Why do I want to be an officer?

Was updating my journal and came across this entry which I wrote when I was still in Service Term last year.

//

Date: 301108
Time: 2000 hours

Title: Why do I want to be an officer?

Firstly, I'm from a low income family. Before I was enlisted, I told myself that I must get into OCS as it gives me a higher pay compared to others. With the money, I'm able to help out in my family's financial situation.

Secondly, being able to stand in SAFTI parade square in the No. 1 uniform has always been my dream. When I was in secondary school, I was from NCC. This particular CLT (Tiong) from my school changed me since then. It made me want to be the best in everything I do whenever possible. Hence during BMT, I worked hard along with my peers, hoping that we would get into the best command school in Singapore. And gladly, we did (though they are in other wings now).

Besides that, I believe being an officer gives me a sense of pride and belonging to Singapore. And also, I want to have a good experience in army so that I can share with others what I did during my OCS life in the future.

Lastly, I heard from my friends that being an officer will give me a higher chance to get employed in the future. I wonder if it's true. But at least when I'm working in the future, I'm able to apply the leadership skills that I've equipped from OCS.

Hence in conclusion, I believe being an officer will only do me good and let me learn and experience more things than the rest. I'm proud to be here and I'm be more proud on 130609 in my No. 1 uniform on the parade square.

Last but not least, I want to make my parents feel proud of me.

//

I didn't know I was so enthu last time.
Sadly, the passion is dying off.

130609

9 months of shit in return for 1 day of pride.

Commissioned yesterday. It's a day I'll never forget. The days of being a trainee of 38 weeks finally came to an end.

No words could describe how the 528 of us were feeling when we threw our caps/berets. It was just WOW! Images of my cadet's life kept flashing in my mind.

All the photos are all on Facebook alr. So those who want the pictures, please tag yourself there. Thanks for those who came, and those who wished me your well wishes.

Last but not least, congrats to 73/08. All the best in our future endeavours.

//

Officer's Creed
I am an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces
My duty is to Lead, to Excel and to Overcome

I Lead my men by example
I answer for their training, morale and discipline

I must Excel in everything I do
I serve with pride, honour and integrity

I will Overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination

I dedicate my life to Singapore

1 more week :D

Been into super old songs recently, or rather I'm more into old songs than usual. No idea why I prefer old songs than new ones. Listening to cantonese songs too. Haha though I don't understand the lyrics, but it just sounds good.

//

Down to only 1 week! Had our Appointment Certificate Presentation Ceremony (ACPC) last Friday. Got my sword alr! But the short lived excitement died off after a while, just like when I passed my Class 3 license.

Will be commissioning on this coming Saturday! But sadly, can only bring 4 guests for the parade. Quite sad that I can't bring my friends go. Hope will have something on that night to celebrate our end of misery of being a trainee!

Heard that my posting will be at 42SAR, which means I will be going to Australia for the A-tec at the end of the year for 1 to 2 months. Hope I won't be posted there. If not I think really can bang wall alr.

//

Finally, I let it out after a year. One thing off my mind alr.

3 more weeks!

I remember hearing this song when I was young. Nice song.

//

Finally after 35 weeks of CLM, Service Term and Pro Term, I'm back in SAFTI for my final Joint Term!!! WOO HOO~

I didn't have to go for the PRB last week. Thought something bad would happen. But thank God everything is back to square now. Just hope everything goes smoothly for me. Shall keep a low profile for the next 3 weeks and not do anything stupid.

3 more weeks to COMMISSION!!!
130609 :D I love this date!

Back from Taiwan!

It's been 25 days. Touching down in Hukou camp seems like yesterday. Time really flies man. Been a long 21 days of training and 3 short days of R&R.

I screwed my chance of becoming an officer. From a promising cadet to commission after going back, I may not be able to stand in the parade square next month. Committed 2 ORs within 20 minutes and I've to go through the PRB next week. Hope all goes well.

Although the thought of PRB spoilt my whole Taiwan trip, I enjoyed myself during the R&R. It was really fun. Went to places like Shi Lin night market, Xi Men Ding, Taipei 101, 6 Fu Chun, Xiao Ren Guo etc. I love the hot taimeis in Xi Men Ding and the exciting rides in 6 Fu Chun the most.

It was really damn fun at the 6 Fu Chun. I seldom (or rather never) play those machines that bring you up more than 10m from the ground, turning you from left to right and let you see everything in a dong ba lek position. It was a very good way for me not to think about the PRB as well.

Hmmm. Nothing exciting to write about for this Taiwan trip.

I'm just glad I'm home.

Bad bad week

Got confined yesterday for playing PSP after lights off. Damn unlucky la. Always thought my bunk will never get caught cause it's at a blind spot. In the end, the whole wing got a turn-out cause of me.

Fuck really felt bad about it.

//

Missed both Raymond's and Xin Yi's 21 birthday parties cause of UO live firing and the stupid confinement. Think I really missed out a lot of fun. And also miss out some opportunities of meeting new girls to make my love life blossom ):

People told me as an officer cadet, you will tend to lose some of your free time due to trainings etc. I hope all the time I've spent is worthwhile.

//

http://ilias.webatlantis.org/2007/03/08/unforgettable-photos-that-changed-the-world/

If you are feeling that the whole world is turning their back on you, see these pictures.

Down to 10!!

Another week down to 130609! WOOTS!

Came back after 2 weeks in camp. Had to be confined for a weekend cause of the 6-day field camp. It was quite okay, but very tiring too. Luckily I didn't screw things up while holding the Wing 2IC appointment.

But things got quite bad for some of my course mates. 1 of them had his 2nd ND during the field camp and may get OOC cause of it. To think of it, it's really damn unlucky. Imagine going through so much and only just 2 more months to commission and this kind of shit happens.

There was also a group of us being punished to be the luggage party. Was supposed to book out on Friday. But we only booked out the next day at about 0530. Went to the Changi Cargo Terminal to get the ops boxes belonging to the STW. And we still have to be the luggage party the day we leave for Taiwan. Simply fucked up. But at least we don't get any extra.

//

Because of the luggage thing, I couldn't sleep when I reached home. Went to play soccer at 1100.

Was supposed to go for Jin Hao's birthday party in the evening. But I overslept and woke up at 0054. At first I thought I saw 2054 on my handphone. Then to my shock, I rubbed my eyes and saw the time. Quickly called him to apologise about it. Really felt damn bad about it. We didn't catch up for a long time yet he remembered to invite me. But I didn't go cause I overslept.

//

2 more weeks to Taiwan. Time flies, but I hope it will fly faster for these 10 weeks.

Once upon a time

Haha still in the mood to take photo


Towards the finishing line


HAHA 234!


SAFTI-wood stars


SHAG faces


Mr. Small meets Mr. Big


HI!!!

Haha these photos were some memories taken in my Service Term. Come to think of it, I think my Service Term is so far the most enjoyable phase in my army life. Next will be my BMT. I think Pro Term is definitely my most unenjoyable phase. Basket every Saturday book out still expect me to enjoy. Zz

//

Haven't been updating because there's not much updates in my social and love life. They are still quite boring. So if any girls out there who are having a crush on me, please tell me. So that I can make our love blossom.

Armour life is still the same. Doing the same thing practically everyday. I'm glad that time is passing quite fast, considering that there are only 12 more weeks remaining before my batch of OCT commission.

Booked out on a Thursday for the first time. Armour was "nice" to let us book out so early because we're going to get confined next weekend for our platoon field camp. O man, how nice is that. Hope the weather won't hinder any activities man. I want to quickly complete all the activities and go back to my bunk and sleep!

//

Last night, I again realised the importance of a family. I'm glad everything is fine.

Home finally..

I seldom miss home throughout my whole 20 years, be it in camps and even during the days back in China.

A few days back on my dad's birthday, I made it a point to call back home to wish him a simple "Happy Birthday". His joy on the phone could be felt. Somehow, I was thinking my family is probably really missing me all the while when I'm away from home.

Since then, I would think of my family at times (more than usual) though I don't really call back. I wouldn't know what to talk to them either.

//

Life in armour is quite tough. Hope these remaining 18 weeks will pass fast and at the same time be enjoyable for me. So far everything is going well.

Driving tank is quite fun too. Think will get the driving license next week already.

The saddest news so far is there are only 3 bookouts on Friday in my days in SGC.
-Good Friday
-2 more after Taiwan

How lovely can that be?

..

Brunei! HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha will be back next week. Hope everything goes fine though the stupid weather forecast said there will be thunderstorm for the next few days.

O well, take care all.

And wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

End of Service Term

OCS 73/08 SIERRA WING 1ST PLATOON!

Finally after 14 weeks together, it has come to an end. Professional Term will start next Monday.

Started to feel sad leaving Sierra while packing my stuffs yesterday. It was then I realised I won't ever be coming back to live in that bunk (#04-22) forever after I close that door. The feeling was really sad knowing that I won't ever be a Sierra cadet anymore. But still, we need to move on (if not I won't commission right?!)

We had memories as 1st platoon in the SME field camp in Tekong, all the live firings, Scorpion King at Marsiling etc.

And I really hope all of us will commission next year together, standing in the new parade square with the black bar finally on our shoulders.

//

I'm posted to Sungei Gedong Camp to train as an Armour Infantry officer. I heard the trainings will be very tough. So I hope I do get the chance to cross over as a Tank officer, at least not that tiring physically.

Was quite upset that I wasn't posted to Signals. My close friends, Kb, Wilson, Sherman, Nicholas, KK and some others are there now.

But anyway, just hope the journey ahead will be smooth and I'll be able to overcome any obstacles ahead.

Cheers!

:D

Had my social night last Wednesday.

Fang was my date. Was really glad that she was able to make it. Haha she looks prettier now.

HAHAHA there was once when we were in Shanghai when she was applying something on her face slowly.

Vin: Why bother to slowly put? Just put it all over your face la!
Fang: !#@$#@%#$^$%&%^*

LOL! I feel bad now. Not only cause I said those last time, but also cause I was late that night. But never mind la, feel bad awhile only.

I enjoyed myself that night with my usual crap.

//

Just back from Double O. It was alright. First time clubbing with my army friends.

3 more days to PRO TERM!

2 more weeks

to end of service term! WOOTS!

Just finished my platoon field camp in Marsiling. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I think it was good for my instructors to tell me my appointment beforehand as it made me mentally prepared which made me felt not much stress.

I think the most challenging thing during the field camp was to get the cooperation of my peers to do things when everyone was very tired after all the digging.

But I was glad that I learnt quite a few stuffs during the field camp and I'm glad somehow, I enjoyed it.

And seriously, digging shell scrape, fire trench and command post for countless hours is seriously no joke at all.

//

Up next will be me holding the CWC (Wing IC) appointment. I've having mixed feelings about it. Just hope I don't screw things up for the remaining 2 weeks and hopefully things go well for me.

//

Finally get to recover my body from the field camp. Being a civilian instead of in the military for these 4 days is really WOW. No words can describe how every NSF is feeling. It's simply WOW. The sad thing is though I'm allowed to book in tomorrow, I will book in tonight to save that $34 cab fare from my house to SAFTI with midnight charge (got to report strength at 0700).

//

Played football with my friends finally yesterday. It was enjoyable until the police came. Fuck. They are coming earlier and earlier. It used to be 2plus, then 1plus and then last night, 0030hours! WTF?

I think perhaps next time we should play earlier like 8 or 9pm.

But anyway, it was fun meeting up with them. Seriously been a fucking long time since I last saw most of them.

(:

Finally I got to book out with my wing! The feeling is just WOO!

Not that I love my army friends, but booking out with them means that I don't have to be confined for that particular weekend.

Served my extra last week doing guard duty. And I only booked out for like 6 hours before booking in again. I learnt to appreciate every second of my book out since then.

//

The 10 day field camp at Tekong was good. Being a CPS during the field camp wasn't as shiong as I thought. In fact it was quite an easy job. But the sad thing was I got my extra during the field camp for misplacing my magazine. Luckily it was only an extra. I nearly got a 7 RCP cause of that.

*RCP: Needs to stay in camp and report every 2 hour to the HQ

//

Upcoming programme is my platoon field camp which is starting on Monday. Though this one is only a 4 day field camp, it will be going to shag every one of us out, especially me.

My PC told me I'm the PS for the defence operations. FUCK! It's seriously fucked up and every one feels pity for me.

Even my PC said, 'Good luck to you Vincent".

I was feeling so fucked up. I got to prepare the stores etc.

This is definitely one challenge man. Just hope my mind will continue to work when I'm tired.

//

I miss football
and my friends.

Zz.

A couple more hours before I will reach the west of Singapore, a place where I dread going (at the moment).

In another 26 hours, I will be heading to the beloved island (Pulau Tekong) I left about 2 months ago for my 10 day field camp.

It's good that my body has recovered in the past 2 days. Went to watch 007 with Kw. Then went to catch up with Zk, Pk and Km.

AHHH! Hope the following 10 days will pass fast. The only thing I'm looking forward to is next Saturday and the last day of field camp.

I just hate field camps.

WAHAHAHAHAHA!

Shuttle run: 9.5s
Pull up: 17
Sit up: 50
SBJ: 234
2.4km: 9.25mins

//

I was happy that I got my Gold finally until I was told I will be the new CPS for my upcoming field camp in Tekong on Monday.

For those who don't know, CPS stands for Cadet Platoon Sergeant. Basically, it's doing lots of shit work.

Actually, I'm quite worried about how I will fare especially I will be assessed by my PC during the field camp.

AHHH! Just hope things will go well.

Finally..

Today was the first time I played football with my army friends. It was quite fun. Been a super long time since I last kicked a ball.

//

Went back to camp for my extra duty. Time passed super fast inside. Did nothing much the whole day except to get the meals from the cook house.

If only the coming 8 months pass so fast like yesterday, I will be super happy.

And the sad thing is, the shits will start again tomorrow.

Sick

Been coughing a lot for 3 weeks. I don't know why I haven't recover when I'm going to finish my 3rd bottle of medicine soon.

Sian it's affecting me a lot especially when I feel drowsy after taking the medication. Then it makes me sleepy during lessons. FUCK!

O ya! I lost my bunk keys when I went to the MO last week. I got to sign 3 extra and pay for the key.

Just simply hope the remaining 8 months will pass fast.

2 more weeks to field camp.

Sians.

CLM and 1st week of Service Term

My first 2 weeks in OCS was quite good. I was posted into Hotel Wing for CLM.

Everyone was bonding well and I felt comfortable with them around. My buddy was a very nice guy. And coincidentally, he was from NCHS. The thing was my team played with his team when we were in Sec 1. Lol again, I was proven that this world is really small.

I did a few things that I didn't try before in my life. Such as the 5m confidence jump into the pool. It was very fun. Then I also went for this Chemical Defence thing. We wore a full protection suit with a mask (we look like Counter Terrorist in CS) and went into this room filled with tear gas. We did some simple physical exercises inside and at the last stage, we took off the mask and shouted out our NRIC, rank and name. The gas will make you cry like hell and your mucus will flow like a water tap. It was really a nice experience.

The sad thing came this week. From Hotel Wing, we were transferred to Sierra Wing. I was transferred from Platoon 3 to Platoon 1. I was fucking sad. When we were starting to bond well, the administrative people broke me and my friends up. I ended up in another platoon with not much people I know. Felt kind of outcasted at first. But luckily, as time passed, things got better.

People said the system in Sierra is very slack, which I agree to an extent. It wasn't the Cadet Officers who are slack, it's the instructors. Since when do you people see us waking up the officers for first parade? It's really fup.

Did my IPPT. It was the best performance since BMT days.

Sit ups: 45
Pull up: 16
Shuttle run: 9.8s
SBJ: 221cm
2.4km: 9.4mins

As you can see, all of them all Gold standards except for my SBJ (AGAIN). Did lots of MRTs to build more muscles around the knee. So hope I can get a Gold by the end of Service Term which is in December, which I believe I can do it.