I kena NDP both years during my NS. The first time was marching
contingent, & also performing item later in the parade. The
second time was mobile column (M113 SP mortar). I also kena one
during reservist, a big-scale Military Tattoo at the Stadium on SAF
day.
Actually, my NS run-ups were quite humdrum. For weekday rehearsals,
we only moved out at 3 pm or so; the rest of the day were as per
normal (follow the unit training programmes). For weekend ones, we
were allowed to book in after lunch -- but counted as a full-day
"burnt" each time.
The reservist ones were more siong: book in by 8am, draw arms, wait
around in training-sheds for half a day (no bunks, & canteens
closed on weekends), then wait again at stadium until 5pm (when the
proper rehearsal started), R.T.U by 11pm-plus, wait for DO to clear
arms, & then hope no need to pay midnight cab fare. Repeat same
process next day or, if it's a Monday, crawl back to work. Nine
f*cking weekends!
On the parade itself, note that what you see on TV can be
deceptive. For example, the marching contingents often stand at
attention for almost 80 minutes -- a looonnng time -- without being
able to see the VIP arrivals, the flypasts etc. A lot of the
contingents do sporadically talk among themselves on the field, as
a result. They catch up with dinner outside during the performance
items, before returning in for the finale.
But, I must say, it was incredibly exhilarating standing in the
middle of the field during the NDP climax, with the musical
crescendos, the crowd screaming & foot-stomping, & the
fireworks display. You really felt what those Malaysia Cup teams
must've felt whenever they scored a goal.
