my ambivalent attitude

Thursday, March 09, 2006

A hectic week it was, yet strangely bearable and fulfilling.

For one, I stayed in camp for a whole 5 days, commencing with a Sunday guard duty. With music and a book to accompany me, I was not the least bored for the duration of the duty. Coupled with a DO and BOS we could identify with, the duty was no doubt manageable. To top it off, I was showered with easy banters with the detail personnel and a wondrous twist by Nicholas Sparks which made my day.

Monday and Tuesday didn't really encompass things that one would look forward to, with the 11 Tonners CP Setup training and an Ex going on concomitantly. The platoon was stretched to its limits because there was severe shortage of manpower, yet the number of things we had to accomplish seemed countless. By Tuesday, the energy of most of the people were fizzled out and murmurs of frustrations could be heard under our breath, though we eventually pulled it off and on a more personal note, I felt the experience was rather fruitful and it actually strengthen the bonds between the platoon mates. Sometimes, things just happen so magically and first impressions can always be erroneous; I have learnt to take things with a lighter mood.

Perhaps CSM's concern and infectious jovial mood on Wednesday played a part too. Her care for the men was demonstrated by how she went to great extents to solve some pressing issues raging in the platoon (though she refuted quite vigorously to my point brought up today) and her natural leadership qualities enabled her to motivate her men quite effortlessly. These are attributes I would say scarely found in many Specialists and WO. I seem to be praising her to the skies but indeed, she is one with strong character. Her attitude towards us had a comforting effect on my long busy stay in camp this week.

P.S: Sorry if my entries seemed to be revolving around NS stuff, it looks like NS has taken up a huge part of my life now, especially in March, where Exercises appeared to be looming in the days ahead.

scribbled at 9:13 PM