Last of the Army Series

**Camera phones and any other forms of photography are strictly prohibited in the army. Hence, pls do not assume this pic is taken within the camp premise**

My ICT has finally ended. I guess I was being too optimistic prior to this ICT that it turned out to be a nightmare for me - probably the worst period i have ever gone thru in my life since i ORD in yr 2000. I used to be one of the very few guys who felt great abt my army days but after this in-camp my impression has changed a great deal.

The weather was extremely hot with 40-50 soldiers squeezing together in a poorly ventilated BTOC tentage. There was totally insufficient or NO sleep at all for the almost entire week of 24-hr exercise. There were nites that i pia from Pasir Leba Camp back to home at bedok at 3am, slept for abt 2++hrs and then pia all the way back to camp at 6am. I reckoned that sleeping 2 hrs on my own bed is much more recharging than sleep 4hrs on the hard grounds. I am no longer the soldier i used to be (who can sleep anywhere). Moreover, I didnt want my HBP and migraine to come back due to insufficient sleep.

The thing which pissed me off most was that i felt we are called back this time for "NOTHING". I did not get to provide much service to the active guys, and i did not learn anything useful from this ICT. Its a fxxking waste of my precious time, which i could have spent much more meaningfully at work.

But on the positive notes, i get to know many funny and interesting fellow NSmen (like the one in the pic). When you put a group of men together without anything serious to do, all the nonsense and rubbish will start to sprout out, haha. Suddenly, i became very fluent in my flowery language once again, as those fanciful words start to flow out smoothly from my mouth. I really enjoy the companionship and friendship made with these guys.

During this ex, i also get to visit my Sispec company line - a dreadful yet memorable place which i used to train/sleep/eat/sweat at 9 yrs ago. The building has since been refurbished nicely, but the old memories remain vivid in my memory. The trainings may be tough, but definitely professional.

Army remains a love-hate relationship for me.