Mervyn Hoe: My Daily Happenings

Recently I was recalled back to the Army for mobilization briefing and I have the déjà vu feeling, as if I'm back as my good old recruit days once again. When I donned on the uniform, it just brought so many memories. From my Basic Military Training (BMT), to Officer Cadet School (OCS) and to my army unit.  BMT I can remember vividly that for the first day of BMT, I was unable to finish the cookhouse food. The portion was so huge. After three months of training, the portion is just right or at times, not enough! My appetite for food increased so much during this phase. It was a place whereby I first started to be given responsibility. First huge responsibility of being the Platoon Commander for a week! I wonder why my sergeant chose me out of so many people. I had no choice to take on, and learned to shout marching commands, delegate duties and so much more! It's a great testing and learning ground for young men. I can vividly remember the final day of my BMT, I ...

I had a surprise yesterday when I opened my letter box. It is RESERVIST! It's actually a word which I thought I would not have to do at all. However, I was wrong. After ORD for almost 9 years, I'm finally allocated a unit for myself. And guess what? I retained my position back in the army. I have almost forgotten what I have learnt 9 years ago. And the SURPRISE is.... I AM ALLOCATED TO G_ARDS ! WOW! A close friend of mine told me in December that I should not have applied for the SAFRA card, as it might have sent a green light up, and activated my Reservist status. I'm not really sure it's linked or it's an urban legend. However, it seems quite logical as I haven't applied for SAFRA card at all until last year. Probably it's coincidence. What do you think? Lunch Galore I singlehandedly prepared these dishes in a span of thirty minutes before I left for work this morning. I'm so glad that I managed to do these during when Gwen was sleeping a...