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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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"An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team. This individuality stuff is a bunch of bullshit." - General Patton.
There comes a time when you realised that everything you had done, had a meaning behind it even if you didnt quite believe in it at first. A deep deep meaning. Something like the time Harry Potter found out that there's more to it than just joining the Order Of Phoenix or Wesley Alan Gibson in the movie Wanted. Well, this isnt really about Harry Potter but more about, me.
taiwan sunset/sunrise. i forgot.
As officially as Barack Obama is officially the next US President, i have officially gone through and completed my National Service with the Singapore Armed Forces (from 130108-121108). 1 year 10 months or 22 months sounds pretty long a time to serve the nation and lose most forms of civilian lifestyle that we have always been living. But when one looks at the positive side of it, one can see that its more than "defending" the country.
Its about going through shit and coming out alive and happy with your fellow mates. The bond made is wayy greater than anything you can imagine or go through. There'll be times when you realized that what you're doing affects your buddy, your section and/or platoon. When i was having exercise in Taiwan, we relied on one another to succeed, to overcome the mission. Because when one man falls, we'll have to bear the burden of bringing him back to base camp safely as well as to take over his position in "covering fire". Ultimately, in a war, you arent really fighting for your loved ones at home, but more of the person next to you (your buddy) which matters. That is in my opinion is how to survive in a war or battle.
Its about knowing your strengths and weaknesses in life and how to overcome those hard times. I had always thought i was strong and fit when i came in army. Being a rugby player and all should be able to help me out really well. Well, it did a bit. In the army, its not so much about how BIG or small you are. Or how effing fit or weak you are. Its about endurance and perseverance. Combat fitness. It can never be found when you're leading a CV life. Okay, so i have achieved GOLD for both my 1st and 2nd year IPPT. Not a BIG deal really.
I still, have always remembered the time in Taiwan, when i had to carry a load of 32 kg on me and trek for a very very long distance, up and down hills. I couldnt take it when every time i travelled up a slope, my right side of my hip would hurt so bad that i would grit in pain and force myself to move on. From being one of the front few guys, i became the last in the platoon. I remembered kneeling down on a slope at around 0200H or so in the morning and griting in pain so unbearable that i teared. I was helped by my buddy, Randy Tey as he lightened up my burden. That guy is not muscle man or Rambo. Skinnier frame than me but willing to help me out. I felt disappointed in myself and at the same time felt honoured to have a buddy like Randy.
Its about leading men, some older than you are, some younger. But ultimately, the main thing is to gain the respect of your men and peers. Respect doesn't come cheap nor easy. Its hard-earned time and effort. You cant gain a men's trust overnight. It takes time, some long, some short. I may not have ganered the respect of ALL men during my course of service. But at least i tried. And to those whom i have gained the trust from, i wouldn't want to break it. Ever. Period.
All and all, NS has made me a better man, stronger man and a more patient man. Well, at least i think for the last one. It has taught me skills that i can never learn outside and even so, it would prolly take me years to learn what i have learnt in my course of 22 months doing NS. I felt the need to defend the country even more after being handed the pink I/C this afternoon. I know i sounds crazy and stupid, but i would preferred to be posted to a unit rather than a training school. Ahh... imagine reservist, you would meet up with your fellow men once again. Now thats camaraderie.
But one thing's fer sure, when going through NS, i felt like Band Of Brothers. :)
P.S,
I cant really put up pictures here cause it'll be deem violating the security act. But yeah, sometimes, things are better to be kept alone and in memories.
Call me mister,
Bil
There comes a time when you realised that everything you had done, had a meaning behind it even if you didnt quite believe in it at first. A deep deep meaning. Something like the time Harry Potter found out that there's more to it than just joining the Order Of Phoenix or Wesley Alan Gibson in the movie Wanted. Well, this isnt really about Harry Potter but more about, me.
taiwan sunset/sunrise. i forgot.~~~
As officially as Barack Obama is officially the next US President, i have officially gone through and completed my National Service with the Singapore Armed Forces (from 130108-121108). 1 year 10 months or 22 months sounds pretty long a time to serve the nation and lose most forms of civilian lifestyle that we have always been living. But when one looks at the positive side of it, one can see that its more than "defending" the country.
Its about going through shit and coming out alive and happy with your fellow mates. The bond made is wayy greater than anything you can imagine or go through. There'll be times when you realized that what you're doing affects your buddy, your section and/or platoon. When i was having exercise in Taiwan, we relied on one another to succeed, to overcome the mission. Because when one man falls, we'll have to bear the burden of bringing him back to base camp safely as well as to take over his position in "covering fire". Ultimately, in a war, you arent really fighting for your loved ones at home, but more of the person next to you (your buddy) which matters. That is in my opinion is how to survive in a war or battle.
Its about knowing your strengths and weaknesses in life and how to overcome those hard times. I had always thought i was strong and fit when i came in army. Being a rugby player and all should be able to help me out really well. Well, it did a bit. In the army, its not so much about how BIG or small you are. Or how effing fit or weak you are. Its about endurance and perseverance. Combat fitness. It can never be found when you're leading a CV life. Okay, so i have achieved GOLD for both my 1st and 2nd year IPPT. Not a BIG deal really.
I still, have always remembered the time in Taiwan, when i had to carry a load of 32 kg on me and trek for a very very long distance, up and down hills. I couldnt take it when every time i travelled up a slope, my right side of my hip would hurt so bad that i would grit in pain and force myself to move on. From being one of the front few guys, i became the last in the platoon. I remembered kneeling down on a slope at around 0200H or so in the morning and griting in pain so unbearable that i teared. I was helped by my buddy, Randy Tey as he lightened up my burden. That guy is not muscle man or Rambo. Skinnier frame than me but willing to help me out. I felt disappointed in myself and at the same time felt honoured to have a buddy like Randy.
Its about leading men, some older than you are, some younger. But ultimately, the main thing is to gain the respect of your men and peers. Respect doesn't come cheap nor easy. Its hard-earned time and effort. You cant gain a men's trust overnight. It takes time, some long, some short. I may not have ganered the respect of ALL men during my course of service. But at least i tried. And to those whom i have gained the trust from, i wouldn't want to break it. Ever. Period.
All and all, NS has made me a better man, stronger man and a more patient man. Well, at least i think for the last one. It has taught me skills that i can never learn outside and even so, it would prolly take me years to learn what i have learnt in my course of 22 months doing NS. I felt the need to defend the country even more after being handed the pink I/C this afternoon. I know i sounds crazy and stupid, but i would preferred to be posted to a unit rather than a training school. Ahh... imagine reservist, you would meet up with your fellow men once again. Now thats camaraderie.
But one thing's fer sure, when going through NS, i felt like Band Of Brothers. :)
P.S,
I cant really put up pictures here cause it'll be deem violating the security act. But yeah, sometimes, things are better to be kept alone and in memories.
Call me mister,
Bil