Hi CrimsonSoul, with the situation I am in, I reckon I am in a
good enough position to advise you on this. First and foremost, I
think that it is only right that you declare whatever problems you
have, however insignificant you may feel, to the MO at CMPB, which
you had. I had eczema, though it was well under control before I
enlisted. Hence I did not see the need to declare it to the MO
during my full body check up. Well, I was like you and many other
pre-enlistees, having that mindset that being pes unfit would be
uncool, and seen as weak. Expectedly, I was given pes B. I got
silver for my IPPT and so was undergoing the Enhanced Leadership
(For JC/ Silver and Gold IPPT) BMT, with 2 less months to
serve.
BMT was, on hindset, an experience I am highly unlikely to go
through again, given the context of City life in Singapore; not
that I enjoy it, but I am glad I experienced it. However when I was
going through BMT, it was hell for me. The shouting and swearing
over the most trival of things, the "wait to rush, rush to wait"
culture, synonymous to the SAF, the sleep deprivation, and the
"mind fucking" at times. I started contemplating down pesing, and
totally regretted my foolishness of not declaring my eczema; pride
maybe, but that is plain stupid. I aggrevated my eczema, and after
8 months and numerous visit to my specialists and the camp MO, did
I manage to downpes. Though I had sucessfully passes out from BMT
and from my MP Training school by then. I was subsequently posted
to MP after BMT.
On the 12 Mar 12, I was officially revocated to an ASA, clerk.
Dream come true for me. Admin work can be boring, but we are
trading that for time, the luxury of booking out everyday, I think
it is more than worth it. Time may be hard to pass, but we are way
better than our stayin counterparts. The only major trade off I
feel is that as a clerk, we do not go through the same sh*t with
our mates, and hence the sense of bonding and cameraderie may not
be that strong, or non existent at all, for my case as only 2 NSFs
including me are in the office. It can get lonely at times. Like a
dental assistant in my camp told me "although people envy me, being
able to work with a female dentists, I envy those that get to book
out on weekends, going out with friends, enjoying that bond". I
agree with that. But nothing is perfect, learn to accept and
realize that 2 years will pass, and it is the perception that
shapes your attitude that determines the experience. As a clerk,
your 2 years can be equally fufilling.
Hope my experience will enlighten you a little. My big day will
come on the 04 Mar 13. Long have I waited for the coming of this
day. It is coming!
