When one disembarks from a ferry at Tekong island, he must be wondering what might become of him? what discomforts he will face? whether he can cope? the lifestyle? the chances of breaking down? basically to sum up, these ponders are fears, anxiety and inquisitive nature of us... Personally, I went in without much worries, in fact with a peace of mind, not having any of family members to see me off into the place of govt property... the military...
This entry will be a rather elaborate one, consisting of chain of events which took place during my BMT, the feelings and emotions of one going thru (in my point of view) as well as about the ppl.
Upon recall, it will be the unforgetable Day 1, where the oath and swear in ceremony took place. Pledging ourselves loyal to the country, the president and people. To me, it didnt make much of sense coz what matters most is that we got to be loyal to ourselves and families before we can take on a greater role. I am sure not everyone there had the loyalty and emotions for themselves and families. Videos shown, a dialouge session took place, a lunch break with the taste of the cookhouse, everything looking so good... so far... Then the true side surfaces after the families and friends leave the place, where the regementation and discipline comes to into place. I am pretty used to it since I had such experience for the pass 6 years of my life.
The duffel bag, field pack, SBO and all the accessories were all provided... Carrying all of these up to our bunks was a totally unforgetable experience. Sweat drops ran down our faces and the flustered faces after one succeeds in bringing his "barang barang" up. I was on the forth storey. A little high... but not the highest level... The hair cut, the countless occasions where we gathered at the lift lobby to black tape our SBO and Field Pack (what binds the SAF together is.... BLACK TAPE!!! haaha), the documentation of administrative papers, lessons so on and so forth.
The 1st 2 weeks were dreadfully long for many as they were totally unused to such a lifestyle change, truely a turning point in their lives. I am not boasting or anything but I got used to the lifestyle after a couple of days or so... Missing your familiy, friends, possessions, freedom to roam and to sum up, it will be liberty which a civilian has. I gaze into the open seas every evening and night. In the evening, upon looking into the far horizons, the sun sets, the sea crafts sailing, occasional sea birds fly pass as well as the sea breeze brushing my face, creating a speechless view and incredible feeling or lightweight... At night, reflecting, wrapping up the day and enjoying light conversations with whoever passes by.
A routine lifestyle is led by many there, the underlings, the superiors as well as the service personnels... Paying compliments, facing the flag when the clock strikes 6 both day and night, waking up at 0530, lights off 2230, these became more comfortable as the days pass by and it fuses to the comfort zone of one. Have to remind you that the reason is I am in PES C modified BMT, leaving me with ample time to reflect and comment. I doubt I will have the time and energy if I land up in a PES A/B training.
How was time spent there... well half the time is waiting and... more waiting... Absolutely true... No colouration, no lies no doubt... Events to highlight include CO's dialouge which was pointless, Parades, IFC (field craft) a whole new experience for most including myself about jungle survival and combat, technical handling of the rifle and hand grenade, IPPT, Games Day.... Field Camp was hella experience, meeting the living conditions in the outfield, uncomfortable "bedding", many's favourite Combat Rations, the shit zone, and the long sleep hours given. The range, where one enjoyed the arcade shooting at the IMT and found discomfort in the live range, shooting live rounds making one a bobo shooter... =) The occassions where we reported sick, waiting for about 3-4 hours to be released from the medical centre... Not to forget the many nights of instant noodles, snacks, games and blasting of loud music!!
Well the greatest gift given will be the ppl whom you come across during your stay... 1st the buddy was the most important figure around and both buddies gotta place full trust in each other, rely on each other and look out for one another. I was blessed with a vigilant and capable buddy, we would always try to be a better and useful buddy to each other. Your bunk mates, a beautiful mix of on the ball, slack and lazy, retarded, boastful and proud, blur, quiet leaders, helpful as well as the worriers... The platoon commander was a really capable as well as friendly PC. Although he might explode at times, but it was necessary as to wake us up from our dreams and nightmares. The Platoon Sgt, always sarcastic and also stringent but nevertheless capable young man, our sect commander uh... friendly and also slack at times, not of the traditional kind of Sgts around. The Platoon ICs, a mix of the ON, Blur, crazy and jovial kinds. Not to forget our OC and CSM who were very nice men, CSM was always vulgar and jovial but still maintain the standards around the company.
The people around is what that makes the BMT experience an experience. Everyone include ownself makes everything happens happen. Not the facilities nor the programme, neither the food... Talking about food, it seems the food section was left out with little mention in the beginning. Well the cookhouse food is overall average, some days are good some days are just bad for your tastebuds and inedible. Many love Western as well as Ice Cream Days!!
What goes on in one's mind would usually be "when will I leave this place and be at home?", "how are my friends/GF doing?", "when's the next mealtime", "time moves so slow", "I am hungry!", "why am I doing this?? for who? what?" and everything else which the person was used to before being enlisted... It's perfectly normal but it would be twist one's mind and adapt fast if not it will be more painful a experience to be through....
I was paid a visit by an officer whom I worked with when I was serving SJI NPCC. He is a service side officer. Shared a rather long conversation about the situation here, our future paths, current issues and some common sense to take... Feels good to have some to come by to chat as most of the time you dont much to do during your admin time except rest and eat. (well basically we got more admin time as compared to the PES A/B ppl)
Everyone from now will lead different paths in their vocations in different units. So it'll be whole new experience for many while a continuation or progress to next level for others. Storeman, clerical duties, non combat vocations will be very common for many. But still if it's possible, try not to let the weak organisation and different standards of the military bog you down... It's pretty obvious that the system and planning is not to the optimal but I am sure there would be chances to improve bit by bit, inch by inch, step by step to make better...
