Remember the first drill practice that I attended, it almost got me sun-dried! Taking direct orders from the platoon sergeant, I would have to be at-ease on the marching ground for an hour. That was the longest hour I have ever stood for the past 15 years, knowing that I was not physically fit enough to withstand the torture. My shirt was soaked in sweat as if I have just returned from a swim. I was called to go for 15 minutes break after an hour and there wasn’t any sign of pain reflected from my muscles. I thought I got over with the pain but that wasn't the end of the story yet. Past 15 minutes and I got back to my original position. Stood there for another hour and I was then dismissed. I can’t remember how it came, my muscles were arching and I could hardly move around. Even a cough would kill me as the muscles on my abs were inflammably painful due to the extreme movement of the diaphragm of the lungs. That lasted for a couple of days until it is finally cured on its own.
Armed Drill Practice - M16 Assault Rifle.
Dated: 01/2005
Guard of Honour Inspection done by line officers.
Dated: 05/2006
After about a month on the intensive training, I have actually decided to write a letter to tell my platoon sergeant that I was going to quit. But on that day itself, somebody unintentionally infuriated him and that ‘somebody’ was never seen again in the platoon. Yes, he was permanently dismissed by the platoon sergeant. With all the shouting and reprimanding demonstrated in front of me, it has some how held me back from passing my resignation letter to the platoon sergeant. The fear of getting barked by the platoon sergeant slowed down my adrenaline rush. I had no choice but to accept my fate and to remain in the platoon until the end of my service term.
Frankly speaking, I was disappointed for not ending that once and for all. And leading the point that how I am going to survive to the completion of my service term in 2 and a half years. It does require good survival skills. In the situation as such, it helps me to grow. I couldn’t imagine that I had a strong will to turn the pessimistic mindset on ‘how to run away from problems’ to ‘making the problems lessons to learn’. From the weakest cadet, I was transformed to a competent player in the platoon. Less than 14 months, I was nominated to attend a promotion interview and later on, was promoted to the rank of corporal followed by the levelling of my NCO position as a section leader. Another 5 months later, I presided the Supreme Council and that levelled up my position as a new platoon sergeant and as Commander-in-Chief of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) Council.
North East District Foot Drill Meet.
Dated: 07/2005
Drill Formation.
Dated: 07/2005
Portray of my platoon. Taken during state level foot drill meet.
Dated: 06/08/2000
Supreme Council 1999/2000.
Dated: 07/2000
To me, it’s still unreal because I would never think that I would make it to the top but rather survive through this. I really appreciate those who have helped and assisted me during my service term. Even though there often times that we may have disagreement with each other but all really comes for our platoon interest. Troubles have drawn our friendship together and I will never forget the wonderful times we spent under the sun! Kudos to all the cadets who have made it!!! Continue to bring glory to 3rd Platoon. For all you have accomplisehed, I salute you.
Signed off,
Sgt. Cdt. Wayne T.W.Ng
Commander-in-Chief 99/00
3rd Platoon, Ace Company
