FATEP 1 Alpha

Three days of madness. Being DI for both pre and post exercise days certainly isn't funny. Especially when they're so many things to do - strength accounting, keeping track of the "fluid" movement of people, physical training, stores to load, food and transportation to be indented and arrive on time, "observing" our seniors in action during the evaluation, getting the men down to clean their stores and guns after the exercise... All with very little rest in between. And no one, I'm telling you, no one wants to do anything but sleep after going outfield for about two days. Yes, even commanders are guilty of that. It takes a lot of effort to get things going. Still, many thanks to the specs who did turn up to help out with their respective detachments during gun maintenance.

Still, some people either don't seem to have any compassion, or don't seem to get the picture. They expect things to get done at the snap of their fingers. They expect efficiency of the highest level. Someone in particular doesn't seem to like my style of doing things. Okay, firstly I admit I'm not the most fantastic of all instructors. I have many failings i.e. not being able to plan well and manage time proportionately, not being able to exercise command and control, and forgetting to do certain things required. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to be actively involved, I mean, hey it's not your duty, it's mine. But constant, demeaning criticism and sarcasm won't help either. At least offer constructive feedback, I'm always open to any advice I could use you know.

It's not like you know what it's like to be on duty at such a terrible time. You've only been the duty/assistant instructor like what, twice? And it's been on days when there's not much to do, during the lull periods. So I really hope you take into consideration the other factors before making all your scathing remarks. Been wanting to have a word but then there was the exercise that interrupted my train of thoughts. We'll see how things go.

Speaking of which, FATEP 1 Alpha felt just like any other battery exercise, just that there were some high-ranking evaluators walking around, making sure safety wasn't breached, timings were met, and the proper procedures were applied. And the guys were more shagged out of course. Overall, Bravo got the "Most Driven Battery" award for our never-say-die-and-push-on attitude. Well apparently. Haha. I wasn't directly involved, but I must say the guys worked their asses off. Come the next evaluation, the new specs would be the ones taking charge. Oh no. It's only some two and a half months away.

Anyway, thank God He sustained me for the past three days. Thank God that I'd still manage to pull through such a trying time in spite of the "opposition". Thank God for weekends where we can always unwind, listen to His Word being preached through the likes of Pastor LKY, Pastor Tim Tan and through the group sharing and discussions with the 17-year olds and Marianne Lee. Thank God for the opportunity for the both of us to take such a socially diverse and challenging group of youths. Thank God the "nervousness" is slowly but surely fading away. Thank God for people like Roy and the many others who constantly pray for all of us, including myself. Thank God for the good food @ Dunman Food Centre! Haha... Well, since yesterday's message was a continuation on the topic of prayer, I just thought I should always remember to give thanks always, regardless of the circumstances. It's difficult of course, but there's always something to thank God for. =)

Tomorrow's Claudia's birthday. Since I'd most probably be spending the next four days in Khatib (without access to the computer) training for Battleking with Yao Qi man and his fellow cadets, I might as well wish her first. So a most blessed 17th birthday girl! =)