Its had been a very long book in for me; or at least it felt that way. Booking in on last Sunday morning and then booking out on Saturday afternoon is more than 7 days worth of in camp.
A lot of xiong things happened, there were 2 strength training, road march, SOC and a IPPT test. Well, the strength training is still largely manageable, the road march is not so bad, and since it was planned together with the grenade throwing practices, it was something rather to look forward for. The IPPT test was the one with problems. I failed all the stations except 2.4km. The timing was rather good I must add. But coming on to very embarrassing scoring for the other stations had an effect on me.
SOC was rather encouraging. Though some stations were rather nerves racking, I manage to clear all of them. Some of those, which I though I would never be able was surprisingly manageable. It is only the first 5 obstacles and so far, we will be doing the remaining coming week.
The rest of the week after IPPT were a very tough. My legs were sore and tired after the 2.4 run and to make things worse, there were AGR and other very stressing lessons. Until now, my ankle, knee, thigh and ball of the feet hurts. I really wish I could have more rest. For all the muscles to recover.
So whats it gonna be? Well, due to the fact of my rather terrible IPPT, I had to complete 32 sit ups every day after RO. Or almost everyday. They have started on IPPT stations training and a pretty high target of IPPT passing rate was set. Everyone is feeling the heat.
I am not so much worried for SOC since I don’t need to pass it to pass out for BMT. That applies to IPPT as well, but then, they seems more interested for us to pass that. All the pull ups and what have you.
I will not be able to come out on the coming weekend. I am I feel rather taken because of that. This book out was supposed to be on Friday evening, however due to some reasons, it was postponed to Saturday afternoon. Hence only one night at home.
Due to field camp, we have to stay in for this weekend. There are a lot more things I would really like to write about, like the newly attached people to the company and so on. But I want to go on to my bed till dinner. I shell write about it then next time then.
Do pray for me good weather and luck for the field camp for the coming 2 weeks.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The early book out
Managed to bookout on Friday morning, as (I believe) they don’t wish to have us around during the enlistment of the other companies; or to reduce the strain on the cookhouse. Eitherway, its (to some extend) good news for us.
It had been a rather peaceful week. Booked in early on Sunday for the RT was a blessing, there was a change in the book in timing and we had to call everyone to book back in 2 hours earlier than what was told.
The rest of the week was just shooting training. The range was over, I believe I had passed, but not as a marksman. It was already a gone case for the day shoot. Other than the range, they made us cut our hair again and I had had my last 4km road march. The coming road march would be a 6km road march. I cannot really say that I am looking forward for it.
Booking in tomorrow (Sunday) at 0615hrs. It is ridiculously early if you ask me. However so, they said it was necessary since there will be another range for platoon 3.
So what’s it gonna be? Well, there will be SOC. I am more than a little apprehensive about it. Then on the 15th there will be a IPPT test. Once again, I am going to fail since I cannot pull nor jump. I believe I will be suffering under all the night training for this.
I’ll make this a short one since I have to turn in early. Till then, wish me luck.
It had been a rather peaceful week. Booked in early on Sunday for the RT was a blessing, there was a change in the book in timing and we had to call everyone to book back in 2 hours earlier than what was told.
The rest of the week was just shooting training. The range was over, I believe I had passed, but not as a marksman. It was already a gone case for the day shoot. Other than the range, they made us cut our hair again and I had had my last 4km road march. The coming road march would be a 6km road march. I cannot really say that I am looking forward for it.
Booking in tomorrow (Sunday) at 0615hrs. It is ridiculously early if you ask me. However so, they said it was necessary since there will be another range for platoon 3.
So what’s it gonna be? Well, there will be SOC. I am more than a little apprehensive about it. Then on the 15th there will be a IPPT test. Once again, I am going to fail since I cannot pull nor jump. I believe I will be suffering under all the night training for this.
I’ll make this a short one since I have to turn in early. Till then, wish me luck.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The long weekend
It has been the longest 2 days of in camp. Perhaps its because of the long weekend hence in contrast the 2 days seems unbearable.
There is really nothing much, other than the usual 5BX with run, the FBO 4km road march the 2.4 km run and the 2 Strength Training, the days passes rather slowly with all the stand by bed and that sort of harassment.
On the night before booking out, there was good news and there were bad. The good news was that I passed my 2.4 run. On the dot, one second more and I would had failed. I was very happy. At the same time, they said that there would be remedial training (RT) on Sunday afternoon for those frequently absent. I was not one of them. Hence I volunteered for guard duty (together with my buddy), which is from Sunday morning till Monday morning. It would be good to do it now than later to be arrowed.
However, the next day they came out with a new list of people who are to report for RT. I was, one of them. Remember I fall out for the AGR run and the ST training because of the flu, well, for those who had skip 2 or more lessons are to attend RT. Fuck!
So I have to report back at 1315 while the others only report at 2100 today. I feel sad. Needless to say, it does not really make a hell lot of differences since I can say I am well rested and the flu is getting better.
The weekend was pretty good, though I spent much of the time at home, resting; I bought a PSP and caught a movie ‘I am Legend’. I don’t really like it.
The PSP was a pretty good deal. I was never in a hurry in getting it as I had promised myself I will only get it after being posted out of the island. Eitherhow, it’s a sooner or later thing, and since the whole bunk had a fever over it, I might as well.
So this is it, I’m going back later for a full week of fun and joy in the island. I am entering full swing into BMT and the harassment level is also increasing. It is scary to notices that it had been 4 weeks already. The PTP is over and it will be all over in say… 9 weeks or less.
The past 4 weeks passes with a lot of booking out which we look so much forward to. This book in would only be the usual weekends. I hope it will be good and a manageable week. The next long weekend would be the Chinese new year weekend.
Perhaps I should go back to bed and catch another half and hour of sleep or something. Eitherhow, see you next weekend.
There is really nothing much, other than the usual 5BX with run, the FBO 4km road march the 2.4 km run and the 2 Strength Training, the days passes rather slowly with all the stand by bed and that sort of harassment.
On the night before booking out, there was good news and there were bad. The good news was that I passed my 2.4 run. On the dot, one second more and I would had failed. I was very happy. At the same time, they said that there would be remedial training (RT) on Sunday afternoon for those frequently absent. I was not one of them. Hence I volunteered for guard duty (together with my buddy), which is from Sunday morning till Monday morning. It would be good to do it now than later to be arrowed.
However, the next day they came out with a new list of people who are to report for RT. I was, one of them. Remember I fall out for the AGR run and the ST training because of the flu, well, for those who had skip 2 or more lessons are to attend RT. Fuck!
So I have to report back at 1315 while the others only report at 2100 today. I feel sad. Needless to say, it does not really make a hell lot of differences since I can say I am well rested and the flu is getting better.
The weekend was pretty good, though I spent much of the time at home, resting; I bought a PSP and caught a movie ‘I am Legend’. I don’t really like it.
The PSP was a pretty good deal. I was never in a hurry in getting it as I had promised myself I will only get it after being posted out of the island. Eitherhow, it’s a sooner or later thing, and since the whole bunk had a fever over it, I might as well.
So this is it, I’m going back later for a full week of fun and joy in the island. I am entering full swing into BMT and the harassment level is also increasing. It is scary to notices that it had been 4 weeks already. The PTP is over and it will be all over in say… 9 weeks or less.
The past 4 weeks passes with a lot of booking out which we look so much forward to. This book in would only be the usual weekends. I hope it will be good and a manageable week. The next long weekend would be the Chinese new year weekend.
Perhaps I should go back to bed and catch another half and hour of sleep or something. Eitherhow, see you next weekend.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Bookout and the New Year
Before I know it, it has been 3 weeks since I was enlisted. How fast; how fast. Coming week will marks the end of my PTP and the start of BMT in full swing. They say that PTP is generally more spaced out. I don’t feel so. I had my arms presentations after Christmas, and will be doing some introduction of Marksmanship after the long weekend.
Having said 3 weeks into enlistment, I must add that there are already 4 OOT in my section. We made a goal in being the best section, and we did. Generally there are only about 10 people in the bunk. Two of the OOT had been transferred to the Mass. Very soon, there will be only 9 people in the bunk. That is not very good news as it means there’s more area cleaning per person to cover.
The first 2 weeks were fine, but from the period of Christmas to today, its not been so good. I had fall out for the AGR and the Strength Training for the past 2 days, due to flu. The fall out rate after the road march was really astonishing. 16 and I believe 2 blank file.
The OC were pretty upset about what happened and he delays our booking out yesterday. Somehow, the people in the company don’t really learn the lesson.
"I read somewhere how important it is in life not to necessarily be strong but to feel strong; To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions..."
I’ve been holding the above words in my heart for the past 3 weeks, but right now, with the flu, I don’t feel strong nor am strong. In fact, I feel weak and unable. I thought of the SOC, and I wonder, really deep wonder if I can even complete it, let alone complete it in the given timing.
I don’t really aspire to be commander of any kind, though it is good, but still, I have problem passing my IPPT to begin with. Well, at least I am indeed measuring myself. I take this whole BMT as a training for Project Immorality – my backpacking plans.
Taking one day at a time – When I first met my bunkmates, we had a somehow common goal which it towards the end of the year. We made it, or at least, most of us made it. With my last fall out, it only leave my buddy Wei Jie being the only person who had been participating in all the activities. I am really blessed to have a self-motivated buddy. If not for the danger of collapses in run (with a cold) I would love to run alongside with him.
I will be booking in at 2030 later in the evening. A one and the half days stay, which will lead me to a 3 days long weekend. I am very much looking forward to it. Something to look forward to everyday.
It is indeed sad to say that we are all only looking forward to dinner and booking out. What had happened to the youth today. Perhaps it is something for the better, simplicity; ‘most ancient of human conditions’
Wish me well and please pray for me. Please do wear more warm clothes as the weather is turning rather chilly.
Till my next book out!
Having said 3 weeks into enlistment, I must add that there are already 4 OOT in my section. We made a goal in being the best section, and we did. Generally there are only about 10 people in the bunk. Two of the OOT had been transferred to the Mass. Very soon, there will be only 9 people in the bunk. That is not very good news as it means there’s more area cleaning per person to cover.
The first 2 weeks were fine, but from the period of Christmas to today, its not been so good. I had fall out for the AGR and the Strength Training for the past 2 days, due to flu. The fall out rate after the road march was really astonishing. 16 and I believe 2 blank file.
The OC were pretty upset about what happened and he delays our booking out yesterday. Somehow, the people in the company don’t really learn the lesson.
"I read somewhere how important it is in life not to necessarily be strong but to feel strong; To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions..."
I’ve been holding the above words in my heart for the past 3 weeks, but right now, with the flu, I don’t feel strong nor am strong. In fact, I feel weak and unable. I thought of the SOC, and I wonder, really deep wonder if I can even complete it, let alone complete it in the given timing.
I don’t really aspire to be commander of any kind, though it is good, but still, I have problem passing my IPPT to begin with. Well, at least I am indeed measuring myself. I take this whole BMT as a training for Project Immorality – my backpacking plans.
Taking one day at a time – When I first met my bunkmates, we had a somehow common goal which it towards the end of the year. We made it, or at least, most of us made it. With my last fall out, it only leave my buddy Wei Jie being the only person who had been participating in all the activities. I am really blessed to have a self-motivated buddy. If not for the danger of collapses in run (with a cold) I would love to run alongside with him.
I will be booking in at 2030 later in the evening. A one and the half days stay, which will lead me to a 3 days long weekend. I am very much looking forward to it. Something to look forward to everyday.
It is indeed sad to say that we are all only looking forward to dinner and booking out. What had happened to the youth today. Perhaps it is something for the better, simplicity; ‘most ancient of human conditions’
Wish me well and please pray for me. Please do wear more warm clothes as the weather is turning rather chilly.
Till my next book out!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry X'mas
Where should I start?
Went back to camp on the 20th and next 3 days were basically peaceful. There was a road march; the daily 5BX and we drew arms on the day before booking out. It was a short book-in to say the least. Other than all the strength training and some lecture on the M16, the past few days in camp is rather peaceful.
Today when I book-in, will marks the end of the honeymoon period. We are all prepared for the harassment to come. Our bunk was stomped through last dinner, the SGT wanted to steal the rifle but was unsuccessful.
So far the push-up were kept to the minimal. My platoon is considered the slackest among the other two. Perhaps it’s the SGT, perhaps we have a white horse, or just perhaps we are just pretty cooperative.
I can feel that my physical ability is starting to give some problem. My left ankle is starting to get uncomfortable. The left knee cap is starting to experiences some pain. I’m getting a bit of stomach upset right now as well. I have got no intention of sounding out right now, since it is still manageable and I am feeling fine.
I am expecting a 3km run tomorrow so soon. Or a road march with the dummy rifle. The morning 5BX, and the run is enough to make me not wanting to wake up.
Please pray for me that I’ll have the strength and courage to see this through.
Went back to camp on the 20th and next 3 days were basically peaceful. There was a road march; the daily 5BX and we drew arms on the day before booking out. It was a short book-in to say the least. Other than all the strength training and some lecture on the M16, the past few days in camp is rather peaceful.
Today when I book-in, will marks the end of the honeymoon period. We are all prepared for the harassment to come. Our bunk was stomped through last dinner, the SGT wanted to steal the rifle but was unsuccessful.
So far the push-up were kept to the minimal. My platoon is considered the slackest among the other two. Perhaps it’s the SGT, perhaps we have a white horse, or just perhaps we are just pretty cooperative.
I can feel that my physical ability is starting to give some problem. My left ankle is starting to get uncomfortable. The left knee cap is starting to experiences some pain. I’m getting a bit of stomach upset right now as well. I have got no intention of sounding out right now, since it is still manageable and I am feeling fine.
I am expecting a 3km run tomorrow so soon. Or a road march with the dummy rifle. The morning 5BX, and the run is enough to make me not wanting to wake up.
Please pray for me that I’ll have the strength and courage to see this through.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
First Book Out
[To report back at 2100hrs.]
Just a quick one
I booked out last night at about 8.45pm. Got home, do my laundry, shower, fix the sling bag, ate something and went to bed.
Strangely, I could not sleep well. There must have been a lot in my mind or just the excitement of going home. I woke up at 4am, as usual as the days in camp, and found it hard to get back to bed.
The plan was to get up at 8 and go to beach road by 10am. Well, closed enough. I lay in bed till about 9.15 then proceed to fan dry my clothes and got ready to go to beach road. Either how, that just normal and nothing interesting to talk about.
My first day in camp was pretty much peaceful. The next 2 days were busy getting the items done and real physical training only came on the third day which was a Sunday.
My reflection for the past few days can be easily summed up:
1) Sleep is not enough.
Seven hours of rest (as they called it) is really not enough. I personally need 8 hours of sleep. In the army, they control how much you sleep. You wake up too early, they becomes upset. You cannot sleep too late. And you have too many things to be sleeping early.
2) They don’t serve coffee
They only serve coffee every alternated day. I cannot live without coffee. Days which I have coffee, I feel more alive. Other than that, I am sleepy all the while
3) Rush to wait, wait to rush
Most of the time, we are being hurried here and there. Then the remaining time, we spent waiting. I must say that we are still at the adjustment period. I am expecting more punishment after the 2 weeks. Which, will makes the half way mark of my PTP
Generally specking, so far, I am coping well to National Services. I always remind myself that I will take this chance to measure myself. I failed every single station in my IPPT CAT test. The only comfort I can get is that I might still be able to POP should I fail. Even so, I do not wish to attend any RT or whatsoever.
I got pretty depresses about the fact that I am the only one who failed every station. But I will keep trying. Please pray for me and wish me luck.
Just a quick one
I booked out last night at about 8.45pm. Got home, do my laundry, shower, fix the sling bag, ate something and went to bed.
Strangely, I could not sleep well. There must have been a lot in my mind or just the excitement of going home. I woke up at 4am, as usual as the days in camp, and found it hard to get back to bed.
The plan was to get up at 8 and go to beach road by 10am. Well, closed enough. I lay in bed till about 9.15 then proceed to fan dry my clothes and got ready to go to beach road. Either how, that just normal and nothing interesting to talk about.
My first day in camp was pretty much peaceful. The next 2 days were busy getting the items done and real physical training only came on the third day which was a Sunday.
My reflection for the past few days can be easily summed up:
1) Sleep is not enough.
Seven hours of rest (as they called it) is really not enough. I personally need 8 hours of sleep. In the army, they control how much you sleep. You wake up too early, they becomes upset. You cannot sleep too late. And you have too many things to be sleeping early.
2) They don’t serve coffee
They only serve coffee every alternated day. I cannot live without coffee. Days which I have coffee, I feel more alive. Other than that, I am sleepy all the while
3) Rush to wait, wait to rush
Most of the time, we are being hurried here and there. Then the remaining time, we spent waiting. I must say that we are still at the adjustment period. I am expecting more punishment after the 2 weeks. Which, will makes the half way mark of my PTP
Generally specking, so far, I am coping well to National Services. I always remind myself that I will take this chance to measure myself. I failed every single station in my IPPT CAT test. The only comfort I can get is that I might still be able to POP should I fail. Even so, I do not wish to attend any RT or whatsoever.
I got pretty depresses about the fact that I am the only one who failed every station. But I will keep trying. Please pray for me and wish me luck.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Finest Gentlemen’s Establishment
The Finest Gentlemen’s Establishment can be referred to the Singapore Armed Forces or to be more précised, the whole idea of National Services. Since gentlemen from all woks for life are expected to take up its membership and undergo a process that, in the words of Jake, make you a fucking man.
I had came across a number of blogs which addresses such subjects and there are pretty good ones ranging from stories to the effect of National Services in daily life. For a moment, I believe that no one will be interested in reading more of the same dreadful stuff. However so, I would like to keep this blog more like an personal account which will remain with me for some time.
Where should I start then? Perhaps a personal introduction would be fair.
Born on the 27th March 1986, I am considered ‘over age’ for the services. Most gentlemen will be expected to serve at the age of 18 or so however, due to my N level endeavors and my sailing internship this was delayed till now, at the age of 21.
13th December will be the day where I will be gone camping for a long time. Ironically Kenneth will pass out of BMT the day before, and Soon Guan will be on vacation the day after.
According to the orange letter, I will be doing the Physical Training Phase of 4 weeks and then the BMT for 9 weeks. My heart is too dead to have any feeling about the arrangement. Events which led up to this day was not a pleasant one and I am do not want to talk about it.
I found Yi Xiang on the forum and understand that he too will be enlisting on the same day, and possibly at the same time. For someone who has been traveling alone so long, this is something different to find companion though we might not in the same location after all.
So what is it gonna be? I cannot say that I am nerves or excited. For all I care, it is on the way of things. I have been away from home before and I am therefore looking forward for going away, but the place of going is not perfect to begin with.
For something I did not realized, I found comfort in it. My father was commenting about the list of public holidays that will follows after my enlistment. These make my confinement period of 2 weeks broken down to 1 week (which is how it is normally arranged).
I do wish Lionel good luck as he was enlisted one week before me. Let me go off to enjoy what little is left of me.
I had came across a number of blogs which addresses such subjects and there are pretty good ones ranging from stories to the effect of National Services in daily life. For a moment, I believe that no one will be interested in reading more of the same dreadful stuff. However so, I would like to keep this blog more like an personal account which will remain with me for some time.
Where should I start then? Perhaps a personal introduction would be fair.
Born on the 27th March 1986, I am considered ‘over age’ for the services. Most gentlemen will be expected to serve at the age of 18 or so however, due to my N level endeavors and my sailing internship this was delayed till now, at the age of 21.
13th December will be the day where I will be gone camping for a long time. Ironically Kenneth will pass out of BMT the day before, and Soon Guan will be on vacation the day after.
According to the orange letter, I will be doing the Physical Training Phase of 4 weeks and then the BMT for 9 weeks. My heart is too dead to have any feeling about the arrangement. Events which led up to this day was not a pleasant one and I am do not want to talk about it.
I found Yi Xiang on the forum and understand that he too will be enlisting on the same day, and possibly at the same time. For someone who has been traveling alone so long, this is something different to find companion though we might not in the same location after all.
So what is it gonna be? I cannot say that I am nerves or excited. For all I care, it is on the way of things. I have been away from home before and I am therefore looking forward for going away, but the place of going is not perfect to begin with.
For something I did not realized, I found comfort in it. My father was commenting about the list of public holidays that will follows after my enlistment. These make my confinement period of 2 weeks broken down to 1 week (which is how it is normally arranged).
I do wish Lionel good luck as he was enlisted one week before me. Let me go off to enjoy what little is left of me.
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