The Miraculous Journey Began ...
I was enlisted in 2007 into BMTC Cougar company (coy). During that point of time, I joined the JC badge, therefore that makes me 2 years older than them. Even my commanders are younger than me. Putting age aside, we managed to find similaries among ourselves and started to bond as a section, and eventually as a platoon.
My BMT was considered a short one as I was put with the enhanced badge with just 8 weeks of training. After 2 months of basic military training, I passed out as a private (PTE).
Upon passing out from BMTC school 1, I was subsequently enrolled into the School of Infantry Specialist (SISPEC) for Basic Section Leader Course (BSLC) in Foxtrot coy, where we were taught how to become a section commander with the charge of 6-7 men. It was fun but 'xiong', but it wasn't that 'xiong' until I realized what is the meaning of the 'true xiong-ness' in the later stage.
After 3 months or so, I passed out from BSLC as a corporal (CPL) with the old implemented system. With new trainee rank implemented, they call it the Specialist cadet or the SCT now.
My next course was a specialised one - Combat Engineer Specialist Course (CESC). This period was also the turning point of my life asymptotically.
After CESC, I got posted to 30SCE to become a section commander. All the skills I have learnt from the previous courses were put into test. Despite so, I realized it wasn't sufficient as all the knowledge and skills I acquired were just 'scatches on the surface.'
A Miracle happened. Perhaps one of the greatest YET. And I joined the Officer core since 1st Dec 2008. This was the period when I understood the meaning of tough training. Although trainings from the Engineer Officer Cadet Course (EOCC) has toned down alot mainly due to the commanders' changing of appointment, we suffered but not as bad as those from the previous badge of EOCC. Thankfully, the sufferings were worthwhile. Not only becoming physically fit, we also became mentally stronger.
After our final overseas exercises, we returned to SAFTMI during our joint term and enjoyed our final 3 weeks as a cadet with lots of marching drills. It was satisfying despite all the sunburns!
After our final overseas exercises, we returned to SAFTMI during our joint term and enjoyed our final 3 weeks as a cadet with lots of marching drills. It was satisfying despite all the sunburns!
Appointment Certificate Presentation Ceremony if i remembered correctly (ACPC) was a glorious moment when all of us put on our No.2 uniforms and received our certificates and swords from the Chief of Army.
13th June 2009 was the defining moment when we donned on No.1 uniforms and marched our way through the SAFTI parade square to mark the end of our cadet training phase. It was the day, that tears of Thankfulness welled up my eyes before we marched out to the parade square.
This was perhaps the second Miracle led from the first. God gave me an opportunity to study at NTU and even provided me with a awesome room in Hall 12! Praise the Lord!!
School started in August '09. Study groups were formed and new friends were made. The camaraderie forged is strong and always memorable. And I am truly Thankful for all the friends I have in NTU - be it those from my course or those from the Christian fellowship.