I was at Pulau Tekong today. It's not the first time I was back here after I ORD-ed, but still, memories flowed back.
I felt as if I saw myself 5.5 years ago. Just that there's even a less need to be apprehensive, if I was the enlistee today. The Standard Obstacle Course has been changed almost totally, (it almost seems like I could have passed it now); the field pack seems to be lighter and easier to carry now; the facilities seems to be better too; and technology has kept up with the issuance of laptops and iPads.
Even the Tekong Parade Square is no longer the site of the Passing Out Parades. These symbolic parades are now held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, after a more scenic 24km route march on the mainland. That's really a good move, because as strenuous as how the 24km can get, the Recruits can SEE what they're really protecting.
And guess what! There's now even the letter-delivery service. Parents are given a pre-paid postage envelope, in which they can write a letter to the Recruit, who will be given this letter during one of the most emo nights during field camp. Oh my, that will really be the most heartwarming thing to happen to a Recruit!
This was taken inside the LT. Look at the tables lor! 想当年, the tables were individual foldable ones kept at the side of every seat. Now, these more stable ones can really stabilise the laptops/iPads huh. By the way, the bunks are all double-decked now too. And gone are also the wooden shoes cabinets!
"If you who are growing up do not understand that you have got to defend this country, then I say in the end we will lose." This is really worth pondering, for all the sons and daughters of Singapore. And please, also the sons and daughters of the New Citizens.
Oath taking and National Anthem
Anyway, during the ceremony, I heard something about forming "lasting friendships", and it struck a chord. I am too glad that it is true. I still keep in contact with my BMT buddies, contrary to most people, I believe. In fact, we just had a good meal last weekend. It's an effort we make, which might have been easier because we're all Cancerian 同类. Classic example of 物以类聚.
人生是黑白的.
1:32 AM <3
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This was taken inside the LT. Look at the tables lor! 想当年, the tables were individual foldable ones kept at the side of every seat. Now, these more stable ones can really stabilise the laptops/iPads huh. By the way, the bunks are all double-decked now too. And gone are also the wooden shoes cabinets! 
"If you who are growing up do not understand that you have got to defend this country, then I say in the end we will lose." This is really worth pondering, for all the sons and daughters of Singapore. And please, also the sons and daughters of the New Citizens.
Oath taking and National Anthem