A Nation's Son

Military life has taken up time that can never be reverted back. Basic military training hasn't been all in favor on the blog. Here is one of those opportunity, instantly seizing it to express all the moments having transitioned into a soldier. Finding the best fit time to write up was close to impossible during basic training as most of the time spent was really very much to recover from all those strenuous activities I've had to partake in. For the benefit of many who has been keeping close tabs on my national service stint, let me set the tone right with the chronological timeline of events that has passed. The journey began back on October 4th, undergoing a ten-week long basic military training offshore on the famous island of Tekong, where all soldiers are equipped with the basic fundamentals of soldiering. Having gone through all that, it was then where i graduated by the scenic city's amazing skyline at the float in Marina Bay on December 10th. Now here we are, with the best time to recollect back on all the experiences through this one-week of block leave granted to every graduating soldier.

Could only recall how dreading it has been back then for me, getting all skeptical about what the future holds. So much has happened within just a span of three months. The question now is really what's next in store. Fret not, that will all be answered soon enough. Life in the military has been more of a cultural shock with the ever fast pace of intense training daily and the strict regimentation that comes with it. A turnaround of environment, having to meet people from all walks of life, just simply having to adapt with it all has posed to be quite a challenge. The whole adrenaline of things were just getting onto me.

Those counting down days has long passed and gotten over with. Looking back, time certainly passed faster than it actually seemed, but its ironic how it always feels so slow in the moment of time. National Service did not come by choice, a law that every Singaporean son has to uphold and abide, sacrificing two years of his life safeguarding the nation in every way possible. To start of, previously mentioning before that i wasn't at all physically and mentally ready for this next phase, but i suppose it has to start from somewhere. So what better way than to make the best out of it because there was simply nothing going in favor to begin with.

The first seventeen days being confined, as depressing it sounds, was one of the toughest for as long as i can remember. Life felt really limited. Having very little access coverage across the open sea on the happenings of the nation. Seen constantly just counting days or a specific milestone to look forward to. It was just one of those small little things that would keep me determined and motivated to get by. For instance accomplishing the midway mark of basic training after going through 5-weeks, believe me it felt really good knowing that graduation was drawing nearer and nearer, or a movie weekend to look forward to.

What simply kept everything going was the thought that it wasn't just me going through it all alone, but also for the other platoon mates who were experiencing what i was feeling likewise. Without doubt, often finding myself counting down to every book out day.

Enlistment day hit me hard emotionally. Being the only son in the family, there was simply a lot going on, it wasn't just another phase but it had a direct impact on them. Them, having to learn to accept the fact that i am now under good hands of the nation. Had my last meals with the family after the address made by the commanding officer, following the swearing in and oath taking which every newly enlisted soldier has to partake. Soon enough, it was simply final wishes and a bid of farewell. Every single parent out there was simply beyond emotional, similarly for their sons enlisting. It was a depressing sight to watch but i got over me it after witnessing a few enlistment intakes that came after mine. Waving goodbye under the scorching hot sun as soon as the batch marched off to their respective company lines.

That was simply it. The new life began, every single sergeant portrayed a serious look at each and everyone of us, instilling a sense of fear in within. I had all that ready, it don't really matter to me because i actually had a great read on a forum about surviving through basic training and that tweaked my perspective on certain things. Like how it was all part of the act, that if you think hard enough, on why would a sane person get all frustrated about a small little mistake you make. As much as it was all part of an act, training was always taken seriously to ensure that everyone was equipped with the right knowledge and proficiency on becoming a soldier.

The first day in Tekong ended real quick as it was more fixated on administrative stuffs. That came with all the interviews held by the respective platoon sergeants and commanders, to assess and address any heart burning personal doubts and issues. Never really had any burning problems raised, but all i recalled expressing was me coming in with an open mind, trying to stay motivated as much as i could. To simply give my best in whatever that is required of me, with the hopes of becoming an officer one day if given that opportunity. That was how it was like, starting off unprepared physically but came in at a high, positive thoughts that everything will be just fine.

It was at this moment where I realize i was no longer a civilian.

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"The army teaches boys to think like men" - Elvis Presley

Getting the chance to know each and every comrade very much felt like the first step out of my comfort zone from being that little shy person i was before. Being in the military was not all about becoming and behaving like a soldier. I'll beg to differ if anyone says being a soldier is all about serving and protecting the nation. It teaches you life skills, true meaning of discipline, a purpose in life, a reason to defend the nation and understanding the hierarchy of things. It prepares you for the future in so many ways. More than just being called a soldier. There was a whole lot of realization being a nation's son. Providing a wider and clearer perspective of things on how all the smaller things in life matters most. Everything felt different in the military when in truth nothing much has changed other than yourself.

It can get really depressing missing a whole lot of things back at home and certainly emotional especially after lights off. It somewhat felt just right in the moment, adequate enough to taste all the small little regrets, reflecting on life's things that never really used to matter much before, the kind of things we often take for granted of. Army personally lets me discover extreme ends or one self's limits. The kind of things i can never imagine myself doing, that was required of me.

One such instance was during field camp where it got all muddy and dirty without really showering for six days. It was not just about the mud, but having to dig shell scrapes for the first time and having very little rest. Apart from all that, was being tested to my limits when given that opportunity to be in-charge, having to lead a group of sixty-men where accounting of strength was crucial from point to point in the jungle, and keeping their morale up was simply another challenge altogether. Never intended to sound off that i was down with a high fever throughout, but simply to keep pressing on. Everyone had their morale diminishing exponentially through every passing day out in the field. It simply served as a reminder of how hectic and shagged it can truly get. Simply lost a lot of weight, and i suppose it wasn't fully contributed by the intense training but really due to the lost of appetite I've had since enlistment.

Letter presentation was the main highlight of it all, delivered all the way from home to every soldier after having undergone three days outfield. Remembering clearly from what's left off that day, it was pouring heavily with all the shagged faces around, another emotional sight it was turning out to be. At that moment, many were on the verge of giving up but receiving letters from families was just one of the ways to boost the morale back up. Receiving mine, it was a two-page long typed written letter from the family. Not realizing how fortunate i have been to have a family who cares for my well-being without fail, working tirelessly on their busy schedules and yet still be able to raise me up well till this day. Those who didn't receive any letters from families due to personal reasons and situations was heartbreaking to see but it was nice to see the commanders writing their part on behalf of them. I opened up two letters that day, in which another came from my platoon commander who very much has been an inspiration since enlistment, that gave me additional strength to press on despite tougher days ahead.

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"The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country" - George S. Patton

I may not have been the best soldier around, neither was i the fittest among everyone else. Struggled a whole lot during physical training. Let's be honest, it took me a couple of attempts to accomplish some obstacles during my time as a recruit. Most times, there was always the thought lingering wanting to give it all up. What was the most defying moment throughout basic training for me? Coming to a realization of what i am protecting and the purpose of serving.

The very last day marching off on a twenty-four kilometers route march, from the late evening till the wee hours of the morning to graduation day. Walking with rifles in full battle order on mainland Singapore as a symbol of freedom and pride, not wanting history to repeat itself where prisoners of war were once forced to walk.

Coming across to full view of the amazing scenic skyline of the nation in the early hours of the morning, was more of a realization of what this was all about. Tossing my jockey cap high up above as they officially announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present to you, our trained soldiers!" The first milestone checked in the service.

A big thank you to the ones who've kept my chin up high till the very last day. Comrades, family and friends who kept supporting and motivating me to give my best throughout. I've learn to appreciate and cherish every single one who's stood by me all this time. After all, this is what its like to be a nation's son.

Posting did not land me into the role of an officer, which i have always dream of becoming. That's how it goes, life has better plans. So what's next after basic military training?