My First Reservist

Survived the 17 days of ICT. Find out that its not that bad after all. 17 days spreading across 3 weeks, 6 days are already off for weekends (if pass IPPT). Remaining 11 days are further reduced as I'm able to excuse for school. *Terms & Condition Applies. Only for low key days, means no outfield or live firing. Good enough, I'm able to follow this guidelines and make plans for makeup lessons on non important dates.

Fortunately im able to make up for all the possible missed lessons.
A breakdown of how its achieved. A little information on my current schooling time table: Tues 12noon till 630pm and Fri 830am till 330pm.

1st week: No lessons missed, still able to make it for Tuesday's 2 lectures, as ICT starts on Thurs. Friday I'm able to excuse as the day program is discussing on some SOPs, which can be done without my presence. Saturdays is a LWE (Long WeekEnd) for those who passed IPPT

2nd week: Challenges starts from this week. But with bits of luck, i made it for all lessons. Our IPPT is scheduled in the morning. While unit's anniversary held in the evening, its not really a key event (based on ICT's objective). Similarly as last week, Tues is saved. Missed Friday's lecture due to Outfield. Fortunately, minimized the loss with a make-up on Saturday for one of the missed lecture.

3rd week: Mon and Tues are outfield again. So i missed the Tues lectures. I had rescheduled them to next Mon. There again is Lady Luck. Both lectures on the same day, at a pace 1 week slower behind my actual lectures. Tuesday missed lectures settled. Wednesday is a outing at Sentosa, found a lecture to slot in. Guess what! the 2nd week missed lecture on Fri which is not make-up, also 1 week behind my actual lecture pace. Phew~ Friday, Out Processing Day, i missed both lectures. But both are replaceable on Saturday and next Wednesday.

A Pictorial to illustrate for those who don't wish to read.


Leading By Example
Had a heated conversation with another friend of mine, who is a commander and also a UOL student of the same course as me. I think he had missed quite a bit of lectures due to this ICT. He had issues with taking off to go for school, unless that day is a official off for everyone. He felt that as one person starts to take, the rest will start following, resulting in bad start for our reservist cycle.

However, i felt that if our off are planned on low-key days, whats the harm? The whole battalion/company will still be functioning. Of course with less hands to do stores or planning. We had fulfilled our 1 year 10 months of National Service. Currently we are students, going back to school to study. Our main objective is to study, isn't it. Although i know its not really our 'main objective', but priority is still to study. why a fuss over a day off on low-key days.. We will be going the working group in 2-3 years time. By then, no schooling excuses, many more working excuses.. haha!

Not going to go deep into this issue, as its just a clash of perception and not whether who is right or wrong. Need to start thinking for my next post.


Chilling
C Cube

Back to Green Land, Juggling with Text Books

03 Dec, 0730: LTA C Cube is required to wear his kept-away-1yr army uniform and book in camp

After 4 attempts to appeal with supporting 2 letters from the SIM, deferment is still not approved. CO and Mindef claimed to excuse us on non important days to go back school. *Crossing my fingers and pinning all hope.

Its a headache to find make up lectures for the next 2 weeks (3rd Dec - 19th Dec). Same module lectures can be taught by different lectures and at different pace. That's why we are always encourage to go for the allocated time slot when choosing the modules.

Due to this ICT, I have to ask all my lecturers on their alternate lecture days and check on the pace of the lecture. If the lecturer is able to keep all his lectures in same pace. GG for me, no other make up lectures if i miss the whole week's lectures.

Thankfully, this first ICT does not seem to be out to kill us. 2 days of outfield, 3 IPPT and the rest are mainly revision for detachment level drills. I have passed my IPPT, hence these days would mean i have a chance to go school. Classroom revision, i have small chances of asking for excuse to go school. Pinning my hopes high, if everything goes according to plan (till end of next week), i shouldn't miss any lectures.

There is much more to rant about going back. But i wanna keep this blog ongoing for years, so holding back most of the firepower. Will be pleased if i can really make it back to school. Just sucks to know that you got to miss school due to poor planning from higher authority.


Uncommon People, Uncommon Place
C Cube

Freak-nancial Status | Last Payslip from Army

Shall end off my Chapter on 'Army Life' with the overall allowance.

1year and 10months (2 years if you get below Silver for Poly/JC Napfa test) :
$21400, Averaging: $850 per month

Guess i failed to hit the 20% saving. After all the calculation, i only save 10% or even lesser.

So where all the money fly to?
5 oversea trips, 2 of them to Taiwan which spent around $400 each, the rest $100-200 each. Every time visit to the DFS, buying $200-300 worth of expensive liquor, wine and beer which i don't drink.
$400 PSP which i seldom play nowadays.
$1300+ on my Identiti, $600+ on my Dean
$400 Casio Camera
Visit twice to Running Lab to get $100+ shoes
Monthly bills & allowance which is compulsory

Cant imagine i spent so much over the past 2 years. Too rely on the monthly allowance from the army. Now too lazy to look for job, spending power still as high, no more payday on the 10th...
Got to start looking for job, part time as i still want to train. And if possible work while studying if i manage to get into SIM.

Reality Check, Financially
C Cube

A Start With An End

Attended my last parade which i will never march again in my NSF life. Remember the last parade was my commissioning parade which was almost 1 year ago. The first parade, which is my pass out parade which i almost 2 years back.

Still remember my pass out parade is after a 32km route march, wearing no.4, jungle hat and holding onto our rifle. Charging forward follow by forming up into our marching contingent, quite a way to amuse our parents, specially mine whom yet to witness any parade before other than NDP.

Now standing in front of the audience, wearing no.1 with accumulated badges which not many NSF officers will have during their service. Marching in with a sword unlike the drill M16 which i had for commissioning parade.

Ended the parade with a slow march AGAIN!! But find that it looks quite good when you are the audience.

Pass Out Parade (2006) & ORD Parade (2008)

Oh Ya! not to forget my dear Springfield Friends! With the help of the almighty skinny Pauline, im able to see some of my sec sch friends attending the parade, witnessing the my last parade (Because i never jio them for my commission parade, if this parade also never invite, sure kanna stirred during gathering!)

Springfield Sec 4F (2002)
Left to Right: Alan, Pauline, Me!, Kelvin And Hafiz

Operation Ready Date 060508
C Cube

Nearing the end

Just finished my last 2NTM, quite a relax this time. Busy playing RISK (board game) the whole day in camp, swimming almost everyday. Stupid Officer Mess internet cant access to togoparts.com during the weekend.

Looking at it, will be having my ORD parade on the 2th May (this week!). Last hurdle will be the Jungle Lane Live Firing this Sunday, SUNDAY LEH!! argh.. Lastly will be collecting of my Pink IC on the 6th!

However, now started to feel lost about my immediate future plan. Don't think can enter any public uni, but will be applying for SIM. Still stuck in considering between UOL or RMIT.

Now guess cant wait for my ORD parade, kinda looking forward for it. Last time for my parents to see me in No.1 and marching in the parade. Also for Pauline to see the parade, if not she will be nagging that i never jio sec sch friends!

Saw Wilson's latest post. He got his License already! argh~ seems like im still the one left behind. My FTT will be on the 22th May, 2 days before i go for Taiwan! Heard from my sister that the programme seems to be very boring, visiting to temple and sight seeing only. No Night Market! No Bike Shops! sian~~~

1 more week
C Cube

Holiday so far..

1 week of holiday was really quite pack for me. Touch down on Sat, immediately went for several meetups and visiting for some bike shops as some of my Sergeants wanna get themselves bicycles for more races. Currently i also stuck with 2 bikes, well not really 2 complete bikes. My Fastrax now just the skeleton, only lacking a groupset to get it moving. Now thinking of getting a Ultegra groupset and offer it to one of my sergeants. Another one is 190cm in height, requires a 58cm - 60cm frame, which is totally out of my height range.

Yesterday just went Sentosa to visit the Tri Team as they are having camp.. Held at Costa Sand Resort, however staying over at small huts in the resort itself. Pretty nice and cosy i would say. 2.5m by 3m room, with 2 double deck beds, air conditioned and only $60 for 3D2N stay.

Sentosa also had quite a big face lift since the last time i went there for training. Palawan beach seems to have the most renovation. Now with alot of shops all along the beach, interchange and monorail which stretches from the main island. Night life there seems to be more vibrant, or maybe because i never got to stay in the small island after late afternoon to experience it.

Tomorrow will be going to Meryvn's place, objective is always the same, Bicycle. This 1 week holiday gave me quite a few ideas of bike project. Wanna sort out my cannondale bike and fix up my Fastrax. Also looking for bicycles for the rest..

Guess later this afternoon will just spend time with Mr Teo, maybe even visit Tampines bikeshops, before i head for my grandma house. As i promised her a visit on Wed and Fri. Think about it, almost 2 years in army, my frequency of visit had dropped to 2-3 times a month only. Started to miss her cooking especially soup..

1030 now, will be having mega lunch at Mensa soon. shall end of my post now.

Starting to smell my freedom
C Cube

Home sweet home...

Touched down on Singapore land at 0500.. Reached home at 0600. 2nd march to 29th march.. a total of 28days, longest trip i ever made so far in my life. Second is my Nepal Expedition back in year 2000, which took 25days, follow up are all the training trips i made to Taiwan and Brunei which took 21 days each. Now looking back, for the past 20 years, none of my holiday vacation is longer than my expeditions or training trips!

A short summary of my compact and intense 1 month stay in Thailand.

1st week: Mainly acclimatisation trainings, Navex follow by Bn and Coy mission each.
2nd & 3rd week: 14th march the start of ATEC stage 2, lasted for 1 week, comprises of 2 Coy mission and ending the evaluation with the Bn mission. Prior to 14th, we are busy with the admin prep and some rest days in between.
Last week: Post admin stuff, also not to forget the Thai Airborne Task which earns me another badge to put on for my ORD parade. Yes! Before i forget the lousy R&R we had to go through before we can step foot into the Thai Airport.

Kinda proud to say that i had finished reading a book, title "The 7 habits of highly effective people" and half way through "Seven Ancient Wonders" Imagine the only book i read finished so far is "Red Sky In the Morning" forced to read for my sec 2 Literature Lesson, till recently the "Freakonomic" during my OCC.

For this trip, i didn't not bring out my PSP on purpose so to concentrate on my reading, but kinda regret not bringing as i finished the 7 Habits on the first week. So the last week, im suffered in boredom, sleeping everyday as early as ten to pass time. Afternoon nap is totally out of question as the weather there is terrible! Imagine you can sweat while laying on the bed in the afternoon...

Ending of with my Thai Wing Badges

From top to bottom, badges for each uniforms
No.1, No. 3 and No. 4

Sawadicup
C Cube

Missing in action

wah it has been quite a while since i last blogged.. too busy and tired with stuff around me for the past 2 weeks.

Some recap on the past events i had.

10 Feb: My birthday.. hmm just spend like like a ordinary Sunday with some surprise greeting from my guys in camp. Also received sms from a few friends, let me see.. Pauline, Alan, Alston, Rennie and Jin Shan from banquet. Quite surprise to receive from Alston and Jin Shan. For JinShan, i had lost her number since the day i lost my HP, lazy to send email to her friendster to ask for it..

Most memorable sms is from Pauline.. (ha! Pauline dont be happy about it!) Well she sent a long sms but only 1 sentence that really capture my attention.. "And you age" AGE!! ! I'm only 22 ok! kaoz~! wah just because figure got alittle better, got BF then start saying others aging.. -_-!! Nvm we shall see on your bday..

15 Feb: Well the week after, i had to conduct a live firing for my company, was the conducting officer for my Coy, assistant conducting for the overall firing. So most of the admin paper work were sorted out by the overall conducting. Schedule is still quite pack for me despite I'm not the overall conducting. There is still alot of paper and admin stuff to do.

16 Feb: The shoot lasted till midnight.. when return to camp and sorted out all the admin and cleaning of rifle, I'm only free to leave at 5am.. BEST thing is.. i got to attend my OC's house warming at Jurong at 12nn.. In the end all of us were late... reached at 1am.. Didn't really do much at his place, other than looking at the interior design.

The design is kinda what i wanted when i got to own my own place.. Simple and neat, black and white theme, using more dark wood for the cardboard and furniture. He knocked down 1 of his rooms and transform it into a theater cum game room. Using the wall as a screen, plucking his DVD player and PS 3 to a projector and screen it on the wall. So cool~

20 Feb: We had a trekking trip at Mac Ritchie Reservoir.. Wah it had been quite a while since i been there. The last time i was there was at 2000 while preparing for Nepal Expedition. The total distance we covered is about 10km, including a 250m treetop walk. Really scenic place to be, but getting there is tiring. We had to Walk almost 7km to get to the foot of the the treetop walk follow up steep up slope to get to the top.

22 Feb: Battalion Outing at Sentosa.. Quite fun! Actually cycled there with my MTB bike.. follow my a 800m swim at Siloso beach.. Only good at running, cycling and swimming (abit reluctant) but better than Frisbee, beach soccer and volleyball. Just don't have the "want-to-sweat feeling) for today..

I will be flying off for Thailand coming next weekend. Will be MIA for a good 4 weeks.. really miss my bikes especially the Cannondale which i just bought recently.. Wont get to ride it much before i embark for my last journey in NS..

Bak Kua Face
C Cube

Airgasm

airgasm: (ar-gaz'am)

the climax of aerial excitement. normally preceded by severe anxiety and self-doubt. the act itself is often preceded by profound sweating, expressive ribald expletives, anxious movement and surging adrenal release.
warning: post climactic euphoric buzz may last 4-6 hours.
see also- ultimate adrenaline rush, aerial flight, defying gravity

right before bungy jumping i was really scared but after i jumped i had a huge airgasm.

Well. Had my airborne jump after 1 year since my last jump. Super paranoid and scared. Remembering the first step out of the aircraft, argh! bad feeling!!

Receiving of the notice about having a jump is on this week is very abrupt. I received a sms from my boss on Tues 22th, saying "Gents good news! ART (Airborne Remedial Training, i think) on 23-24th. Pls Make the necessary preparation." Knowing that 25th will be the jump, for those who are going to be non-current. Our boss had tried hard to get us a ART before going to Thailand so that we have a chance of getting the Thai Wing before ORD.

Our initial ART dates are schedule the week before, but postponed to this week. But then again postponed till further notice. Always had a mixed feeling when got the notice of the ART and jump. Scared to jump, no jump = no Thai wing.

Well so 23-24th we had our ART, going thought all the drills required for us to know and execute during the jump. Airborne is all about drills, from the moment we jump off the aircraft to landing, even pulling of reserve chute, we have phrases for them and action to be carried out concurrently.

Ok talk about D-day 25th Jan 2008.

0215: Wake up
0245: Attend Pre Jump brief and activities
0730: Reach Airbase
0800: Prep for jump
0830: JUMP!!

Didn't slept that night before. Reach camp at 1130, laid on bed at 12. Tired but doesn't seems to get to sleep. Had tried not to think about tomorrow's jump but everytime i closed my eyes, scene of jump out of the aircraft always flashes across my mind, reminding my body of the free fall feeling.

My bunk mates, Greg cant stand me ranting about the jump so tell me just don't think about anything relating about the jump. In fact he is not scare about jumping off the aircraft instead my ranting reminds him about the painful landing.

As i didn't had a good sleep. i was very sleepy throughout the pre-jump activities even till reaching airbase. Think its good, keeping myself half awake can calm myself more as i don't think about the jump. Everything is peaceful and calm for me, heart rate is well maintain at 40-50% UNTIL the arrival of the aircraft! The hovering rhythm instantly disrupt my calm HR, as thou my HR is synchronizing with it.

When my turn to make the first step out of the aircraft, i was like 'argh! huo chu qu le!", once out of aircraft, i was like !@%$#@@, experiencing the freefall feeling once again. Amazingly its not that bad this time. After the jump, i really felt a sense of relief, the nightmare that had been hunting me if over for now.

Before i end off, i would like to show 2 short clips of US airborne which is similar to what i will be doing.

This is abit long, but was taken in a first person view


Shows only the jumping out part. Quite nice when every action is the same

Airgasm-ed
C Cube

Detachment Outing

Ha! postponed our outing since coming back from Brunei till today due to the busy training programe. Finally had my first outing with my Detachment at Kushinbo, Suntec. Find that coming out for gathering is pretty hard as compared to my father or uncle's time, since we are seeing each other everyday in camp why still wanna meet up during weekends. Maybe there are more things that we can do now in our era?


Today is our Battalion Off, so one of us decided to have a Det outing since we had agreed to have 1 since coming back from Brunei. Nothing much. Just a 2 hour of eating (buffet lunch) and talking (although most of it are their batch BMT and Vocation Training stories).

A short introduction to my detachment:

(from left row, nearest to furthest)

1. Alex : Demo 1. our oldest guy this year 24yrs old. Going to ROM soon. Ha!
2. Yong Sheng : Wpn Spec 1. our 2nd oldest guy, 23yrs old. Super garang!
3. Me of course!
   
4. Pan : Wpn 1. he and yong sheng are both from Sniper Course, likes biking too and damn fierce.
5. Hao Guang: Demo 2. quiet guy as recently attached to my detachment after some reshuffling in the Company's manpower
   

(from right row, nearest to furthest)

1. Jevan : Wpn 2 also the MG gunner. Motivated guy, often kanna 'di siao' by the others.
   
2. Wei Jun : Det Sgt. Ha! this guy is my DS, help me settle all the guys equipment and admin stuff. Very capable guy! haha but often called as smoker as he good at smoking people.
3. Aaron : RTO 1. haha this guy often kanna 'di siao' as the most sissy in our Det.
   
4. Wang Hao : Medic 1. Our super corporal, always volunteer to help others . Goes rock climbing often. Always mixed up his name and Hao Guang because of the 'Hao'
5. Jun Tat : Medic 2. Another quiet guy in the Det. Often seeing him playing psp.

Ok that's about all. Left out my Wpn Spec 2, Lester who was having outfield in his MG course while we are eating, a frequent clubber. Lastly is my RTO 2: Ben who is our most combat fit guy. During mission can walk up to me to check my comms while most of us are resting.

Really grateful to have them in my Det. Never made me worried about their morale, seeing them arguing with each other, stirring each other shit. ha!

DC 2
C cube

Longest break ever in army!

Started my long break on the 26th, ya.. the day when my standby duty ends. Straight after that i rushed home and took a $26 worth cab ride down to my coach's place for Christmas celebration with the whole tri team. Seems like all the batches were there that day, making her originally spacious 3-room apartment seems super small and squeeze.

27th, watched 'Warlords' with my Company DCs, Boon Howe and Daniel. Initially planned to watch it in the late morning but somehow Boon Howe is still in his dream land.

28th, we officers had the biggest gathering ever, total 19, present 17. 1 doing DO while another is sort of had drifted off to his own wonder land. Had a lunch at Marina Square, chat very long about our old times during CSLC and OCS.. Stirring each other OCs shit.. haha! quite a rare occasion to had most of us sitting together.

Also went down to my Grandparents house after so long (got months liao i think) Normal family cooked dinner. They are so happy to see me. My grandma after knowing that I'm out of camp had called home often in the afternoon to ask if I'm coming down to eat at her place.

Straight after the dinner, i charlie mike for 2nd round of dinner with Mr Teo and Kaixiang. Called with them from 8plus till close to 11 before i went home to catch the last episode of a Korean show.

29th, met up with SJ and had our dinner at Aston, a western food restaurant at Katong. Highly recommended by my sergeant and fellow DC who both stay at East Coast. Had steak while SJ chose rib. Wah!! really a huge difference in quantity...! not sure about the quality thou. After the meal, think that its still early, window shopped at Parkway to pass time.

31th, New Year Eve, doing my DO duty in camp.. oh~ what a way to start the year ah! (army song) Sneak into my detachment bunk to watch their 'Transformer'. They had done a great job by rearranging their bunk into a mini rag room, with TV, DVD player and speaker set (coming in soon). At 2359, our RSM made effort to come down to countdown with us. Showing of presence and boosting of morale you can say, but i think its really a good effort to touch the hearts of the guards who spend their precious New Year Eve in camp doing duty..

Weather these few days is really windy and cooling, tempting me to sleep thought the morning to afternoon. Slept alot (really alot!!) throughout this long break. My whole body had become lazy and lethargic, don't feel like jogging when i have the free time. 'Tyre' starts to form up by my waist.. argh!!! Anyway its a good break for me.

Polar Bear
C Cube

Busy December.. and following months to come

Even since my Company know our role and task for the upcoming ATEC stage 1, we have been busy preparing for it.

A short summary of how this month is being planned.
1st week : Outfield, Company Mission
2nd week : Outfield, 'Grader' for 'sister' Company
3rd week : Standby Duty which overlaps Christmas
4th week : Low-key, clear leaves

Somehow know that my superior is not really pleased with my performance which i can understand as i think i really didn't put in much effort compared to other commanders.. Well officers have to be super motivated beings are we hold higher rank and better pay, so shall not let me emotion affect me.. Have to seek improvement and self reflect like what others always say..

Spending my X'mas in camp wasn't a bad idea. Finally able to have a really happy 'Happy Hour'. Having food catered that for the first time that stuffed us up, program that i really enjoy seeing us do. Thanks god for bestow my OC with good socializing and MC skill which really cheer us up rather than his usual sarcastic remark which i experience frequently.

Had a TBTL (team building, team learning) session among all the commanders including my OC and CSM. This is how it runs, we are to state the strength and weakness of the person on a piece of mahjong paper while the person will go into a 'isolation' room to wait. Its kind of exciting to know what people think of you especially what our OC thinks of us. This session was done on Sat, after last parade, our free time, OTOT, do whatever you want.. .. and lasted from 1800 till 2300. So.. there goes our free time, luckily the session is interesting and not do for the sake of doing kind of activity.

This standby duty was really tiring for me. Slept late for most of the days as failed to meet the 'deliveries' which my OC wanted. Everyday just waiting for 26th to come. really glad that we have the long break which lasted from 26th to 1st of Jan 2008, although i will be spending my New Year Eve in camp AGAIN!

Talking about burning festive occasion and public holidays, my birthday will be doing standby duty again for 3 days, stretching across 9th, 10th and 11th. Yes.. 3rd and 4th day of CNY.. Felt damn demoralized when i heard this arrangement as i already missed my bday last year in Taiwan.. Bday is something important to me which i didn't fail not to celebrate for my past 20 years till i enlisted. It have been even more important when i knew someone else had the same birth date as me and we had celebrate with each other for the past hmm.. i also forget liao haha!!

But the trade off for this arrangement is to let our 'sisters' Company, to take over our January's and February's standby duty which is the initial plan for the quarter. Which means from 14 days of duty we had shorten till 3days! What a deal!!! -_- yea, on my bday also

Another reason being, if we follow the initial plan, we will have less time to spend with our family member as after the standby duty in Feb, in less than a week to pack our stuff and prepare to embark into our ATEC stage 2 in Thailand which will take up another 1 month.

Baked, Toasted, Stir-fry, Grilled, Fried, BURNED!
C Cube

Month of November

Wah so fast, another month is going to be over.. Look back at some of the things i had done for this month..

For the first two weeks, mainly into my training preparation for Marathon. Oh ya, one battalion component training which is the highlight at the army side.

Comes the 3rd week which is my standby duty, stretching from 13th to 21th. A company mission is waiting after handing over lasted from 21th to 23th.. Thinking that i can enjoy my 'long weekend' from Fri afternoon till Sunday book in, realised that i had to support for the standby duty again for Fri and Sun.. (nice weekend...)

Soon coming week will be the Off-in-Lieu for my standby duty from Tues till Sun.. in between we have our Commando Anniversary Celebration on Thurs. Looking at the packed training programme seems like its quite hard to claim back my 2 OIL for the past few standby duties.

Some events coming up for December.. (Its always good to look 2 weeks or even 1 month beforehand).

Highlights are the standby duty AGAIN!, on 18th to 26th (there goes my Christmas.) Loves ones or friends are officially invited to come and visit us in camp.

Oh ya don't miss out, a company mission again for at the very first week (day after marathon) which will stretch over 1 week. Not sure whats up on the 2nd week, all i know after Christmas i will be having a very long break till next year!!! (yes finally!, hope i don't kanna DO duty)

That's all folks. Think i shall get to my bed and take another nap..

Joining the '7' Club
C Cube

Standby Duty

As all know im serving the nation by doing my standby duty for one whole week. Some sacrifices that had been made: Missed my mom's Kwa Chap, Dinner and breakfast with Mr Teo on Fri evening and Sat morning. Well never mind and this post wasn't really to grumble about anything regarding my standby duty. In fact I'm looking forward for the next duty which falls on the 2nd and 3rd week of Dec. Well don't need to check the calendar, Christmas falls within it.

Well nothing much for me to be upset about. Why? its better than getting it on the Chinese New Year which my sister company will be getting it. Also i don't really celebrate Christmas, person whom i wanna celebrate with, guess wont be really free to meet up with me.

Staying over the weekend doing nothing much in camp doesn't really that bad. Could open up the mess to surf net (which what I'm doing now), watch movie and PTs (i really need them). Kind of enjoy the quiet moments of the camp, don't know why i don't have the same feeling when I'm doing my BDO duties on weekends.

Had quite a few company activities together like the Company Hour where we had our catered food (not fantastic and enough) and outdoor movie screening of 'STEALTH', some fighter plane show... Not to forget a mini biathlon set which consist of 100m swim (breadth of pool) and 600m run for 3 sets, completed in 17min plus..

Well.. everything will be over after this week, with a company mission marking the end of it. Hopefully i can really enjoy my Off In Lieu and Leave without much disturbance..

Im a Soldier!
C Cube

Blog from work | Stalker

Was free today as my company had ended our program earlier. So came online while waiting for my company to settle some admin and for me to sign and check. Still deciding whether tog o home or not. But possibility will be low.

Why?
Well now is 7plus, when i settle my stuff and reached home it will be 8 plus 9, asking what can i do even though I'm at home? well NOTHING other then blogging and playing my PSP (which will be even better to play in camp)

The only thing that will make me wanna go home now is the arrival of my 2 Oakley's sunglasses and 2 Polar watches.. Cant wait to try them out!!

Another reason is, i can sleep earlier and wake up alot later tomorrow! damn~ feeling so sleepy today.. Is this what they call "Monday blue"? Most probably will pay a visit to our gym later this evening.

Noticed that the title mention blog from work and "stalker".. Well i think for the person and those who know who am i trying to talk about.. Yah is no other than our tri team's renowned stalker.. decided not to disclose his name on blog.

Had know about his blog for quite a long time, however failed to visit his blog and really read through. However today with much patience and curiosity about him i had decided to sit down and read through his blog, from the very first to the last. (luckily wasn't that much)

Firstly for those who does not know him.. you all must be wondering who is this stalker and how 'stalk' can he be! Ha! well Pauline, he can tell me about your birthday and my new psp, running route etc.. This show what kind of loyal reader he is! Best thing is he don't just read 1 person's blog. He is able to tell everyone what they had written in their own blog! Thanks god i didn't include minor details into my blog. Imagine, one day a guy can walk over to you and tell you what you like, what you did, what you wear etc..

Quite amazed by his stalking skills, hope this ability is able to get him into the "HEROES" the 2nd season. Also noticed that he is quite a good blogger. can blog about anything and everything around.. And the best thing is, he can give nicknames to all the friends around, so not to disclose their identity.. Well maybe i also should start something like him. e.g. Wilson=pussy, Pauline=brainer/Ru Hua?... haha! Kiat Rui=stalker etc.. (ops did i just mention his name?)

Ok, times up.. Think should give a call back to company line to check on the guys..

Stalker
C Cube

Another busy weekend...

Just 1 week after coming back from Brunei, my schedule is packed back to back on each other.

8-17 Oct:
Attending a external course conducted by our 6 SIR at Clementi camp on security. Concurrently, we have to take out 2 days to go through the chemical defense course. For this course, we were taught n various chemical and biology attack and countermeasures. Best part is the practical, which we have to dress into the suit (looks like an astronomer but damn hot!) and go thought the gas chamber which is filled with tear gas. (what a way to experience tear gas without conducting a riot in s'pore)

18-19 Oct:
We had our 2nd Company base camp planning. This time we are well equipped with the stuffs for our staff aids. Friday is also my DO duty, had to juggle between both tasks on Friday. Also had my SOC test after so many months, failed the timing at 9:35mins whereby passing is 8:59mins.

20 Oct:
Well my DO duty ended on Saturday morning, however i still cant go home. I 'volunteered' for another duty for my sister company which is lacking of manpo wer for their company duty. Thought it will just be another DO duty whereby i can relax and play my PSP at 1 corner of the camp. However, its the first day which the company take over the duty, we had many admin to do and drills to refresh.

21 Oct:
Finally I'm free to go home that morning. BUT good time don't last. We have to book in at 1930 to prepare for the ATP (live range) for the next 2 days. So much of my 'book out' more like a day off for less than 12hrs..

22-23 Oct:
Live range for my company. Got my marksman and $200 on the first try.. lucky.. Had my SOC retest on 23th, done better at 9:07 still fail...! By right I'm suppose to go back to help out with the conducting of the ATP as safety. Was lucky again that i am tasked to do up some admin for my company men as their turn-ops date is this week.

24 Oct:
Main highlight is the company mission which we had planned for on last Thurs and Fri. Whole day just waiting to for it to start which is at 1800.. Reached back camp on 25 0200.

25-26 Oct:
With just few hours of rest, commanders had to wake up to do a AAR (after action review) at 0800 hrs and present it to the CO at 0900 hrs. Think the AAR is good, spotted some of our mistakes and good points for us to maintain. In the end, the presentation of the AAR to CO is cancelled.

With another few hours of rest, we started our 72km route march. This route march is the last stage for all soldiers to go through before they are able to don their red beret. Started at 1630 ended at 26 1630.. Amazing 24hrs of walk!

26 Oct:
With an aching back, soring legs and blistered feet, sit at the grand stand and watched my men parade.. (haha i sit, they stand haha!) Not any simple parade with just march pass. This parade had demonstrations and pyrotechnic support, just like watching movie. The best moment is when they donned their red beret, a fire explosion will sound off when they raise their head, facing their parents at the grand stand.

Might do a individual post for the 72km route march.

28 Oct:
Will be joining the New Balance Real Run tomorrow at Changi Coastal Road. Hope my leg will feel better by then.

72km Route March Finisher
C Cube

Last post from Brunei

ok here i am reporting live in Brunei again. Guess its gonna be my last post here. Some update after my first post in Brunei.

Go through the same survival training again, which requires me to kill a chicken, witness and supervise of the troops killing the quills. Basically the next half of the training are mainly mission orientated, like battle course, detachment mission and lastly the Coy mission.. Was lucky the OC wasn't me as mention in previous post. However got 'feeling' its coming soon after my OC see my happy face when it was announced that the exercise OC is my OC himself!

Saw him lead all of us up and down MT. Biang, really wasn't easy. Imagine managing 70+ people, leading them through the ridge line and trails of Brunei.. and fought the objective at the last part with the men. Wasn't really impressed by this mission profile, guess i will be half dead and needed casevac out if im the exercise OC. However, his presence really made us gain confidence and trust in him.

2 more days and i will be back! So much things i had in mind to do and buy..

1. First thing on touch down will be the alcohol for Kelvin's bday.. (sorry Pauline nothing for you from this trip)
2. Go Wan Yang for a good foot and back massage. Maybe even a facial session together with my mom...
3. Take picture of my newly arrived Kestrel Talon carbon road frame.. and post it in togo & bike blog
4. Get myself a new digi camera. had saved enough from this trip...
5. Sell away my Columbia Hiking boots at beach road..
6. Still thinking of what to get for Pauline.. Maybe will just chip into others Bday present cost.. Don't angry la Paul~
7. Guess i really need a good jog/run. Damn Wilson have been running... Also signed up for the New Balance Real Run.. Hitching the idea of joining the Osim Corporate Tri
8. Planning for a PINK PSP especially useful when my men turned ops and 2NTM is waiting for us on November..

Thats all folks.. See you guys on Wednesday.. Maybe meet Mr Teo for a breakfast.. haha! oh ya! will be having a long break till 8 oct hopefully im not scheduled for a duty..

On Mt Biang x 02
C Cube

Life in Brunei, so far....

Haha! can you imagine seeing my post.. Those who came Brunei before should know that there is no Internet access in their camp especially to troops. The most drastic change after a few months since i last visited here, was Internet access in the canteen (free for all)!

This time round came over to Brunei with a different role. No need to march, rush the packing of field pack and sticking to tight time schedule. Felt more freedom and relax specially in this slow pace country.

just came back from a navigation exercise which lasted for 3D2, before that the renowned "swamp walk".Not a bad experience as i had been thought it, know the terrain, tricks and tips to overcome them. This time round, i also leading my 'men', cant sia suay! So far,was the first to come out from swamp walk and the navigation exercise..


About 1 more week to push through, was appointed the exercise OC for a Coy mission which is the highlight of this trip, even the CO of my battalion is coming down for it. The mission comprises of overcoming MT Biang, before that doing a combat swim..

Cant wait to be back S'pore.. may be having a outing with my men, and next highlight is Pauline's and Kelvin's Bday!!!

Torn my toe nail
C Cube

First off day: A step into the past

Finally can enjoy my Coy 'block leave' after finding out that my Swimming Instructor Course was postponed. Settled some admin for upcoming lesson which is this wed. Surfed net at home till noon when i set off for school (TP & SPF)

Had my lunch at Mensa, Salad Bar, ordered my usual set meal: beef steak + carbonara + mushroom soap + egg ($6) together with my sec sch juniors, some of them my tri team juniors now. Damn was ambushed by Uncle Sam while chatting with them, yet no one press the ambush alarm to alert me!

After the meal, everyone began busy with their own stuffs; study for upcoming papers, back to lab to do their projects. For me, i went to the library to read the 'Runner's World' and ' Bicycling' magazine. Time pass so slow, by the time i read finish it was 3pm.

Went to Eng canteen to have my 2nd meal, sweet and sour chicken rice then proceed to find Caine in his lab. Caine's lab is located opposite to Wilson's, its also used to be Mervyn and Cheng You's lab. By then, i was kinda bored to stay in TP, so went back to SPF, and cycled home

Remember the days in year 3 of poly life, straight after a tutorial or lecture, without fail i would either join Wilson in his lab or hid in the library reading magazines. The irony thing is, my poly friends whom i mixed around most are from engineering whereas I'm from business. Went to Wilson's lab so often that the lab mates will open the door for me whenever they saw me standing outside the lab.

While having my 2nd meal, i also called Wilson asking where will he be, then realised that he is busy in his army lab. Maybe is exam period, find that the whole place has no life at all. Or maybe this time I'm alone. Whats the point of having a off day when people whom i wanna meet are busy with their stuffs, or others in their camp. Ha! maybe just a free day for me to view/deal bicycle parts.

OK, shall end it here. Wanna watch 'Prince of tennis' which was just downloaded.

How i wish I'm still in TP
C Cube

Since National Day...

Well its has been 15 days since National Day.. Noticed that i had missed 2 weekends since that day, which include not going for some cycling training and some gatherings on those days. A short breakdown of what happened to me for the past 15 days..

1. 9 Aug: National Day, booked in at 1800 to prep for a excursion to P.Tekong the next day
2. 10-13 Aug: Excursion to P.Tekong for 5D4N, Free and easy for the first 2D exploring the island while another 2D of guided tour at different stations doing different drills
3. 13 Aug: Return to camp to rest for my Unarmed Combat grading.
4. 14 Aug: UC grading, follow by some briefing and prep on the next upcoming programme, Bn Sports Day
5. 15 & 16 Aug: Coy's Off In-lieu. All commanders stayed back to prep and conduct Bn sports days as part of Bn cohesion activities.
6. 17 Aug: AHM build up 16km run at East Coast, tasked to be a 'sweeper'. Finally get to know how irritating is it to run with unmotivated people. Was stuck in a heavy downpour while turning back. But overall, enjoyed the running route in East Coast
7. 18 Aug: Fortunate to be rostered to do Duty on the Sat. Nothing much to talk about it, just the usual duty routine.
8. 19 Aug: Finally got to book out, met up with Mr Teo for a good breakfast at Changi Village. However good time don't last, i was to book in at 1800 to prep for another excursion to P.Tekong
9. 20-23 Aug: Once touch down on the island, we are giving tasks to do. Also for the next 3 days we are to complete those tasks in both day and night, which mean interrupted and irregular sleeping hours.
10. 23 Aug: Finally return back to camp and marks the end of my hectic army life for the pass 2 weeks.

Some heads up of the upcoming activities that i will be involved in till i go Brunei, which is just 3 more weeks away.

1. 26 Aug: AHM run
2. 27 Aug - 7 Sept: Swimming Instructor Course
3. 13 Sept - 3 Oct: Brunei R&R trip

Activities seems to be endlessly back to back each other.. However will better allowance comes with heavier responsibility and longer working hours, so i was prepared to it when i decided to go for OCS...

To friends whom find me MIA for most of your activities, be assured that i will join you guys once i have the time.

Busy but satisfactory
C Cube