I can't believe that i am already 1/3 through my basic military training in tekong and weeks just literally passed by one after another without you barely noticing it. In retrospect, it may perhaps be true that 'resort tekong' really exist, with sumptuous meals provided in cook houses that range from basic mixed vegatables rice to prawn mee and even western cuisine. Outsourced to NTUC Foodfare which perpetually coerced recruits to indicate 'great' in their weekly food survey, standards of food served are comparable to food courts in mainland or even better. Furthermore in BMTC, training schedules are like full day cramped with PE lessons when we have a large collage of physical trainings such as strength, speed, ability group run, basic close combat trainings, conducted by professional physical trainers. These are perhaps some of the similar memories that all recruits will get to experience in tekong.
Sorry if i give you the impression that all of us are enjoying our lives. The truth is that I am seriously still struggling to acclimatize to the military culture that mirrors to communist rule, in my opinion. Branded as 'recruits', we are the lowest rank in the army, and basically we are just like slaves who are lowest down in the hierarchy of power that can only 'suck thumb' and accept any commands that your superiors give. Though they do 'open up channels to voice your concerns', the stark truth remains that you are lowest in the chain of command.
Furthermore, as someone who is physically weak and feeble, I am struggling to meet the demands of PTs and hence explains the frequent body aches, even up to this point of time when recruits should begin to experience significant improvement in strength and fitness. Now i really understands how it feels for an ITE student, who never fails to fail his exams in school. It really sucks big time when you are attempting hard to pass the basic tests in BMT School such as ippt and soc, while others in your 'leadership batch' are having hell lots of fun 'frolicking in the Standard Obstacles Course Playground' and treating the pull-up bar like their best companion. And for me? I can't even take a little peak over the low wall and is struggling to even get myself lifted up the pull-up bar, and achieved the rank of 'zero-fighter'.
I have no idea what's happening to my body and how i pray i can really get buffed up at the end of 9 weeks to at least pass my ippt. I have did couple of pull-ups before BMT, and now facing a big fat 0 in my ippt results is no doubt demoralising. I told myself: If only i had joined a sports cca/uniform group, and be much more physically stronger, will i be enjoying the resort tekong now. School has never been more stressed for me, and how i treasure the times in real school where democracy and freedom of speech reigns.
Talked to lots of people about my woes and worries and I learnt that army is after all just about bearing all the shit, and at the end of the day, look back and feel proud about yourself. I am elated that I still have great understanding buddies in my section. Most importantly, I have to regain my confidence that i can withstand all the shit coming in my way for the next few weeks- which include the much-dreaded fieldcamp after A'levels result release.
No time and energy to even brood over next friday. I just have to accept everything that comes my way. hopefully it will be a morale booster for field camp :D