i recently had a thought that being from the upper strata of academia, we might feel that NS is a waste of our time. and that it might appear different to others. [admittedly, this is a not very nice thing to say] i wondered what percentage go thru mono-intake and what percentage go thru Tekong. the experience and treatment is so different. it's just so starkingly different in expectations, aims and methods. they have a bleak future in posting, they have no motivation, no target, no dignity. the shambles of my unit that they see, is so pathetic compared to Tekong. there's no sense of uniqueness for BMT period. there u notice other people training and you are motivated to continue. you see all those morbidly obese fellows who can't do anything. you have something to aim for, for which there is purpose in trying harder. the instructors. yes at least they have proper instructors who are trained and experienced. here, they just drew some people from different units and dunno-wheres and get them to teach. it's so insufficient. so depressing. i feel it's so unfair to them. i just don't understand why they must do this. if it be that this batch will be mostly staying together, they can also enter tekong together and leave together. it'll be a much more rewarding, fulfilling and effective time.
back to the main point. now i had another idea that Everyone is under-used. even those who are not academically inclined. even the drivers, the gunners and infantrymen. they're also working below their capabilities. which is good and bad. bad in that the idleness breeds disdain for the job. good in that it's more relaxing, less-taxing and easier to tolerate and live through.

i wonder if i remembered correctly, but when they announced the service duration cut for national service, they kept stressing that the cut will not compromise on the reliability and readiness of the SAF. how come they did not stress that NS is not unnecessary for the welfare of the nation and that they do try to lessen the burden. they did not seem to highlight that they would gladly reduce the service duration if possible. i suppose this could be inferred and unconsciously felt, but it would be much stronger if said out loud. feeling it, and knowing you feel it, is quite different.

two days ago a chinook flew overhead and one recruit asked the officer if it is really a chinook, and he was marvelling at it. and i was thinking, haha, i've gone on it before, don't think u'll ever get a chance now that u've just gotten downgraded to C9L2. i so do not want to be a storeman or a clerk.