REFLECTION PAPER ON TRI-Service Term

The 3 words to describe TRI-Service Term are “END”, “PROGRESS”, and “START”. To me, TST is the starting phase of my cadet life in OCS. It is a period for me to see, feel and explore the life in OCS, and ultimately, adapting to it. “END” represents the ceasing of the infant period. It also represents the end of sub-standards which the instructors do not want to see in us, we have to produce the “goods” that they demand. “PROGRESS” represents the progress that we have made so far from TST. The values and standards that had drilled into our minds will prove to be the guidelines for me not only during the stay in OCS but also for many years to come. Of course, with these values in mind, we will prove ourselves worthy to be presented with the second Bar. Last but not least, “START” represents the start of a new phase in OCS, particularly Alpha Wing. I always believe every end comes with a new beginning. That is why we are always presented with fresh challenges and strivings ahead.

Personally, goals are pretty achieved in TST, tangibly and intangibly. Tangibly being the results for tests like IPPT, TSR test, military law test, etc. However, more important is for the intangible part, what I mean are the things to be achieved mentally and spiritually. Performing to the best, doing things with pride, feeling good about myself and the tasks achieved. Honestly, I cannot say that I had performed to the very ideal 100 percent. Because I believe a person will not be able to sustain the 100 percent effort 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. I believe that there is always a time to do certain things, which includes “switching off” for a moment. The more important fact is that one has to know when to do certain things and how much to put in different times. TST had not been much of a problem to me physically and mentally because of the much exposure that I had in previous years. Well, of course, at some times when you know that you need to double up and down knolls for the day, there will be a voice within cursing and swearing. Up to this phase, things are pretty much in hands knowledge and skills wise, except for the time factor. If only I had made surplus preparations logistically way before hand, I would have more time to touch up on other stuffs.

Evaluating myself, I would say my mental strength and the commitment had brought me far. On the other hand, I tend to have a sense of insecurity of myself. At times, I am not really sure of my competency level, not in the sense of whether I am able to do a particular task, but judging how well or bad I had actually done. Sometimes, these thoughts bother me a lot and I keep pondering about them. Well, I will need people from 360 degrees to give me feedbacks on top of my own evaluations. Hopefully, I will be able to retrieve some of these data from peers, instructors and even Wing Commander Sir. If not, some discussions will be good too for me to look upon.

Till day, I have not really held any appointment to run the platoon or wing. Here and there, picking up jobs of armskote, kitchenette and drying yard IC. Anyway, what I think is one do not have to be given the job then you pick it up. Instead, learning about the job before picking it up will prepare one for it when the day comes. Many a times, I see that the appointment holders are not working as a team, every individual has his own job to do but they are not coordinating with each other to perform the tasks. Many have their own way of doing things and worst, they do it their own way. The titles for the wing appointments are not just to recognize the epaulets they are donning, but to illustrate their job scope and responsibilities. Well, I do know there is a description of their job scope and responsibilities for each of the appointments but do they understand them?
I think the ideas should be merged and be executed by one, at a time to prevent conflicts. Needless to say, with the aid of his team just like a soccer team with defenders, midfielders, strikers and a captain.

During the Leadership Field Camp, the worst mistake for me is to allow fatigue take partial of me. When fatigue sets in, learning effectiveness sags, guard will be let down, judgment and decisions will not be as accurate. Take for example during the orienteering exercise, because of a wrong judgment and decision, my team was lead to “Holland”. Luckily, it was not a grave mistake, this mistake will make me remember not to let my guard down and follow up on decisions even made by my teammates, clarify. As the main concern for me in the LFC is fatigue, fighting spirit is emphasized. “Fight! Continue on! Perk up!”, are the words running frequently in my mind. Well with the ultimate fighting spirit, I know one will be able to continue on even with lined up “Charlie Mikes”. Professionalism not really demonstrated in my context now, but as observed in the instructors. The way they presented, worked and even to admitting mistakes are good examples of the “P” word. Especially in admitting to mistakes done is a valuable lesson learnt which did not bit tarnishes the officers’ pride but further upholding it.

No more RSAF pilot..

OH ya.. Forget to update this piece of news.. I failed the medical for the pilot selection.... The last test before I can go holidays in Australia... Arg.. never mind.. It's over.

Next page, I still have another contract!! yeah! hmm.. maybe next time go try SIA?? And become collegues with many many ladies instead of MAN.... Hmm.. Didn't have time to find out what actually is the problem.. shall call them tomorrow..

Still a happy man ;)

Above, Beyound, As One..

oH...It's been some time.. I'VE JUST BEEN RELEASED FROM A 3 WEEKS CONFINEMENT!!

Well.. The title comes from the Alpha Wing motto.. Yes, I'm actually in the Alpha Wing 57/04 cohort. It's suppose to be the most "happening" wing in OCS. 3 weeks confinement has passed.. I won't say i breezed through it, neither was it that torturing.. At least now my time slots are all filled up , rather then in the BMTC bunk, having the luxury to have naps and wasting my time away. The instructors has been drilling into our heads the core values, talking about leadership, and most importantly.. "Showing" us what is DISCIPLINE and REGIMENTATION. Hmm.. if you get me.. power.. Oh, a side note, my Platoon commander is an indian, look ultra garang, a RANGER and chest full of badges.. by the name of LTA Sakthivelu.

The people here are generally more faster (can fall in 10 mins before time to keep still in the parade square), competitive, smarter, and of all.. More talkative!! unlike in BMT, even lead a song also want to fight .. hmm... hahah and even doing a simple task like going to toilet also got many many comments.. OCS indeed is a place for leaders. But, like i always think, a leader will know when to take the lead and when to take a step back. Not that I'm always a shadow in OCS, it's still the same old me. :)

Yup, it's going to be a challenge for me and of course, competitive in nature...... :)

OCT Clinton Lam

Didn't Step out again..

OK... did all the admin work needed. The bloody Aviva sent back the forms.. Luckily didn't myself injure in my BMT, if not "lugi".. Yup, filled forms forms and more forms.. Got paper work done for the report on Monday.. Must thank Mich!! Help me buy ink pad and even make house delivery.. Some more treat my mum to food.. yeah~ but i didn't get any bite!! ;)

Here I come~

Waken up by 2 freak phone calls today at 0853 hrs.. Some Freak went to use my IC no. and report to th CMPB.. As a results, the manpower side called me.. The other an unknown person. Could not even pick it up in time.. After the phone call it's still 1 hour away from my posting from coming out.. Well, just have to wait..
Ok.. It's confirm that I'm reporting to OCS on Monday, 0700 hrs.. Yup, though MINDEF had sent me a letter to confirm my contract, the posting is also exciting for me, to find out my mates' postings!! Many made it to their desired postings!! Happy for those who had made it, with their pure hardwork paid off. Some may have not gotten their desired posting, like Weiyong (the musician), hahahha well, have to make time for your studio stay. That's life.. Still work hard in the situation we are in ya?? Good luck Bravo.. Well done Bravo.. Well done Bravo.. ;)

Every end comes with a new beginning~

Hmm.. Ended the very 1st phase of my life in SAF, the BMT.. No doubt a good experience. From the very first day, I remember the group of individuals coming from all over Singapore, wearing different outfit, speaking different languages. Till the day, 24th September 2004, our Passing-out-Parade.. Everyone marching in the same foot steps, singing the same song, executing the same movements..
Anyway, being in uniformed group for 7 years should have seen these things happen many times. The expereince gained is actually from the chance of having to live with people from every corner, with very different cultures, habits and most importantly people with different attitudes towards life.. No doubt, Ive learnt alot from these people, either by mere observing them, or communicating with them. Well, having said much here may make no sense to most, what I can say is with the right attitude and motivation, one will be alright.. at least in BMTC.. haha.. Enjoy the experience!!
Well, this 4 months has been an the most eventful 4 mths, learnt alot, met many people, had lots of fun, I've more or less sercured a place in the mighty organization, passed out as Company Best of BMTC (Bravo), etc etc.. But I know every end comes with a new beginning and I'm prepared for. :)