Growing up

[blacknails]

Hey guys... I have about 4 more weeks to passing out from basic military training... Things have changed since the day I stepped in Tekong.. Not just physical things like feeling fitter and losing weight but emotional and psychological aspects of myself as well...

I don't know whether it's because of NS life or being away from my gf and family but many things within me has changed... I look at everything differently now... Ethics, Morality, Life, Fashion, Love, Relationships with people, Things I used to like doing... Everything. But before you begin to think that NS has taken away yet another young person's dream, believe me when I say that the way I look at everything has actually become much clearer and much much more mature than I used to.

When I look back at my secondary school and junior college days, I can actually see how my way of thinking was the same as every other teenager... immature and hot headed... How there are so many things about and within me I have to change... How I have grown.

The only unfortunate thing is that I don't know where to begin.. Growing up has actually caused more concerns and thoughts in my mind than ever before... And I'm not sure whether I'm going to like growing up... I don't know how it started... And I don't know where I'm heading.

[flubberina13]

Talk to a mentor? Or a career counsellor?

All the best in your future endeavours...

[Melvyn Tan]

Looks like the eye of the mind is starting to open? Good for you !!!

[Golden Tooth]

All the best big guy.

[typrobin]

only during my BMT days, that i realised how much i really loved my parents...i always thought that i am independant and all that bullshit...but having to stay in a deserted island for at least 1 week b4 i can see civilisation, i began to wonder how tough life can be without my parents...

i missed them like crazy and cherished every second i could spend with them when i booked out. i began to appreciate my family more than ever....

that was my experience....

[Warsteiner]

COOL

[hammy]

though NS took away 2yrs 4 months of my life ...but i really think it is worth it ...

though i dun feel it when i am going through , but after everything , feel like i have finaly awaken from a small boy's dream ...

[IcecruncherZ]

I was there too... I talked a little to OO, but I dont recommend you do that. I did that cos i already OOCed, and was quite friendly with the perm staff.

Make more friends, make really good ones, talk to them. Talking will really help you out. It will only get better from here, hang on bro.

[kschew1498]

Hi Blacknails......good for you......I didnt even ask myself why when I have this similar feeling during my 3month ITD in tekong!.......dont worry .......enjoy every bit and details of army life........you will have a lot to talk and joke about when you ORD! You learnt in the process of growning up! Just enjoy and relax.......

[surfedelic]

During my time, I was like you - very fearful especially the physical training. But the result turn out otherwise - I clocked the best SOC timing for my company.

Some tips If I were to redo my NS (which I hope not ):

1) Have some objective during NS - it will take you thru army life as smooth as butter.

2) Make more friends in Army - they will be your source of support and energy. You never know - they will become your biz assocites and there alot of white horses and grey horses. I get to know some of the big shots like Tommy koh's son, grandchildren of yeo Hiap Seng founder etc.. though they are useless to me

3) Place physical training and Discipline high on your objective's list. They will be useful when next time you kids screaming for their toy and your wife screaming for the shaver.... thank god you know where they are kept.

4) Thank GOD you are not born in the older era - Life will be freaking different. For one there is no forum for you to complain or consult !!!!

5) Braced yourself tight for the 3 SOLID MONTHS in CALIFONIA GYM .

The tough bit is just the 3 months of Basic Mental Torture but if you are mentally prepared, the game is yours.

Do your best dude ! You only have one chance in your life.

[Nautical]

4) Thank GOD you are not born in the older era - Life will be freaking different.

Hi ppl, I love the methodical pointers posted by surfedelic.

And I especially love the part where its mentioned "Thank GOD you are not born in the older era - Life will be freaking different."

Well folks, I served my NS in 1972. Some, if not most, of you were not even born yet. Yes, the early batches after the Israel instructors pulled out from Singapore. But I survived. Matter of fact, I enjoyed my NS days and take pride in what I did.

In a couple of years, God willing, I will see my own son going to NS. And I will tell him again what his dad has gone through, with pleasure.

[alanseah]

well guess what up to now I still hate NS.... lolz.. but it's a gd life experence there....

you got to make alot of frens in BMT, after BMT posting etcs... got to met some officer that mark u.. and some officer that support u..

well at least u service less now compare to all of us who has ORD and wasted that extra 6 months more...

[junyong84]

haha, when u go unit...sure slack 1... haha

[Guinness]

NS still sucked...... but glad to hear some of you got something out of it.