Old Soldier.

Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.

Today marks 2 years and 2 months of full service to the nation. Today marks a new transition into a new phase of life. Today's my Operationally Ready Date.

This is my last post as 3rd Sergeant Dominic.

Officially after 3pm, I will join the civilian world, no more 3SG, now it's Mr. Dominic.

ORD lor.

I welcome this day with both sadness and happiness. Soldiering had been my dream and joy for the past 22 years, a boyish fantasy of guns and mud. Starting my National Service life was one of the greatest things to ever happen to me, and even now as I look back, I have no regrets, no shame. I had done my best, and now I savour the times that has given birth to many sweet memories.

I had both good times and bad times in the army. ONe most significant thing to happen to me was my confrontation with the demons within. Instead of running and thinking that nothing is wrong, I spent months searching and fighting these monsters in me, and became somewhat "hostile" and unwilling to open myself up to others.

And God heard my cries from the pit.

And He picked me up, restored me, fought away the darkness and fear that seeks to overwhelm and devour me.

The past 2 years have been trying, and I know I've grown stronger and more confident. God has moulded me with things that can only be found in the military, and I am very thankful.

Soldiering had been my life for 2 years. And now suddenly I must try to become a civilain again, to learn to think like one again, to speak like one again.

This is very hard for me, but I'll do my best.

Alas, this old soldier will never die.

(Still got reservist mah. Heh)