2 Years.

180804.

This day marks 2 complete years of service in the Singapore Armed Forces. I enlisted on a bright sunny morning at about 0730am, surrounded by similarly worried youths who are about to embark on the next phrase of their Singaporean manhood.

I still remember clearly the only person who saw me off was Glen Ong. I was very touched by his simple gesture - no one saw me off, perhaps it was too early; perhaps everyone else were too lazy to pull themselves off their beds to see a friend off.

I will never forget the bus ride there, with my parents onboard. I will never forget the boat ride that seemed long and weary. I will never forget the sight the greeted me on the shores of Tekong.

I will never forget my last lunch as a civilian with them; Western. I will never forget the look on my mother's face as I was pulled away to join the enlistees, as my family members made their way home. I will never forget the cold blade of the razor shaver on my head, shedding away every remnant of my freedom. I will never forget my first night there, on the bed in the hot and humid room.

Memories.

I got another 2 months left before I ORD.

I'm sure I'll feel a sense of lost as they return me my pink IC. The picture on my IC is that of a little boy. That's not what I see in the mirror.

Army has taken many things away from me. Yet it has given me many things too. Like everything else, God uses circumstances and the seasons of our lives to mould and shape us. Thru the sleepless nights and the mindless drillings, a man can learn discipline, respect, and the will to overcome and conquer. Good Christian values, if guided properly, can be instilled in the person thru the hours of trench digging. Precision can be drummed into a man thru countless hours on the Parade Square under the hot sun.

Many things can be taught thru army. The simple comforts of a bed, missed dearly out in the jungles. A hot meal will be appreciated when you're chowing down cold, hard combat rations. a simple shelter makes you thankful when you cowering under your basha tent, cold and drenched. Army teaches you contentment, it teaches you to be thankful for the things you have. It's an experience that comes only once in a life time.

Many people want it to pass them by quickly, these 2 years.

But as for me, I'm thankful I lived every minute of my army life well, with pride and dignity.

Thank You Adonai.