Sunday, July 01, 2007 . 12:14 AM

Well since disruption from the army last thursday I've had a lot of time to reflect and think about my short stint in the Singapore National Service...

It seems like I've spent many years in the army already, even though it's been a mere 6 months. National Service has changed me as a person, has put me through several trials and tribulations... Not only physically, but mentally and in terms of handling relationships with people as well.

BMT seems so far away now... Even though it was just in January this year. It was arguably the best portion of my 6 months in NS. Hawk COY was a great company, with good company-mates and commanders... I think we were all very tightly-knit and had a strong sense of pride in our company... This was displayed with great gusto during the games day for BMT. Sadly this attitude would not replicate for my next two postings, which is probably why I treasure the memories of Hawk COY the most. Onward all Hawk-ers!

SISPEC may have not been as bad as I made it out to be... But the disappointment of not getting into OCS, coupled with the disappointment of getting into the most 'xiong' company made all the trainees disillusioned I guess... Which was probably why I was unable to work with or motivate many of them. Of course that kind of attitude from the trainees was never going to sit well with the commanders... In my SISPEC platoon I think I was a prime candidate to crossover to OCS if not for my IPPT which only got a silver... But oh well. I don't think I'll be able to survive OCS anyway lol...

After getting the posting that said I was to go to Armour Training Institute, I had my fears and doubts about the vocation. Was it going to be tough? Are the people going to be the same as those in SISPEC? It seemed that way at first, but after a mere week or two, things started to pick up and I'm confident that the guys I left behind in the Specialist Training Wing of ATI will become as tight-knit as the guys from Hawk COY in BMT... ATI/STW is very systematic and organized in what they do and that's what appealed to me most.

There have been so many people who have made an impact on and influenced me throughout this short 6 months... I thank you all, it's certainly been a blessing to have met you guys.

From BMT: 2LT Wilson, thanks for being such a great PC and for playing DOTA with us!!! Haha. 3SG Thiru, hope you manage to achieve your dreams for your career in the future... 3SG Farhan, don't smoke so much! Haha... Our section had great fun with you as our section commander! 3SG Oong, the closest sergeant to the whole platoon... Don't so stress, be more fun-loving! 2SG Yee, who held us in awe with his discipline and military knowledge from the first day of BMT... SSG Faizul, for being such a funny and friendly sergeant major, you were like a godfather to all of us...

From SISPEC: 2SG Lian, yeah the best section commander from platoon 2! At least in my opinion... 1SG Ho, quite 'xiong' section commander but is always friendly and talking to us trainees... SSG Djohan and 3SG Jackjit, fellow Liverpool supporters! MSG Rajoo, who made us toilet cleaners scrub every single algae off the tiles... Haha... But a man to be respected, an inspirational figure. 3SG Ridzman, the SUPER nice sergeant whom I had the benefit of having as guard commander when I was doing guard duty...

From ATI: 2WO Muniandy, an ULTRA nice course warrant, almost like a friend to us... Too bad he nags a lot to the course haha... But to the three of us when we OOCed, he was the best. 2WO Koh, a fantastic PC, who boosts our morale all the time when we see him, always laughing and joking with us... You still haven't added me to friendster yet! Haha... SSG Patrick, my section commander, who is like a big brother to us in STW...

And how could I ever forget... My beloved parents, and family who have supported me through all the difficulties I'd faced this past 6 months... And my friends who've shared my pain and complaints about NS... Thank you all so much.

Thanks once again, and sorry to anyone whom I may have inadverdently missed out... It's been a hell of a ride.

See you all in 6 years!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel