping, working and schooling all rolled into one. I learnt more in the Army than all the years of schooling in my life put together. Loads more responsibilties and stuff. It was my first working experience ever (bumming around at home isn't exactly work, I wasn't paid). Thanks for paying me to bumm around.
It was a completely different lifestyle in Tekong. I felt like we were overseas (Tekong island is still overseas...) and we were staying in hostels. So thanks for the free food and accommodation.
Getting out to the civillian world (aka mainland) was always something to look forward to, something to cherish. Thank you for limiting that.
But now like a prisoner given a second chance at freedom, I feel like I am no longer chained to a steel ball...
I will not take it for granted now that I can freely go down to Orchard Road or anywhere for that matter. I am free, no more heavy heart that I feel whenever I need to book in.
No more (ridiculously) early reveille. I am free to wake up late, in my own bed, in my own room.
Thank you for making me realise that my freedom is precious. And thank you for taking it away, limiting it and now returning it to me.
I am free. I am free. Amin to that.
I am free. You will be too, just hang on. "All good things come to those who wait."
ORD LOH!!!
Labels: Army, ORD, SAF

SAF - Serve And F... Off?
Bitched on: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Time: 1/18/2006 12:11:00 AM
 16 January 2004 I sold my soul to the devil... Close.
It was the day I traded my pink IC for a green one (its called 11B, for the benefit of female readers). It wasn't by choice mind you. I would have to say it was by force.
Before you think that this blog is about me bitching and slamming the SAF, you will be wrong. Many guys I know will argue that that National Service (NS) is redundant and a waste of time but I will have to say its essential to us guys and to the nation (oh no!! The National Education propaganda has rubbed on me... haha, kidding)
But seriously, it has helped us guys grow up and mature. It has better prepared us to go out in the working world. However, like any other organisations or companies, it is far from being perfect (and no I am not going to mince my words for fear of MINDEF stumbling into my blog or wadeva).
So here I have the Good, the Bad and the Ugly faces of NS. The Good... (if you wanna skip this and go straight to the bitching, I understand. Its at The Bad and the Ugly...) 2 years have passed since that day when I first stepped into Tekong Island and into the life of a soldier. And boy was it a great transition (not as in good, but as in huge)...
From a fearful and 'blur' recruit, I am now confident enough to say that I have transformed into a leader in the Army, instilled in me the SAF Core Values (as corny as it sounds, I have to say it works).
What are the 7 Core Values you might ask (again female readers)?
Loyalty to Country - Leadership
- Discipline
- Professionalism
- Fighting Spirit
- Ethics
- Care for Soldiers
I have never felt so strongly about my country before, so much National pride... (Count On Me Singapore... laa laa... count on m.. erm...)
I am more confident to take up leadership positions, be it outfield or not. I received the Best Commander Award for my school last year (thank you.. thank you very much). The commander appraisals from my recruits and men about me has always been positive : a balanced leader with great deal of fairness, strictness and discipline; an inspirational and motivational role model; a strict disciplinarian when it comes to work and a great friend and listener when it comes to play (written by recruits hor... Not I shamelessly write one, but I did shamelessly keep the appraisals. Heehee..)
I feel that I am good disciplined soldier, complying with orders and such...(heck. I even dig my heels when I am walking and no longer drag my feet when I walk) I am even more punctual (rite...)
I do my work efficiently, fairly and up to the standard that is required of me (no, its not wayang-ing). Its called Professionalism and Ethics. (but if you do more than you need to, its called Wayang-ism and SuckingUp-ics)
Fighting Spirit... Something I missed out when I was first posted to BMTC as an instructor. However, when I received the offer to go roving and be posted to 3 Guards to be a Section Commander for 6 months, I grabbed the offer (after so much hesitation and force... haha). I never regretted the move. I enjoyed it there (heck. I even enjoyed the cheong-suah-ing in the jungle. I didn't mind getting dirty, sweating it out in my filthy smelly number 4 for days... rite...) But seriously, no matter how shagged or dirty I was, (looking back) hygiene or insomnia never cross my mind, instead it was bonding with the men, leading them and achieving the mission objective. After 6 months there, I was re-posted to BMTC where we were fighting a different battle...
When I was a recruit, punishment was harsh and hard. However, within this couple of years, a lot has changed. Have we gone softer? Well... we do emphasize safety and care for soldiers now (so bring on the anti-slip flooring in toilets, thicker mattresses, water parades, early sleeping time and edible food). As long as the training standards and objectives are not compromised, why not? Plus, the soldiers will be well rested and fighting fit with high morale.
The Bad....
Let the bitching begin...
My recruits, batch after batch, will always ask me why I never did sign on. My answer? F#&k you understand! Are you crazy? Tell me which career allows the boss to threaten you with overtime (a.k.a extras), punishes you physically (down 20!) and can even scold you (to the extend of belittling you)?
hmm....
It seems in the military no matter what rank you are, there will always be at least one higher than you. You can never be your own boss eventually.
Therefore, thanks to NS, it has encouraged me to work hard and strive to be my own boss one day. No one to be above me, commanding me, berating me and belittling me. No one to call Sir, no one to fear of. I'll be a great boss (eventually), one who is respected and respects his colleagues.
To put it frankly, the strict regimentation of the Army is not something I will miss.
Excerpt from my diar... erm.. journal when I was in SISPEC.
"Why have I been made to do this? to go through this? ....... I don't want this kind of life. i want my freedom, to wake up later when I feel like it. To watch TV. To go out...anywhere. To eat whenever I feel like eating ....... To every inch of Orchard. to go anywhere in Singapore. to go the beach. to relax. to meet my friends. to have fun. to play. to run, jump & shout like a crazy person. to be free...... to got through old photographs and reflect..recall..and smile........ To go to my room at the end of the day. To see my parents everyday....... I miss doing things whenever I want. I hate the routine army life has drawn out for me, I want my freedom. i want my life. God see me through this and help those who feel the same way too......."
Amin.
"Army life is a routine. its so regimental. I cannot wait to get out of here....... I hate training (what do you think I am? A dog?)...... I want to study again! Importantly, I'll get my freedom. I'll get to go home.... I'll sleep in my own bed, my own room. Go out on weekdays (not only weekends)
That was written when I was a trainee. I don't feel as strongly now but still I miss doing whatever I want whenever I want.... (I wanna grow a goatee and dye my hair now... haha.)
And the Ugly....
Life as a 3rd Sergeant has never been a bed of roses. Though I am not ashamed of being one, I will always feel slightly inferior to my officer friends. Why? Its just the stigma....You will have more pride if you went to OCS than SISPEC. Just ask any JC recruits... (if he disagrees he must be lying). So there I said it.... Again, I am not ashamed of this 3 stripes on my shoulders.
However, I have encountered some Commisioned Officers who are undeserving. Tell me, how does CMPB get the right people to be a commander? Academically good? Why is it that the choice of going to commanding school is given to only 'A' Level and Diploma holders? I have some regular (signed on in the army) friends who spend 5 years as a rifleman (corporal) whereas we only spend 3 months as corporals. Might I add that their educational level is only up to 'N' Level. It is them who are deserving. It is them who are the good leaders. It is them who are the soldiers. (shh.. having a parent in the army too doesn't hurt to help you going to commanding school... ehem....)
Sigh... A sergeant (some feel) is no different from being a first class rifleman or even a 'sai kang' warrior. Well, I say stop feeling sorry for yourself and get some balls when you ORD. Forget about those times when you are being picked on and arrowed by (some) nasty senior specialists. Damn those Warrant Officers and other elder Specialists!!! Why must they have a personal agenda against the younger specialists? In the Army were call this 'stirring' (from the Malay term 'kacau' which also meants to disturb, to make your life difficult and miserable I say....) Were they not once 3 Sergeants too?
I can't wait to ORD. I'll no longer be restricted by my rank to achieve and rise to what I feel is rightfully my place.. (and to those nasty superiors of mine... Kiss my Civilian ass)
Labels: Army, ORD, SAF

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O.R.D-Day, 150306... Finally.
Bitched on: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Time: 3/15/2006 07:53:00 PM
Latest Update: Finally, the day has come. 15th March 2006.
My sis told me, "What's the big deal? Pink IC only what." A female friend asked me, "What's ORD?" Well, girls will never understand. True, huh guys?
My pink IC was forcefully taken away 2 years and 2 months ago. Now, we are finally re-united! Amin to that! I miss you old buddy. You have a new home. My wallet. No more cupboard for you, bud. You will always be close to me. Well, at my butt... but close to me nonetheless.
I was so estatic from the moment I stepped onto the island just now. My two buddies who were also going to ORD with me, Haikal and Irfaan, must have really felt like giving me the sock the whole day. Haha...
I was nervous when I got back my IC. In fact, I didn't realise that I had gotten my pink IC until I saw Irfaan's expression when he saw my IC. I couldn't stop smiling since then. It has returned to me, baby!
Haikal was wearing the same shirt he wore when he enlisted 26 months ago! How symbolic was that! (he never failed to remind us again and again, 5 times actually) And since he doesn't have a blog, allow me to help him share this piece of trivia with the world!
And I managed to take pictures with all the big shots in my school (unit)! See them here. I took pictures with my RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major), my CO (Commanding Officer), my School 1 2IC (2nd in Command), my very own companies OC (Officer-in-Command) and CSM (Company Sergeant Major)...
Sigh... I miss Tekong island already. I'm never getting onto another fastcraft (ferry) ever. Come to think of it, I am never stepping onto the island again!
Before I go, here is an excerpt from my journal which I wrote on my first day of my enlistment.
"Fear, anxiety, lethargy, excitement, How should I feel? I did not have time. It was rush rush. Replace IC with army card. Oath taking. Dinner with family. Family gone. Meet new platoon and section. Company ~ Scorpion. Get new stuff. Army stuff. Shave head. Close. (mummy, good night)" - 16th January 2004, Friday.
That was 26 months ago. Today wasn't rush rush. It was the opposite. It was slow and easy. I was finally free. ORD LOH!!! Labels: Army, ORD, SAF
O.R.D-Day, 150306
Bitched on: Sunday, March 12, 2006 Time: 3/12/2006 05:30:00 PM
If life was like the Grammys or Oscars, I will have these few (some made-up) catergories to award the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), for the past 2 years and 2 months.
The Most Adrenaline Rush Award (aka Action-Packed Movie): When I rappeled down the helicopter. Boy, was that fun. I still remember looking at the underside of the helicopter after I jumped out of it...
It was months of practice jumps at the Guards Tower for that 2 minutes of pure excitement. My heart was palpitating, my throat parched and my mind was a complete mess. I can proudly boast and retell the stories to my not-as-fortunate Infantry comrades.
*clap clap* 2 minutes *clap clap* skid *clap clap* rope *clap clap* L-shape *clap clap* GO!
The Most Oh-my-God-I-am-going-to-die Award: No, its not related to the above experience but instead it was quite... ermmm... embarassing. I was...
...chased by a pack of 7 to 10 wild dogs when I was on my way to my bunk via a shortcut (last time I took that shortcut). I swear the dogs were huge and menacing and there were so many. I could have easily clock 9 seconds flat for that 100m. And boy did I shout (manly, not shrilly surprisingly).
The Most Sleaze-all-in-One-Night (aka Most real-life Porn I'll ever get) Award: I was roped in by my ex-platoon sergeant and ex-company 2IC from 3Guards to pay a visit to Orchard Towers and Geylang after a night in Cheeky Monkeys (my first clubbing experience)! That was the first time I got to experience 2 of Singapore's red light districts first hand. And like any red-blooded male I was excited at the thought but when I finally dwelled into the sleaze, I wanted out, prompto. Normally, rows and rows of girls in bras standing by the roadside parading themselves for you to pick might sound like every guys' dreams but I was ermm.... embarrassed to be there, and I felt sorry and pity for the ladies. They were treated like objects, like meat!
I came out of the experience with 2 mental notes, guys are pigs and I will never succumb to paying for sex, ever.
The Most Tear Jerking Performance (aka Most I-miss-my-Mommy Award) This happened in Taiwan, during one of the outfield exercises. It was constantly pouring (Taiwan was so similiar to Singapore; hot, wet and very Chinese). I remember particularly it was our first day outfield and it was raining heavily for a very long time.
My two buddies and I had built a makeshift shelter with our groundsheet over an overhanging branch of a nearby tree. Our shelter was powerless against the heavy rain and it wasn't long before our only protection agaist the rain brokedown. So what did my buddies and I do? Well, we took turns to stand and bend over in the centre of the 'shelter' to replace the branch. The other two will then pull the four corners down so that rainwater wouldn't accumulate anywhere.
Drenched from head to toe (argh!!! I got my foot rot since then), we complained, bitched and cried our misery out for the whole day! Looking back, I find it really hilarious how 3 grown guys were actually lamenting about missing home... and the sun.
The Best Movie Award (aka Should-be-made-into-a-movie-with-many-many-sequels Award) Drumrolls please... Hmmm... we have a tie! And they are both comedies!!!
Well, both 'comedies' occured during my roving stint in a unit (which has a special place in my heart always), Singapore 3rd Battalion Guards. And both occurred days apart when I was leading my section in one of our many navigational exercises in the jungles of Lim Chu Kang.
On the first day of the exercise while we were walking up a really steep slope to find our next checkpoint, I suddenly and painfully had cramps in my both my legs (like in my thighs and calves!!!) I was obviously immobilised and screaming in pain..
Haha... My section (group of men) was obviously horrified (initially) and they were scrambling for help. But where were they to find help in the middle of the jungle? So we were desperately signalling for help using the one and only signal set.
But alas help never arrived (they were busy tending to a 'real' casualty) and so instead I, with the help of my men, made our way back to our HQ (headquarters).
That story became the joke of the century! Everyone began immitating my 'shouts of pain'... Arhhh... arhhh... arhh...
So funny, guys... Not.
The next day,we moved on to the next navigational exercise (with me still embarrassed from the previous days' spectacle).
This time, my section 2 IC, Reyhan (now Corporal Reyhan, so proud of you bro), was instructed to lead the way while I was the observer. He lead us well from checkpoint to checkpoint. Occasionally, the whole section would simply bash into the forest directly to find the next checkpoint.
On of those occasions, we came across a small stream. It appeared shallow enough to just walk (not even wade) across and narrow enough to jump over (if need be). It seemed harmless like many of the other streams we came across, or so we thought. Poor Faizhul was the first victim of the evil stream...
The poor boy fell into the mercilessly stream the moment he stood on the banks (only rivers have that ey?). Well, he 'sank' all the way to close his chest level! It was that deep. His huge and heavy field pack might have helped the stream to suck him further down. He cried out for me, shouting, 'Sergeant, help, quicksand!!'
I was from the back, rushed to the front to see Al-Bokiah, laughing at his buddy who was now trying to struggle to get to the other side. When he eventually got to the other side, he swore at his buddies who instead of helping him were laughing at him.
Next to try was Bokiah. He tested the banks first. But even before he could leap off, the part of the bank he stood on collapsed, taking him down with it. But he managed to pull Reyhan (who was behind him) down with him and a small shrub completely with the huge tuber (we were guessing sweet potato) of the soil. So the two fell into the stream with a splash. By now, the stream was becoming wider and deeper and muddier... And we had food, Bo's sweet potato. haha...
So we devised a plan to use our parang (a machete) to cut down a small tree which was thick and sturdy enough for us to use as a small makeshift bridge. We tried making a human chain as we crossed the bridge and that was fine until Reyhan, who had gotten onto the other side, playfully released Sulaiman's hand. Sulaiman who was in the middle of the 'bridge' lost his balance and fell straight into the stream! That was hilarious!
The whole situation was hilarious!! It was like we took turns solo to cross but each one of us fell. At the end of it, none of us were spared from brown (instead of our original green camo) muddy clothes. The drama was really incredibly unforgetable. It was a small stream but it 'defeated' all of us! More importantly, we bonded as a section, something we swore we would never forget. It was one of those things that when you were shagged and you get dirty, you will just laugh it off. We had fun. And we immediately found our checkpoint after that, behind a tree. Haha...
The Best Actor It goes to.... Me! Haha. I remember when I was still a trainee in SISPEC during one of our navigation exercises, I lost a magazine (gasp!! Not FHM or Maxim hor...). A magazine is the part of the rifle that you use to load the rounds and you 'attach' this magazine to the weapon to fire. Mind you it was loaded with rounds (blanks only). And after hours of searching for that damn magazine, I... (due to sheer 'shagness'...) feigne...d... I mean.. I fainted! Haha! It wasn't really hard to put up that performance when you were really dead tired, the weather was really hot and that you knew that you will be so screwed losing that thing. Haha... I was really hoping that my superiors would take pity on me and maybe the punishment for the loss (we found the magazine the next morning) would be lessened but boy was I wrong... The punishment? Try three weekend confinements...Ouch.
The Best Supporting Actor The award has to go to the medic from the above's 'drama' who was tending to me despite knowing that I was faking it! Haha... I think he knew after he checked my temperature (which wasn't really high for heat exhaustion). Haha... That medic even suggested I be put on a drip! Well, luckily they couldn't find a drip in the middle of the jungle. So he did the next best thing, he iced me to death! Like really, I could have gotten frostbites on my fingers... and nipples!
Other awards given out include;
Best Break-out Performance Me again. For my occasional break-out of zits.
Best Song That song that accompanies the lowering or raising of the National, SAF and Army flags and everyone has to freeze whenever the song is played (God knows what's the title of that song...).
Best Newcomer All those who have just enlisted into the Army. Suckers!!! Hahaha!! Chao recruits!!!
And If I were to have an Acceptance Speech, it will go something like this;
Thank you SAF, for the most enriching and eye-opening time of my life. I truly had a wonderful 2 years and 2 months. I have become a man. Not a lil boy anymore but an independant grown-up.
Though I did bitch about National Service (NS) initially (I'm sure you guys serving it right now must be doing that right now), but boy am I thankful (and also thankful that it is over too)...
No, it wasn't a waste of my time instead I had the time of my life then. But it was a waste of my brain cells, cause man, have I become dumber... So thanks.
It was like camping, working and schooling all rolled into one. I learnt more in the Army than all the years of schooling in my life put together. Loads more responsibilties and stuff. It was my first working experience ever (bumming around at home isn't exactly work, I wasn't paid). Thanks for paying me to bumm around.
It was a completely different lifestyle in Tekong. I felt like we were overseas (Tekong island is still overseas...) and we were staying in hostels. So thanks for the free food and accommodation.
Getting out to the civillian world (aka mainland) was always something to look forward to, something to cherish. Thank you for limiting that.
But now like a prisoner given a second chance at freedom, I feel like I am no longer chained to a steel ball...
I will not take it for granted now that I can freely go down to Orchard Road or anywhere for that matter. I am free, no more heavy heart that I feel whenever I need to book in.
No more (ridiculously) early reveille. I am free to wake up late, in my own bed, in my own room.
Thank you for making me realise that my freedom is precious. And thank you for taking it away, limiting it and now returning it to me.
I am free. I am free. Amin to that.
I am free. You will be too, just hang on. "All good things come to those who wait."
ORD LOH!!!
Labels: Army, ORD, SAF
SAF - Serve And F... Off?
Bitched on: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Time: 1/18/2006 12:11:00 AM
 16 January 2004 I sold my soul to the devil... Close.
It was the day I traded my pink IC for a green one (its called 11B, for the benefit of female readers). It wasn't by choice mind you. I would have to say it was by force.
Before you think that this blog is about me bitching and slamming the SAF, you will be wrong. Many guys I know will argue that that National Service (NS) is redundant and a waste of time but I will have to say its essential to us guys and to the nation (oh no!! The National Education propaganda has rubbed on me... haha, kidding)
But seriously, it has helped us guys grow up and mature. It has better prepared us to go out in the working world. However, like any other organisations or companies, it is far from being perfect (and no I am not going to mince my words for fear of MINDEF stumbling into my blog or wadeva).
So here I have the Good, the Bad and the Ugly faces of NS. The Good... (if you wanna skip this and go straight to the bitching, I understand. Its at The Bad and the Ugly...) 2 years have passed since that day when I first stepped into Tekong Island and into the life of a soldier. And boy was it a great transition (not as in good, but as in huge)...
From a fearful and 'blur' recruit, I am now confident enough to say that I have transformed into a leader in the Army, instilled in me the SAF Core Values (as corny as it sounds, I have to say it works).
What are the 7 Core Values you might ask (again female readers)?
Loyalty to Country - Leadership
- Discipline
- Professionalism
- Fighting Spirit
- Ethics
- Care for Soldiers
I have never felt so strongly about my country before, so much National pride... (Count On Me Singapore... laa laa... count on m.. erm...)
I am more confident to take up leadership positions, be it outfield or not. I received the Best Commander Award for my school last year (thank you.. thank you very much). The commander appraisals from my recruits and men about me has always been positive : a balanced leader with great deal of fairness, strictness and discipline; an inspirational and motivational role model; a strict disciplinarian when it comes to work and a great friend and listener when it comes to play (written by recruits hor... Not I shamelessly write one, but I did shamelessly keep the appraisals. Heehee..)
I feel that I am good disciplined soldier, complying with orders and such...(heck. I even dig my heels when I am walking and no longer drag my feet when I walk) I am even more punctual (rite...)
I do my work efficiently, fairly and up to the standard that is required of me (no, its not wayang-ing). Its called Professionalism and Ethics. (but if you do more than you need to, its called Wayang-ism and SuckingUp-ics)
Fighting Spirit... Something I missed out when I was first posted to BMTC as an instructor. However, when I received the offer to go roving and be posted to 3 Guards to be a Section Commander for 6 months, I grabbed the offer (after so much hesitation and force... haha). I never regretted the move. I enjoyed it there (heck. I even enjoyed the cheong-suah-ing in the jungle. I didn't mind getting dirty, sweating it out in my filthy smelly number 4 for days... rite...) But seriously, no matter how shagged or dirty I was, (looking back) hygiene or insomnia never cross my mind, instead it was bonding with the men, leading them and achieving the mission objective. After 6 months there, I was re-posted to BMTC where we were fighting a different battle...
When I was a recruit, punishment was harsh and hard. However, within this couple of years, a lot has changed. Have we gone softer? Well... we do emphasize safety and care for soldiers now (so bring on the anti-slip flooring in toilets, thicker mattresses, water parades, early sleeping time and edible food). As long as the training standards and objectives are not compromised, why not? Plus, the soldiers will be well rested and fighting fit with high morale.
The Bad....
Let the bitching begin...
My recruits, batch after batch, will always ask me why I never did sign on. My answer? F#&k you understand! Are you crazy? Tell me which career allows the boss to threaten you with overtime (a.k.a extras), punishes you physically (down 20!) and can even scold you (to the extend of belittling you)?
hmm....
It seems in the military no matter what rank you are, there will always be at least one higher than you. You can never be your own boss eventually.
Therefore, thanks to NS, it has encouraged me to work hard and strive to be my own boss one day. No one to be above me, commanding me, berating me and belittling me. No one to call Sir, no one to fear of. I'll be a great boss (eventually), one who is respected and respects his colleagues.
To put it frankly, the strict regimentation of the Army is not something I will miss.
Excerpt from my diar... erm.. journal when I was in SISPEC.
"Why have I been made to do this? to go through this? ....... I don't want this kind of life. i want my freedom, to wake up later when I feel like it. To watch TV. To go out...anywhere. To eat whenever I feel like eating ....... To every inch of Orchard. to go anywhere in Singapore. to go the beach. to relax. to meet my friends. to have fun. to play. to run, jump & shout like a crazy person. to be free...... to got through old photographs and reflect..recall..and smile........ To go to my room at the end of the day. To see my parents everyday....... I miss doing things whenever I want. I hate the routine army life has drawn out for me, I want my freedom. i want my life. God see me through this and help those who feel the same way too......."
Amin.
"Army life is a routine. its so regimental. I cannot wait to get out of here....... I hate training (what do you think I am? A dog?)...... I want to study again! Importantly, I'll get my freedom. I'll get to go home.... I'll sleep in my own bed, my own room. Go out on weekdays (not only weekends)
That was written when I was a trainee. I don't feel as strongly now but still I miss doing whatever I want whenever I want.... (I wanna grow a goatee and dye my hair now... haha.)
And the Ugly....
Life as a 3rd Sergeant has never been a bed of roses. Though I am not ashamed of being one, I will always feel slightly inferior to my officer friends. Why? Its just the stigma....You will have more pride if you went to OCS than SISPEC. Just ask any JC recruits... (if he disagrees he must be lying). So there I said it.... Again, I am not ashamed of this 3 stripes on my shoulders.
However, I have encountered some Commisioned Officers who are undeserving. Tell me, how does CMPB get the right people to be a commander? Academically good? Why is it that the choice of going to commanding school is given to only 'A' Level and Diploma holders? I have some regular (signed on in the army) friends who spend 5 years as a rifleman (corporal) whereas we only spend 3 months as corporals. Might I add that their educational level is only up to 'N' Level. It is them who are deserving. It is them who are the good leaders. It is them who are the soldiers. (shh.. having a parent in the army too doesn't hurt to help you going to commanding school... ehem....)
Sigh... A sergeant (some feel) is no different from being a first class rifleman or even a 'sai kang' warrior. Well, I say stop feeling sorry for yourself and get some balls when you ORD. Forget about those times when you are being picked on and arrowed by (some) nasty senior specialists. Damn those Warrant Officers and other elder Specialists!!! Why must they have a personal agenda against the younger specialists? In the Army were call this 'stirring' (from the Malay term 'kacau' which also meants to disturb, to make your life difficult and miserable I say....) Were they not once 3 Sergeants too?
I can't wait to ORD. I'll no longer be restricted by my rank to achieve and rise to what I feel is rightfully my place.. (and to those nasty superiors of mine... Kiss my Civilian ass)
Labels: Army, ORD, SAF
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About heBitch
Shazi ~ sHa-Z ~ Ezan ~ Izan
Typical Virgo:
perfectionistic, idealistic, vain, materialistic, elitistic, analytical, skeptical, devoted, loyal, romantic
Typical youngest child:
pampered, stubborn, spoiled, adventurous, demanding, free-spirited, spontaneous, charming, very much loved
I am a dreamer who keeps waking up to nightmares.
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My other blogs...
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Other Bitches
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Bitchings
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O.R.D-Day, 150306... Finally.
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O.R.D-Day, 150306
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SAF - Serve And F... Off?
He-Bitch in the Middle East
He-Bitch in the US of A
He-Bitch Down Under
Strictly Architecture
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