True. I did CST too, back in 2000, and even then, my company
mates and I already thought it was really tame. In fact, at no
point of time did I feel like I was a POW at all. The head dunking
treatment was a standard and everyone received it. I never thought
that it would be possible for anyone to die from it. Rather we all
looked back and saw it as kinda fun. I still have fond memories of
Staff Thambi and, of course, who can forget, Bala..
A balance between realism and safety can never be achieved I think.
When I was taiwan, we talked to our drivers who were actual combat
fit marines. They told us that death was a part of their exercises.
They have a saying that Exercises are the same as War. Being in a
country that is always on the verge of fighting, that may hold
true. But in Singapore, we are so used to peace that realism just
have to take second place to safety.
I guess Tango is right. The SAF is becomming rather lax in
selection for units. But then again, there are many different kinds
of fitness. Physical, Field, Mental etc. Not all can be tested
prior to selection. So, in the end, nothing will change.
Except for CST training I suppose. I think for the next batch, they
will just be lectured on the kinds of torture they will receive if
they are captured.. No actual physical training will take
place..
