Don't read too much in the official notices, let alone believe
what others say. Here's my experience , when reporting for the
first ICT (for example).
Got my first SAF100, with an attachment saying the same things
(uniform, kit , etc). Also, gave the address and manpower dept of
the unit I was being posted to. Saw that it was a unit different
that has no connection with my NS days. Also saw that it was in a
sensitive place. Decided to be "kay-po" and rang up the S1 of the
unit whose name and tel. was on the attachment.
Nice fellow answered the phone. Ask my rank and name and heard him
do some paper shuffling and then he said, "Ahh.... you are one of
the reservists coming in next month.... ahhh. ... don't worry you
will like it here... what's yr NS vocation.... ahhhh...... not so
xiong here ahhh......". Boy-o -boy, I was smiling after that phone
call. Nice unit (altho a bit far from home) but looks like no more
charging up hills and shouting instructions in a hoarse voice
......
First day, when I arrived at the unit and went to the admin
block.... I dropped dead from surprise and shock. There was a large
Indian WO2 with a red beret and some jump badges in smart no. 3,
conducting muster parade for this unit. There was a mix of NS and
reservists, but there was no distinction as to who were the
reservists and NS men. There were also a few LTAs also involved in
the muster parade (reservists). The only ones being spared were
obviously those capt. rank and above. CO was standing at parade
ease to one side of the square. Jeeesuss.... this was my first
ICT.
