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12/12

Today, I am a 1-year soldier.

12/12/2009 marks a year into my 2-year bond in serving the nation. It has been a hard-fought journey, though some might not believe it to be so. At each stage of the way, I’ve had friends who’ve helped me along, encouraged me, and  maybe most importantly, were there to go through the tough times with me.

From BMT, to SISPEC, then the Air Force, each part of this 2-year story had its own ups and downs, its own share of giddy happiness and bitter sorrow. Some highlights were the POP from BMT, the 28km route march from SISPEC and most importantly, the POC from the Air Force.

In the one year that has passed since stepping off that ferry and onto that island, I’d like to think I’ve grown as a person. I’ve learnt patience, discipline and tolerance. I’ve known what it means to command (though not yet to lead) and manage. I’ve learnt the importance of friends when you’re down and out. I’ve known the significance of having people you can rely on.

I’ve had the fortune of being surrounded by people who have been through hell and highwater together with  me, and know what it means to be a specialist. They know what it means to wear the 3 chevrons on their chest, and all the duties that they entail.

I’ve had the fortune of having operators who have been patient with me, and coped with my sometimes unreasonable demands. They form a unit that I know I can trust to do things when the time comes. There is still much to learn from them.

I’ve had the fortune of having seniors I can look to for advice. In the early stages of BMT when I was blur and lost, there was a listening ear ready for me. In SISPEC when I tried to find the energy to pull through the training, they were my source of inspiration. In the Air Force, their impending ORD was my motivation. And now, in the unit, they taught me to survive, and survive well.

Now, I am the senior in this marathon. They have completed their bond, and are now free. It is my turn now to slog out that remaining year, and patiently wait for ORD. This day has passed without much fanfare nor excitement on my part. It is true that the anticipation makes the actual day anticlimatic, but nonetheless, it still marks an important day for me.

If I may, allow me this – ORD LO!