Bedok Run

Stayed in camp yesterday night. This explains the lack of entry as I stayed up late in the coldness of the office ploughing through the keyboard while eyes glued to the monitor. Just a few meters away, in his own office, Boss was mimicking me. Time check was 2030 hrs on a Thursday night. Decided to take a break and stepped foot onto the corridor and into a cool night. There was no one left in camp. No cars in the parking slots. Less a lone silver car neatly parked in its designated spot. Boss’. The hallmark of Head Training of ITI. Late and lonely nights and I alongside him. Took a puff and enjoyed the breeze. On Monday is Commander Conference and I feel obliged to assist my Boss in preparing the Training updates portion of the conference. The last two was a disaster for him and I feel the anguish too. I can play a role to remedy this and so here I was in camp on a Thursday night. Finally finished the presentation and we logged off at 2140 hours. Boss took his leave and me to bunk. There is IPPT tomorrow for 1WO Roy Murthi and I am the coordinating body for this event.

Awake by 0630 hours and went about alone to set up the IPPT equipments. This is no simple feat alone and the Standing Broad Jump Mat should be carried by a crane. I practically rolled it to its spot. Prepared the drinks and the other stations too and by 0715 hrs all are in position. Well by the end of the IPPT, 1WO Roy did outstandingly well for his age and me I maintained my fitness. Gold.

Work began with breakfast and another training visit to the Pentagon. Finally got the chance to chat with the actual LTA Mark Sim. Was chatting to his bike and a sleeping officer the night before. Only God knows how much time I was having a one-sided conversation. At the Pentagon, it was just one launch each. Nothing more. Nothing left. Soon after, went into transition for a Detailed Program Discussion. Seen a major screw up where it made Boss rather pissed. Must never repeat this hiccup. Better remedy the error. And kick some asses. It looks bad on the Branch and I will kill if this repeats. Following that I hurtled through time with Pre ICT Brief. Another moment where I represent Boss and make decisions for him. Dy Comd keeps consulting me in training matters. Makes me want to keep abreast in knowing all this stuff at my fingertips.

Work in camp ended with the handing of the Workplan, the File and the Diskette to 1WO Roy to be handed over to Boss in TRADOC. He is having an ATEC Briefing there. He will surely miss the Run. The Institute is having a run in Bedok Reservoir and to my dismay it is truly a faraway place. All the way there to run can be a bit unrealistic. But it is sure to be fun.

Rode there on LTA Mark Sim’s Phantom. Feel very guilty on this issue. Firstly, because of my work, by the time I reached his bike, it was already a guarantee that we will be late for the run. Secondly, there was no space for my huge bag. He too have a huge bag. So I decided to transport my bag to a kind CPT Neo’s car. LTA Mark recommended instead that I take the car. Feeling that it would be improper to jump ship when I made him wait for so long, I insisted to ride the bike minus my bag. The journey there was very uncomfortable but I will never sound off this. Do not want to anger an already pissed LTA Mark Sim. So I remained quiet the whole journey, with cramp legs and hands. Realized that I am troubling LTA Mark and making him rush. It is dangerous to rush on a bike. Its all my fault. Should just follow the earlier arrangement of having Boss fetch me. From now on, taking the Phantom is the last resort for any time and event. Best for him. Best for me.

At Bedok Reservoir Park, alongside numerous JC students and under the blazing sun, had a good 4.4 km run. And I felt the tiredness of having a late night and an early IPPT. But then, can means can and cannot means cannot. The event closes with dinner at Bedok Interchange with the General Staff. Then followed by a tremendously long journey home on Bus 66. Bedok to Bukit Batok. Long way.

Wonder where LTA Mark Sim went? Hey Sir I am sorry for rushing you.

Better train harder.

Run more.

PS. Its my Boss birthday today and his son too. Happy Birthday Sir.

Borrowed Oranges

Wednesday morning kicked off very well. Though I missed the routine, the first bus, it was not disheartening as in was in the cause of a packet of Menthol Lights. This singular pack of 20 benefits not one person, but two. Especially the other. So it makes the moment kind of a Master Card morning - priceless. On the way to camp, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sights my eyes had seen in a long time. A great sunrise. The sun majestically shone through the morning sky and its rays remind me of the Imperial Japanese Flag. It has been truly a long time since I witnessed a sunrise, in the comfort of a bus. No rush and just feeling the majesty.

Work began and completed today with the raising of indents for ammunition for BCTC and the incoming ICTs. And its late. Pray for it to be alright. Managed to get my Boss’ signatures and off I go to the fax to send it over to the ABSAF or Ammuntion Base of the SAF. Alas there was a shortage of fax cover pages and without Shahril, I went over to Log/ Admin Branch to do the photocopying. Laid my inquisitive fingers on their new photocopier. It was fully digitized implanted with the capabilities of 10 pin password. A much better security control to any breaches or to anyone who even attempt to breach it. For friends of the Branch, I am sure things are negotiable. Those who achieved Favored Person Status, its automatic. Privileged knowledge. I am counting the days when my branch finally have a new and exquisite photocopier.

Spent most of the time on Level 2, chatting to my superiors and colleagues. Hearing their laments, opinions, attempts at twanging, complaints and gossips keeps me abreast to matters which engulfed the Level 2. Nowadays my training visits include that level and its intensity is increasing. I won’t feel guilty in spending more time outside my office as this is in the name of being in tune with those on the ground.

Made a visit to the Pentagon today. Reviewing battle plans, force dispositions and terrain evaluations. Sitting by the staircase, deep in discussion for force maneuvers, armed with cigarettes. Sitting with the future the incoming Deputy Head Training always gives new insights and revelations. Will I ever marry a non-virgin is one of the topics covered. I replied with a firm yes. Reason being simply my love for her which culminates to the marriage start at the point when I fall in love with her to the point I am right now. Whatever happens before this, I have no right to interfere. Only when it happens during these points, I have jurisdiction. I am trying to say that if I my wife to be is not a virgin and it happens in the past, I will live and let live. It is her life and her right to do whatever she wanted to do. However now as she is in a relationship together, we are committed to one another with all the ideals of love. Another principle I have is never to impose my principles and belief system upon others. I will share those and if others agree and follow, good. I will not discredit those who share other principles nor judge them with my principles. In short, the opposite is the eternal cause for war.

Effectively after the Pentagon visit, it was time to wrap up what could become one of the shortest days in ITI. Sought permission to have a half day, first time ever to even ask for off, but refused. Reason being that HQ was officially on half day. My first attempt at getting a first ever off is muddled. Rode out of camp in style behind LTA Mark Sim.

Destination was Glendale Park. The humble lodge of Commander ITI. Just behind MINDEF. Coincidence it seems. Those of power usually crowds near nodes of power. Same everywhere.

We arrived kind of early. However made one of the most tragic error on a Chinese new Year function. We forgot oranges. Of all things, those. LTA Mark Sim attempted to contact an ally to support us in this shortcoming but my good sense prevailed and requested help from the very sentry at the gate. 4 oranges were immediately presented to us. What a relief. By the way, I have to mention that when he asked where we were going, we answered our destination was a function. He asked “Colonel?”. We nodded. That rank even carries weight in this condominium. Impressive. Most impressive.

Awkwardly we were one of the very firsts to arrive. After the usual greetings and handing over of those special oranges, we sat with Mr Heng and chatted. It was rather uncomfortable but it must be mentioned that LTA Mark Sim earned several notches in his approval ratings then. In full view by Commander ITI, he was even regarded as an Ops Trainer! After all the line was mentioned by an LTC. But more importantly, Commander ITI knows LTA Mark’s name easily. As his campaign manager, I was extremely happy in the successful showcasing. The path to Savers is all about showcasing. LTA Mark hates this as much as he regarded this function as something if he could avoid, he will without doubt. This view is unanimously shared by LTA Tan Xin Min, one of the three of us. However LTA Tan tend to be more pessimistic in some views. But he is a great chap and a good Officer. Great to talk to.

The rest of the function was food, drinks, gambling, special ladies at the pool, chit chatting and even gambling. Hearing gossips and opinions. I can conclude that gambling becomes central in this function, like any other Chinese functions.

A concluding point concerns terrain study and preliminary planning. After several hiccups, the MI Company actually succeeded in putting forth an objective which is ’fightable’. Not too huge and without any forces sitting on it. What’s more special is that this objective has seen attempts of assault by even the MI Company. Special isn’t it. CO have given the green light to recce further and the planning group is doing a terrain study on it. Finally, the men are eager to fight. And we will fight hard. MI company must not fail us.

This conclude the day with a ride back home on a Phantom. Maybe I should invite LTA Mark up to my house one day for something. Going to read the State of Union soon.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. We returned the oranges we borrowed form the sentry.

Tomorrow will be another day.

Soccer…..

The State of The Union

Around this period Washington DC and the rest of the world are abuzz in preparation for the State of the Union Address. This highly publicized and obviously highly political event constitute the address made by the President of the United States to a joint session of Congress, which composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. To those who are new to the politics and the US system of Government, this is when the President addresses to all the branches of the US Government outlining his achievements and proposing his goals. Thus I am serious when not only America but the world will pay close attention to what is said. To those who do not bother, life is as usual. However the spirit of outlining one’s goals and ways to achieve it remain a cornerstone of the human spirit.

For me, I too intend to give my State of the Union, though without the glitter and thunderous applause usually accompanying each line the President utter. Thankfully, my speech will spare me from the all of the politics.

This February I have the intentions to fulfill some foundation building in my job. The key objective which to put in very simple terms, is to make my job far easier and to make life easier for others. So this foundation can be found in several goals which I will achieve.

The first goal is my Ammunition Management System or AMS. The Paper has been approved by my Boss and now is part of the Standard Operating Procedure of the Institute. However words on paper must be transformed into execution. I must begin to implement what I propose. Also along this line, I want to do a exhaustive review of how we cater ammunition for training. Backed by historical analysis of past records, I want to realign how much ammunition we indent for ICTs. At least I attempt to save some taxpayers’ money. This AMS without doubt will be a huge task and add in the ammunition review, this is a recipe for a great challenge. Just what I relish.

The second goal is to reconstruct how we fabricate training program. Honestly, I strongly feel that the personnel who designed training programs are not in touch with those who actually executed it. Those who executed it are not that helpful in giving feedback on how things are really on the ground. I am proposing to empower the trainers on the ground to have much greater say in how the training programs are culminated. By capitalizing on Subject Matter Experts, I will facilitate trainers in formulating Blocks of training programs where their sub-units are concerned. With many Bricks, my job is to select which Bricks fit the Commander’s intent and put together the desired Training Program. Its just like putting together LEGO Bricks to get a model. This customization of training programs not fulfils the many types of desires but also allows me to be in a very close loop with people on the ground. The result is an effective training program and creating capacity for close communications. Sounds good? Hell yes. However this is more work for me. But the result will be a lighter and easier workload. Good deal.

The third goal is almost done. Work plan. It is refreshing and proud for me to see my completed handiwork being hailed as good by my superiors. This new structure allows me to see more opportunities for the Institute to do more activities or have more block leave. It was impossible with the old model. Honestly after working on the old model for 6 months, the new one seems like salvation. Another victory for innovation against conservatism. Now I need to see other opportunities to make my new work plan play a more central role.

The fourth goal is to straighten the mess where IPPT and ATP are concerned. The management of regulars for these two activities are sound, so much so they are well reminded on their duties and opportunities. However the sound system was not applicable to our NSFs. I say this is truly unfair when many of the NSFs failed to fulfill their requirements as they was not a sound system to remind them like the regulars. All the more when there are monetary awards involved. I do not want to short changed them and I am resolute to bring about a better management system for our NSFs. They do as much as the regulars and in some facets, more. Much more.

As I continue to contribute in Training Branch, there comes a realization that I personally need a system to ensure the minimization of errors. This comes at the recent norms where my bosses affixed their signatures to my documents in an instant. I usually recommend to them to read so that any mistakes could be verified but they just give the trusting look and smiled. This can be a problem. My bosses are becoming very trusting. I must not make mistakes though its human. The only way is to impose a bureaucratic system on myself to reduce the margin of error.

Another interesting development is that I feel that I have earned the ear of my Boss. He actually listens to my recommendations and proposals, however gregarious it is. Beyond that, he also consults me on matters beyond my position and allows me to make decisions on his behalf. So much so, nowadays I am sitting in for him during meetings. Not as a stand in but of a person of full speaking and decision making rights. I feel he regards me more than what I am. Potential building I think. Well, I feel very honored by this and it does motivates me. Besides I find his innovative demeanor alongside a very caliber thought process very akin to mine. I am very glad he is my Boss. Will work hard to ensure he goes home early to spend time with his family.

The lines above summarizes the goals which I will achieve. Hard work it will be. Challenges no doubt. Comparing to the actual State of the Union, my goals are microscopic in magnitude. However I do have my own State of the Union and I will see it to fruitition.

Thank you and God bless.

PS… Presidents always end this way.

Under the Stars

First on the agenda is to wish all my Chinese friends a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai Wan Shi Ru Yi…hope I got it right. Better find out what it actually means. This Chinese New Year effectively is a very long break and I intend to make the most of it. One intent is to restart my stumbled start in getting a driver’s license. Will be re-indent my Evaluation. Now at the age of 24, I am still approaching Basic theory. Well it’s a start isn’t it.

Every entry I make have a CG or center of gravity. This time however the CG will be rather unique and I have never really put much focus in this part of my life. The spark ignited when LTA Mark Sim mentioned that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Apart from bearing significance for the date I get my pink IC, though that’s still a year to go, Valentine’s Day carries no other special meaning. It is basically one non-special, non-significant and non-momentous day. So I wonder when will Valentine’s Day will ever be special for me. For those who might think that the CG is Valentine’s Day, well you missed the point. It actually concerns the key which will make this day special. Having a girlfriend. This is not about an all out mission or crusade to find a girlfriend but more of what I look out for in that special someone.

I am not that kind who is poetic, hopelessly romantic or having special talent to whisper sweet nothings into ears. Also I do not have the discipline to visit far flung places like NTU every night and trade my bed for the floor just to spend the night with her. But I would really love to be able to do those. It feels somewhat complete to have do something irrational just to be part of being in love. I can comment on people’s stupidity on doing things in the name of love but as I step back, I realize that I will no doubt do the same. Even sleeping on Lim Chu Kang Hill every night will seem perfect if its for her.

So what exactly do I look for? Just someone who is intelligent and enigmatic. Witty and can enthrall me with debates on any issues. A steel sense of determination and ambition. Sharp mind and sweet voice. Great hair. Yes great hair. A great smile which will melt my hardest moments. Beautiful eyes that I cannot take mine off. In summary, she is just someone who can lend a listening ear after a long day or difficult patch. One who cares for whatever I do. One who pushes me to do my best in her eyes. One who I just can buy a simple rose. Someone who gives me great advice and who raps me when I err. She is whom I will share my greatest dreams, my deepest secrets, under the stars or beneath the clouds. I know these sound weird, but just what I am looking for in the special her.

It will feel good if finally one day Valentine’s Day is one I can look forward to. It does get lonely sometimes and work, however hard you indulge in, does not fulfill.

Perhaps its time….

A Year On

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the commissioning for the Officers of the 5504 Officer Cadet Course. I congratulate these Officers to whom I have my greatest respect and regards. I hope they continue to serve the nation.

As for me, tomorrow marks a year of rebuilding and learning my mistakes. I come to the realization that whatever has happened is meant to be and must taken in stride. I am proud to say that for the things I have lost, I have gained much more. These things I must thank God for making it happen. Great friends, second chance in doing what I have come to love and above all still wearing this uniform. The past year have been one learning journey. I mentioned before that life is a journey, not a destination and this has been true to the word. I am able to hold my head high, look at the past and learn and make the best of the present and future. Continuing to do what I do best, I am living my life fully. I have concluded that the past no longer shackled me, the future has given me freedom. I am finally free to forge my future.

Yesterday, I made communication with my Buddy. Have not done that for almost a year. Just wished to say hello and congratulate him for a year of officer ship. The result was kind of expected. A pretty harsh reply. I have never been bitter on the loss of friendships as its all my fault but maybe this has brought on new meaning. I now conclude that he is just a Buddy in OCS, when we do all kind of things together. Suffer, sweat and cry together is the norm. But this is all. I respect him as he is an Officer, commissioned by the President. Nothing more. I do not respect the person. When I see him, I will just salute the rank, never the person. To me he doesn’t deserve that respect. Maybe people might think that I am finally becoming bitter but I assure all that this is not the case. But after all we have been through, if now is the state we are in, it simply eradicates the past. It made whatever we have been through meaningless. If he doesn’t regard it as meaningful, why should I. So LTA Lee Zhichao, I will do my part to help in the thing I still owe you, nothing beyond that. Take care Sir.

Work has been one abject which indulge in. I love what I am doing. Its truly satisfying. Do faced some hiccups but all merely challenges which I relish. What’s life without challenges? But the underlying feeling is that I am doing too much for my own comfort. I am becoming more entrenched in the Dream. Quite dangerous if the Dream do not materialize. Well I have summarized that the Dream, its just a dream. Just do what I love doing and when it ends, it ends. So I am deciding to stop dreaming.

Met up with 2LT Justin Leow. Very glad to have a few rounds of drinks. Remembered the day when he was still a Cadet of the 5905, still young and enthusiastic of everything he do, but panicking at all the changes and rapid expectations. A typical cadet. However, over time he exuded a certain level of maturity which earns my regard. Now he is an Intelligence Officer. Sir I am very proud that you call me to meet up. Happy that you regard me as a great friend and as someone who brought about great meaning in your days in OCS. However please stop regarding me as an Officer. I am not. I am a specialist. I am proud to have your friendship and it will stay that way. Just remember what I told you.

LTA Mark Sim finally got his bike. I am sure he is high in jubilation. Saw him putting all the efforts in this single endeavor. I have high regards for him and I see a lot of myself in him. So much so, I wish to gear him to what will I do if I became an Officer. I wanted him to walk my path. I realized that this is wrong and being unfair to him. Let him walk his own path. He is the Officer and I am not. He can make his own decisions and decide what is best for him. He is the one who wears the rank, not me. So I shall stop seeing too much of myself in him. It’s the best for him. I hope he do not misunderstand this. Honestly, I merely want to stop dreaming. And I apologize for this.

Next week will be another long week. And I love it.

Its all looking good.

Wet Sunday

Today is one wet day. It pours, not rain, but pours more of elephants and rhinos rather than cats and dogs. That essentially confines me indoors to weather the storm, the wetness and the cold. Unfortunately that is for those who are weak. I indulged in running. Similar to yesterday, I clocked mileage with a distance of 10 kilometers. Running in the downpour. The feeling of rain dropping on your sweaty body is great. And no on will scold me for doing things which I love. Running has always been enjoyable. Clearing the mind and tar congested lungs.

Back home with a mug of hot coffee, I attempted to change the skin of my blog. Guessed that without proper training and knowledge, I will bring about destruction to whatever is good. Very true. Nearly ruined my blog but good sense prevailed when I retained the back up copy. Learnt never to alter anything technological without prior knowledge. You might inevitably bring about a nuclear war. Better to just continue making entries and wait for some genius to assist and you know who I refer to.

Come next week, work will ascend in tempo. Maybe I should take a day of leave. Been working through the lull period, a well deserved rest should be coming. Perhaps but knowing myself fully well, I will never get there. Intend to plan another outing for the General Staff. This time I get G5 to plan.

Well then this wraps up the New Year mood and begin the drudgery of work in full force.

A New Hope

A New Dawn

A new home. Since I entered ITI on 18th of May 2005, my heart have grown fonder of the new place. Of the new surroundings. I will never forget what Wing Commander instructed me to when I step foot into ITI. “ To die a quiet death as you exit the Army” was the instructions. To others the words may seem heartless and cold, but truly it was from a man who cares a lot and wants to ensure a happy exit for me. Quiet and without hassle. He was the one who sent me to ITI in the first place, to place me in one location without attention and glare. Perfect death it would seem. However it wasn’t the place I would just die.

Not in me to just follow through life living quietly. In Foxtrot, my character is truly enshrined in the Wing’s motto, ’ to make the difference’. Though I am an OOC, never commissioned, I am a true blue Foxtrotian. I still carry the responsibility of the Foxtrot pride and spirit. Wherever I go I will still make the difference in everything I do. I will not die quietly. Never in a million years. And I intend to live my life in ITI to the fullest. With the maximum effort.

I became the Ammunition Specialist. Maybe its nothing great but I still want to do my best. I felt that I succeed in improving the system where ammunition is concerned and my next step is developing ammunition requirements for training. Apart from my primary responsibility, I too have a hand in other facets of the Institute and to date its growing. I also wish to bring about changes, maybe minor, just to improve the Institute so that it can bring about a positive NS experience to those around me. All of this is no doubt tiring and takes a lot of my time. It is truly satisfying. There are those who constantly remind me that I am an NSF now. There is no point investing so much time in working. I can debate on this issues for days but let me put this clear on how I feel. I do not care whether I am a regular or NSF, as long I can make the difference I will still give my heart and soul to the organization. Just to make the difference. But upon further insight, it is not the work I do which makes ITI truly a home. It’s the friendships.

The friendships I am given the chance to build has been one of the greatest satisfaction for me. The work, the recognition or the successes pale in comparison in the bonds with friends. With this crowd of friends, my life in ITI has been one worth living for. The wrongs I did before which see the destruction of many friendships, I swore never to repeat. Friendship is all about honesty and trust. Plain and simple. It’s the friendship which makes ITI a great home to be in.

"And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by from this day until the ending of the world but we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother. Be he ne'er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition, and gentlemen in England now abed shall think themselves acursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whilst any speaks, that fought with us upon St. Crispin's day!"

Wee Shi Wei, Billy, Veera, Twang, Loke, Sheikh have always been there for me. My brothers in arms. We band of brothers. And I will never fail to help them in any way possible. Always joking, smoking, lunch, staying in, running together, stressing together, smoking again and listening to complaints. These bunch of 3SGs are great lot to be with. Well they became my General Staff…. All the Gs….. This simply indicates the close bonds we have and share. Guys, it is great to have you as friends.

2LT Azhar and 2LT Yihao are from the past. From OCS. I have always been thankful that I was given the chance to rebuild damaged friendships with them again. Azhar has always been a great company to be with. Yihao, though from Delta, thinks like a Foxtrotian and our friendship is great to have. Thanks Sirs.

Weiqiang, Hanting, Shengyuan, Alvin Tan, Darwin, Syah, Haris, Kenny, Nicholas, Samuel, Rahmat, Sufiyan, Rashid, Wang Xiang, Darryl, Daune, Jayson. Ghim and Michael, former Scouts also great goons. These guys are great to be with. Staffing Training Branch and Log/ Admin Branch, these are the heroes which bring color to HQ. Too much colors sometimes. Life becomes more interesting seeing these people in all their antics.

Alvin Foo and Me

Special mention goes to the Specialists. Alvin Foo and Ken have finally gone through the rigorous CCC. Alvin was one of the first few I worked with and had one of the most enjoyable relationship with. One of our feats was to win the “Who wants to be a millionaire” easily. This was when we had nothing better to do. Ken lived in the SIL. Rarely see him outside his technologically superior abode. But he is a great friend. Go build some SILs outside Brother. Guys remember your time in ITI and enjoy your times. Tarmizi has always my brother in action. Running here and there, working, escaping arrows, there are too many antics which both of us orchestrated. Really having a good time working with him. He is currently serving part time National Service. Only comes to camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The rest is hockey. Good life right. Kenneth, the IT Specialist, was my upper study for ammunition. Now having a rather relaxed life with keyboards and I-net. A lion dancer, though he really doesn’t fit the mould. Jason Aw, knew hem all the way back in 6 SIR, never changed much. Except he has grown very round since the last I saw him. Very round. I was shocked. Always joking. Always slacking. Ridzam and Amir are the new heroes to ITI. Guys, you will enjoy the time in ITI. Work hard. Sazali, the CQ for HQ, a silent warrior. Enduring the numerous missiles targeting him, he grows thinner by the day, but still affords a smile. Great chap.

My bosses have been one great lot. Too many to put down here but I really enjoy working with them. However I have to give special mention to MAJ Sunny, the person who brought me to Training Branch. Sir thank you for the second chance in life. To COL Anson, our trips outfield have given me great insights and experiences. I will always be there to accompany you in the field. Truly, great bosses ensures great workers. And I have great bosses.

LTA Mark Sim and Me

Now I come to the center of gravity for this entry. This paragraph I will dedicate to him. This is one person which deserves special mention. The first time I saw him was when he pushed open the door to training branch and went straight to the Ops Room. I looked on wondering who on Earth was he, never seen him before. Suddenly I heard the whirring sound of the photocopying machine. What a shock. The only people who knew the password are those from the Branch. Here was one person who knew it. Security breach! Over a few days he caught my eyes again. Wearing Long 4 with unbuttoned sleeves and a totally screwed up way in tying his boots, he is truly one of the most sloppy person I have ever seen. Must be one of those ultra slackers. Then one day he came to the Branch again. This time to solve his OA intruder lock out. For the first time I saw that he was well decorated. Three badges on his chest. His huge chest. Then I asked which Wing he was from. Hotel. I asked whether he knew LTA Glenn. His buddy. What a small world and I was taken aback. From this point onwards our friendship grew. The start is indeed unique. More importantly all earlier impressions I had of him dissipated. In short he turned out to be a great officer. He is LTA Mark Sim. ATGM Trainer for Team 2. Perhaps the details of what we do together should be spared but what I would like to express is how I regard him. He is one of those whom I see as someone who makes a great leader. And he I will follow anywhere. Though crude and sometimes need to be kicked in the ass, when comes to work, this officer impresses. Sir, I regard you as my PC. I have never mentioned this to you or anyone but when I tell someone I will take the bullet for him, he has my highest respect. Only two person I have said that to. You are one. I see a lot of potential in you and I hope you will work hard to build that potential. One more thing is that its been a long time since I regard anyone is a buddy. Buddies do anything for each other is my understanding. Well I will do anything for you. So Sir, thanks for doing so much to help me fight my objectives. And honestly in you I wish to make a difference. Actually I regard your objective far more important than mine.

My life in ITI turned out differently from expected. Instead of preparing my grave I am still living life to the fullest. Still making the difference. Come 14th of Feb 2007, I will leave the organization which I have served to the best of my abilities for 5 great years. And when I look back, I hope to see that I have successfully continue to forge a path and made the greatest difference to all those around me. As I close one chapter in my life, another opens. With all the learning lessons at heart, forged in tears and blood, I move on in life moving towards a brighter tomorrow. Lets look forward to a better year ahead. It’s a new home and a new hope.