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.