I must admit there is this myth around RSMs, which encourages
other ranks to fear them. But they can be human too. Also, life is
such that it is a small world and things can turn out strange. Let
me tell you my story...
I was a NSF platoon sergeant. As PS, you get to do BOS duty in
camp. During one of the duty days, I was reported by the Camp DO
for something (can't remember what). Instead of taking action
against me, he decided to inform the RSM to deal with me, which I
guess is a smart thing, since all the other ranks fear the RSM more
than a regular captain (sometimes !).
So I was asked to see the RSM the day after the duty day. It was
the first time face to face with him, and he had the stern kind of
no-nonsense look. Anyway, cut a long story short, I was given 3
extra BOS duties ! Which I took gladly, in order to be out of his
office, and escape his stare and his scolding, as I was a rather
green 19 year old PS !!!
Story does not end here.... I finished my NS and went off overseas
to study. Got my degree and got a job. First day at work , I passed
the security guard at our company's main gate. Guess who was the
company security supervisor??? ! It was my RSM !
Anyway, cut another long story short, we became quite good lunch
friends. I did remind him during a chit-chat session, that he gave
me 3 extras before, but he conveniently forgot who I was ! In
recent years, when I bump into him (I am not at the same site
anymore), I noticed he had started to address me as "sir " !
Strange, but I guess it is because I have reached the senior mgmt.
ranks of the company.
SMALL WORLD !
