one more month to POP!
been so busy since last week…
1st. preparing for IPPT
2nd. involved in National Education skit for NS
3rd. writing my PSC essay
4th. applying for local universities
theres still so much more to do….
well…i guess ill juz give a writeup here on army life so far…
It has been nearly two months since I enlisted into Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC). Nevertheless, looking back, fond memories fill my mind since my journey for the past two months has only been pleasant and exciting. Despite the frequent punishments and the physically and mentally torturing trainings, I tremendously enjoyed myself throughout these two months of life in Tekong.
The most recent activity is the Situational Test (SITEST). SITEST is a test for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to select future commanders and it plays on an individual’s physical and mental strength while looking out for his leadership potential and qualities. Thus, SITEST is my first obstacle that I must conquer if I were to achieve my ambition to be a SAF commander. I was placed in an environment that was a total stranger to me, coupled with inhospitable terrain and swampy areas, where comfort is invisible. Furthermore, it is in this unfriendly environment where I can see who I really am and what are my limits. These three days and two nights cannot be compared to the field camp I had previously prior to SITEST due to the air of unfamiliarity as I had to work with people that are strangers to me. This however became my source of strength as I was determined to impress.
The first day was a test of determination and fighting spirit as I endured through an 8km route march towards the SITEST site. What I gained at the end was however much more than expected. I felt a special sense of accomplishment that cannot be expressed through words, as I completed the march and achieved a mental victory. This is because throughout the journey, giving up was an easy option but yet I preserved and refuse to accept the easy way out. This made me realized that my physical limit is as vast as the sky. The second day was the real deal as I was put through numerous tests, together with other people. These tests allowed me to display my leadership qualities and yet I still saw weaknesses in myself. Thus, I was able to further improve myself as a soldier as well as a person. The last day was similar to the second day but it tested my mental strength due to fatigue accumulated since the first day.
Overall, I would say that SITEST gave me a boost of confidence such that I know where I stand in terms of leadership and military skills. SITEST has also allowed myself to gain further insight into my personality and physical limits. Therefore, SITEST can be considered a turning point for me in BMTC as I have never enjoyed myself as much as I had during SITEST. Furthermore, SITEST also gave me a chance to exchange pointers with other recruits, enhancing my learning journey as a soldier.
