A Milestone In The Service

Midway of a journey it has been and it definitely hasn't been a walk in the park. It's been filled with plenty of highs and lows, most certainly good and bad days. Yet all I ever strive toward was to give my best in wherever way possible I can contribute to this nation during my national service stint. It got to me deep in as soon as I realize that I've transitioned into the phase of becoming a soldier. It has been truly challenging trying to find some proper quality time alone, very much to write up on this moment. No doubt that it's really heartwarming to see that there are still a whole lot readers here, still catching up from time to time just to revisit pasts postings or to simply just to check up on any recent updates. Since enlistment into the army, writing hasn't been too consistent on my side. This certainly is just one of the many ways to keep you informed on how life has been in for me.

This moment right here is where I've successfully surpassed a crucial milestone in the service. I've officially graduated as a specialist of the Singapore Armed Forces on this day. Through the months, life has changed dramatically to the extent where i am unable to see myself in the exact same state as i was before enlistment. I simply survived nearly a year of rigorous training. Truly mind over body. I remembered back in the day when i first got my enlistment letter, i was in awe because i wouldn't get to serve the nation in blue. With time, i came to a realization that it wasn't really about where i'll be posted to, but really more of how the entire journey would be, serving the nation. I wouldn't lie, was all skeptical about it when it first began, but it sure is common for anyone to feel likewise not knowing about what they're getting themselves into. Especially so not knowing how we can all benefit from it.

The high dedication and optimism to strive for the best was what got me through. Conscription here is almost inevitable, needless to say unless you've heard otherwise. Whether it was to my liking or not, i still had an obligation and responsibility to fulfill just like any other son of the nation.

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"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." - Winston S. Churchill

Here's how it all developed from the day i tossed my jockey cap high up in the air on the day of graduation from basic military training. How's it been for me? A week following the passing out parade, i got my posting as a specialist in the supply formation. It was another nine long months of training broken down into four specific terms. Kicking off with a ten-weeks foundation term where it was mostly theory and examinations apart from just physical training. Let me emphasize how dreading this was, that everyone had to hit a perfect score for each test in order to progress to the next, which tallied to a total of ten tests to sit for.

On-the-job training of close to four months came after all that, where we were given official postings to our respective units. Yes fortunately for me, posting was near home which i most certainly benefited from with minimal travelling needed. Believe me that it gets tiresome when you have to travel for long distances just to get to camp if you live far off. So i should say that i was pretty blessed to be given such a posting nearby. Being a supply specialist may sound like any tom, dick and harry could make do with but believe me not, it wasn't. The combatants usually doubt our utmost capabilities and potential but only do ones who know what it feels like to be in my shoes, will fully understand. Needless to say, many naysayers would sound it off as an easy job, but having to juggle with nearly three main events back to back that required my input and knowledge of the field wasn't forgiving at all.

Managing and preparing logistical support for overseas exercises, to ensuring zero discrepancy during a stock take audit performed by external organizational agencies and to sacrificing my weekends for logistical support during endless rehearsals for the nation's birthday couldn't be more taxing than it seems. Work simply kicked in as soon as i arrived on my first day in the unit. I was fortunate enough to posted in alongside another course-mate with me so it wouldn't be all so lonely. It was here where i met interesting people from all walks of life with the men under my care and the superiors who have been all so open and supportive throughout my time of learning and experiencing.

Under-slung phase for a month long came after but i was held back with the commitment and help needed with all the happenings back in camp, but somewhat it felt more worthwhile as i got the opportunity to discover and learn much more in unit life. It wasn't too long before reporting back to my logistics training school to complete the remaining all intensive and tougher days in the operations phase which was the main highlight of it all which spans another two months. It was supposedly hell for me but i persisted on and although i wasn't named best soldier, nor the fittest of them all, i still kept my cool and survived through it all. It really trains your mind.

It's been more than just a journey, skipping between the ranks within the different phases of the course, to finally graduating as a third sergeant. Looking back I was only as strong as the ones who constantly kept my spirits and morale high and motivated. Loved ones, family members, platoon mates to my very own buddy. I just had to smile it all off even when i wasn't in the best form. All the sweat, tears shed and grueling training was all worth only because of what it has actually transformed me to be today. Being a soldier is more than just learning the skills and traits of becoming one.

A new phase of my army journey awaits back in unit life. Dedicating to the ones who's been there for me throughout, ensuring i was strong enough to overcome any tough day back then and also believing in my capabilities to overcome all odds for what lies ahead in the near future. If it wasn't for them, i wouldn't be here today with all smiles.

I'm not just a supply specialist but also a commander to the men that i look to inspire and lead. Wonders can happen with eleven months of service left. Pretty sure this milestone is one that i'll remember in a really long time. I may not have achieve my aims to be an officer but life has moments like this made for a reason, that i'm sure. Believing makes it all much easier.