Frustration

It was a week of frustration in camp. And I wonder if I could have done anything better as the OC. Plenty of "rush-to-wait" and "wait-to-rush" moments for the men and contradicting instructions from the boss, trainers and underground works of GCT.

I mean, we can't expect much from regulars. They tend to think that all men are silly and that the KPI is to return to camp at 5.30pm everyday whether we do well (which could make us return earlier) or badly (because dinner is planned to be consumed in camp). I just want to say that we are not stupid and the men are not idiots and you just can't give us silly reasons and expect us to sell it to them and expect a good turnout. I had to put my neck on the chopping board to prevent a "mini-mutiny". What I want to say is that as NSmen, these boys cannot e forced, they must be willing and have the conviction to fight. While we are building the camaraderie, telling the boys to fight for the commanders who were with them on the enlistment day, to Brunei, to catch Mas Selamat together, to Taiwan, to CETA, to NZ; the guy had to bring damage to destroy all that through an address which lacked basic common sense.

Bravo is definitely the leanest company with just 2 officers running the show compared to 4 for our sister companies. I can't hope for much from the other 3 officers who were not with us this in-camp.

And then I got a good shock from S3 that commanders like me don't get to MR with the rest of the company and will be recycled to join another unit after that. Oh great, I will simply retire myself when the time comes. I can't imagine having to endure all these by myself without my trusty Bravo.

Lastly, the shock of all shocks, we were to pay for lost equipment that we did not even touch. I will warn my guys not to take over anything unless each tiny little piece of molecule is accounted for.

Had sore throat since wednesday and I realised that only fellow OCs will pity you because sick or not, OCs are expected to work at the same pace. I brought my illness along and charged up, shouting commands as men swarmed the knoll ... and what do I get for all these? a meagre $22 for half-day work on a saturday.

By the way, visited the clinic immediately after I got home...

Anyway, flying off to Israel tomorrow night for work. Time to clear emails.