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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