Alert Red

25 November 2006

The Utility Journey
After I returned from my Class 2B Riding Course, I met my new boss Raymond and we had an enjoyable chat. I also managed to score my best SOC timing (9.24min) with Raymond pacing and encouraging me.

Gilbert and I officially assumed our role as 'Utility Officer' and started our 'office tour' to learn to be 'Jack of All Trade'. We began our secondment to S2 branch, under the mentorship of S2. Initially, we thought the trainings would be conducted indoor, but S2 brought the 2 of us out to Lorong Asrama for a few 1-to-1 half day training. One of the Scout PC and DyS2 would tag along for the trainings. His objective is to train us on what are our job scope during outfield, what the things to look out for during mission and to foster synergy with the DyS2s and Scout PCs. S2 also hopes that we could frequent the S2 Branch office, so that we could bond better with the guys. During training, S2 would also dabao fried rice from officer mess as lunch for us. To be honest, S2 is really very nice to us and treat us like his own guys.

However, life can be tough for DyS2 during exercises. I was paired with Alvin for a few exercises. We needs to walk for very long distance, which is quite tiring. The most memorable experience would be trekking through the Central Water Catchment from Old Upper Thomson Road to Zhenghua Park. I didn't expect our Nature Reserve would be as dark as Brunei jungle, which I am unable to see my fingers. Alvin had to hold my hands to avoid leaving me behind. I feel that I am the weakest link in S2 Branch then.

Subsequently, Gilbert and I were rotated to various branches for our Utility journey. However, I did not have any experience for some of the posting, because I was only virtually there for a few weeks and I did not go outfield with the team.

From Utility to DyS4
Eventually, I settled on the posting as DyS4, because the position was vacant after my predecessor ORD. I assumed my position immediately without further training, so there is only on-the-job learning and self-enlightenment.

DyS4 is in-charge of logistic. Therefore, we are the first to go out of camp for outfield (could be 12h in advance for major exercises) and last to return to camp. We need to leave early to draw keys to open the gates, recce the training ground and lead the main battalion convey to the "battleground". DyS4 will also lead his team to re-supplying the soldiers with basic supplies (e.g. water, hot meals, uniform), which we never fail to boost morale and bring smiles to their face. After the exercise ended, we would do a brief check to ensure nobody was left behind before locking the gates and return the keys. Usually we would only reach the camp 4h after "Paradise" (exercise cut). The best benefit of DyS4 is, I am always in my rover, so I do not need to walk or carry heavy load. The cons are longer outfield duration and I am almost always on the move, so there is very little time to eat (the irony of being the one resup-ing meals) or nap. Furthermore, the S4 Branch is a team of unsung heroes who seldom get praise by the commanders. However, if things goes wrong, we will have to shoulder loads of blames.

I get to frequent the MT Line (under S4 Branch), because I need to go for my bike orientation and familiarisation ride. I get to ride to many ulu places like Lim Chu Kang (via Kranji Dam, Neo Tiew Road), Tanjong Gul Camp, Paya Lebar Air Base, Changi Coast Road, SAF Ferry Terminal etc for site recces. I also get to help the MT guys by riding the bikes to top up petrol at the nearest petrol station, which is good to clock mileage to qualify for our ATEC assessment next year.

Alert Red
Our unit's "Alert Red" duty starts immediately after we returned from our NDP off-in-lieu. "Alert Red" means our battalion is on stand-by and we will be mobilized if an emergency happens in Singapore. For Key Personnel of Alert Red Force, we would need to report back to camp within 2h when activated.

It is a period of very restricted freedom from 22.8.06 till 21.11.06. Each of us are issued with a pager (it has been a while since I saw a working pager, which I used to own one before switching to 3310 in secondary 4). I need to constantly report my whereabouts to my commander (especially troublesome for 'Utility', who have more than 1 bosses). I am constantly worried for a turn-out or a recall whenever I book out. I became paranoid whenever my handphone rings. But as time goes by, the anxiety starts to reduce.

During Alert Red, there is a lot more procedures for the Duty Officer (DO) to note when manning the ops room. I can feel the responsibilities whenever I am communicating with GSOC throughout the whole period of Alert Red. I completed 6 duties throughout Alert Red and managed to skip Army Half Marathon. Ironically, I feel more at ease when I am in the ops room, because I have 1st hand information on activation. When "off duty", I can listen to music, watch TV or surf net in the ops room. I know it is weird for me to say that I feel more relaxing to sleep in the ops room than at my bunk or at home...

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Alert Red   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Conquering Mandai Hill

03 June 2006

Infantry
I was posted to the worst posting available for my batch – First Singapore Infantry Regiment (1SIR) at Mandai Hill Camp! I was praying hard for Guards, because I prefer Guards vocation and Bedok Camp is so much nearer to Home; via direct bus #10. But to be honest, I am glad that I am posted to an infantry batallian and not a signal unit. At least I feel that infantry is a lot more useful and meaningful. Sometimes I really wonder about how army posting was conducted behind-the-scene.

Mandai Hill
The location of Mandai Hill Camp is extremely ulu! The camp is located in the middle of nowhere. The only hint of civilization is the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and Mandai Road, which forms the eastern and northern perimeter of the camp.

From Mandai Hill Camp, I need to walk 5min to the bus stop after BKE to catch bus #171 for a 30min ride to Yishun, where I would transfer to bus #969 for a 30min ride to Tampines. The entire journey is about 1.5h (including waiting time).

Although the camp was completed in 2003, it was quite poorly maintained. The furniture were old and there were leaking stains on the ceilings. The water pressure of the shower would become very weak if every cubicles are occupied. Food quality of the cookhouse is quite bad and all the canteen stalls are vacant. Perhaps the best consolation of Mandai Hill Camp is, it does not feel haunted.

From GFAC to Utility
Initially, I am paired up with Gilbert and we were assigned to be Ground Forward Air Controller (GFAC). [Sometimes, I wonder whether this is a consolation for not being posted to Air Force? LOL!] We were supposed to attend additional training (Terminal Attack Course?). However, things fell through the crack and we did not go for the course. There were many speculations, like GFAC won't be activated during outfield for our unit and there is enough manpower at S3 branch. There were lots of rumours, but nothing official from the bosses.

Instead, Gilbert and I were re-designated as 'Utility Officer'. This is the first time we heard of this position. Eugene, my boss (not my Art teacher), hinted that there is excess manpower and explained that this is an experimental concept. As 'Utility', we are supposed to be 'Jack of All Trade', so that we could substitute anyone if they fall during mission. This mean that we will go on an 'office tour' to learn everything from different branches and positions. I don't know whether this is something that I should be happy about. I am glad that Eugene thinks so highly on me and I hope I do not disappoint him. But at the same time, the learning curve and need to acquire so much knowledge seems challenging. Somehow, I think this concept is similar to 'Minister without Portfolio'.

To kickstart this learning process, Gilbert went for his Class 2B Riding Course first, before I attended mine in June 2006. After which, we will begin our secondment to S2 branch, under the direct guidance of S2.

First and Foremost
Life in 1SIR is surprisingly regimental. Life here is much more strict than BMT and training schools. Furthermore, none of my close buddies are posted here with me. The only consolation is, I bumped into my secondary school friend cum BMT company-mate Cheng Yi, who is posted to S3 branch here.

To make things worse, the guys here are not united. It is full office politics, undercurrents and hidden agendas. There is no sense of platoon cohesiveness. Everyone wants to stand out to be the best. There is lots of unhealthy competition and sabotages. As such, I need to be on alert 24/7. This makes me miss life in Whiskey 4 and my buddies Chris, Ryan, Zhong Sheng, Weimin, Darryl, KC, Tiong Peng, Bronson etc. badly...

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Conquering Mandai Hill   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.