There comes a point in a guy's life where he has to undergo an initiation into manhood, which is more commonly known as NATIONAL SERVICE (NS). And so the story goes on…
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In the beginning……BMT |
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As a "blur like sotong" recruit, entrusting my life to the instructors, with terms like stand-by bed, reveille and all kinds of acronyms such as IFC, IPPT, SOC spitted out with regularity, BUT definitely enjoyable. Platoon photo: Note: Click on any photo for a full size image. |
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To be a soldier in……ARMOUR |
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After BMT, I was posted to 41 SAR to be an AI (armour infantryman - NOT artificial intelligence!!!). It wasn't easy. Lack of sleep and fatigue were always part and parcel of outfield exercises. But it made one tougher mentally and physically. Team spirit was fostered very quickly in this harsh environment, 'cos one could never rough it out alone. And the annual overseas exercises (Ex Wallaroo) in Rockhampton, Australia were a good experience for everyone, especially the "educational tours", otherwise known as R&R, which were conducted at the end of the exercises.
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My platoon after completion of the AI trade course. |
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R&R '97: One of the 'grandfathers' of our M113 : the Bren gun carrier. |
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Crew of 22B, of which I was a member for over a year, in Wallaroo '97. |
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R&R '98: Part of 22B in more casual attire. |
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My platoon in ORD mood! (Wallaroo '98) |
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3 critters I 'shot' in the Botanical Gardens cum Zoo in Rockhampton. |
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Then it's off to AISL at……SOA |
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Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, my superiors thought I had the stuff for a commander and thus I and several of my friends were sent to SOA (School of Armour) to attend the AISL (Armour Infantry Section Leader) course. Here's a photo of my bunkmates: |
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With the end of the AISL course, it was only a matter of weeks b4 I got back my beloved pink IC.
ORD LOH!
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