ipromise.
iwillbewaiting.

Army week 1



11th DEC'04 - Day 1

As I stepped into BMTC 2, I felt a strong sense of uncertainty. It was hard to decide whether I was excited or full of anxiety. As we, recruits seperated with our loved ones, we were greeted by our "friendly" sergeant major. At this point of time, I realised, army is not going to be smooth sailing - not easy. Images of death, agony, conformity flashed through my mind. Am I going to survive this spiritual stun and emotional stun and push myself to the limits of pyhsical growth or just die with the lost of creativity, a lost of individuality. I am not trying to say that National Service is bad. I mean, if no one is willing to protect our country, who will? It is just that the fear the instructors instill in you is more than enough to dread your stay here. They may be friendly at heart but are presented to be monsters and demons. It may be their job but I am sure there are better ways to teach these fresh man dicipline. Today was also my first water parade. I've never felt so bloated. I told myself, " Oh Fuck, it's only the first." I wonder what will be installed for me the next day.

12th DEC - 15th DEC (Day 2 - Day 5)

And I thought Day 1 was hell. And here comes the death of we physically challenged 'weak' recruits. With countless combat trainings to endless marches. March to and fro the cook house. We were physically and mentally drained. The day of hard work rewarded with a miserable half an hour's of rest. With this half an hour, we had to bathe, prepare for the next day's event, wash clothes and call our loved ones. Enough time? Definitely not. Lights out at 2230hrs and must be awake by 0530hrs. Girls, please appreciate life, appreciate us guys. Within these few days I felt lost and homesick. Fortunately, I am able to click with the people there quite well. If we don't mix well, who will help me against the monsters? The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

16th DEC - Day 6

Today we had a 3km route march. 3km may seems quite easy. I mean, I'm sure that i walked more then 10km around Orchard Road before. However, I was very wrong. With 20 over KG on my back and with a freaking heavy dummy rifle, it is as if chains are tied to your legs and you have just walk over 100km. Gravity really killed me this time. Especially when you have to march at the same pace as others, your mind will be too focused and you will be mentally drained. At least there are army songs to transport your mind to another place, lightening your load a little and boosting your morale. Morale is very important in army. The songs are quite nice too. If i have the chance i can sing it for those who wants to know. My favourites are "training to be soldiers" and "valentine". This is because I can relate to the song "Valentine". Sigh... It just momentarily evoke memories. Memories ought to be forgotten but just stuck in my heart. After the march, we still had more exercises. Craps. This is hell.

17th DEC - 18th DEC (Day7 & Day 8)

Day 7 was quite a slack day. We did area cleaning and very little exercise. For me of course. That was because i reported sick. I had 3 days light duties. Hence I skipped the IPPT categorisation thingy. I told the medical officer about my long term medical problem but he doesnt't seem to be bothered. He just gave me some medicine that is of no use to me, I can't recover. Looks like getting out of course is difficult. Quick! someone break my leg! While talking to the instructors at night, I suddenly feel a strong gush of adrenaline through my blood. Duty and service to the country. To protect the ones I love - " Look all around us, people everywhere. Chiledren having fun, while we are holding guns." I shall give my best. My fullest limit and potential. To protect everyone, to dedicate it to my lvoe.
Saturday - Just another day for sick boy Ong Song. It is most probably the most xiong day of all and i was 'saved' by my illness. Not sure whether I am able to survive it. With the hundreds of desperate faces looking for hope - a physical relief. After the 2.4km run in the morning there were footdrills and later , a 3km route march. However, before that, there was combat PT 1. Everyone was dying. This is not something that normal body can endure, let alone weak PTP people like us. To be able to clear such obstacles, one has to conjure metaphysical forces. But lets not talk about such things in Tekong. However admin time was long. We had 2 hrs admin time. I sms-ed and talked to my army buddies. As usual, the topic on girls. Haha. But needless to say, we are not desperate. I mean, it is better for 2 guys to talk about girls than guys right? I ended another slack and boring daywith other attempt ill 'chao geng' recruits.