X-Men

Not entirely in the mood to blog but I might as well, seeing that I've exhausted all other possible activities I could do for the day.

Well, I could study and all, but guess what!? I'm not in the mood for that either!

Hmmm, I didn't realise that it has almost been two weeks since I last blogged. Kinda pathetic, I know .. but hey! I do try ... =P

I think a lot of people have been getting tired of all this blogging stuff. Can't say that I'm not cause I am. The whole idea of having to type everything up constantly is a bit strenuous, especially ... yup, when you're not in the mood. lol

Training wise, nothing much has been happening. Literally, nothing much has happened. I think during the one week of training I have, I'd actually train for half a week. And by train, that includes classes and other stuff put together. Like yesterday and today - if it wasn't for how we had PT in the morning, I'll be sleeping, playing CS and watching movies the whole day. I basically didn't have anything scheduled for these past two days and hey! It's not like I'm complaining or anything. In fact, I'd rather do this than to have to go to class and fight fatigue in front of the lecturer. It's embarrassing I tell you; to have to flip my eyes open when I know that his voice is coming towards me or has suddenly gotten louder because he has turned around to face the class to explain some law stuff. Comparatively, I'd say I'm quite ok. I know I'm awake during class. My friends ... well, does drawing a map on the table say it enough? If it doesn't, let's just say that they didn't quite use ink. It's liquid, just not ink. lol

Last week was just as relaxing for me. The reason why I don't attend as many classes as my other squad mates is because we upgraders have been exempted from attending lessons that we have already done like dojo training, shooting and swimming. So while my squadmates are off having a wonderful day getting pumped, you can say that I'm back at the bunk pumping lead into some bot in CS.

Anyway, as I was saying, last week it wasn't as 'full-on' as it would normally be because we were heavily affected from the Asean Summit event held in Singapore. A lot of police officers would be returning back to our Coy (company) as well as another one after a hards day work of protecting some VVIPs. And as a result, many classes were cancelled and I, being Head Provost, enjoyed the luxury of just sleeping in and waking up for breakfast before class actually started at 10:30am; provided I'm not on duty that is. We did that for the whole of last week and boy was it wonderful - not to mention the special food they served because of them. Us OCTs were 'allowed' to eat the food they gave the other officers and boy was it yummy. I was really sad when it was all over. It made life at the PA a whole lot more interesting XP hehe

Well, Amoz is going back in a couple months time and I have to say ... I'm happy and sad that he is. The only reason why I'm happy he's leaving is that by his departure, it means my ORD date is only getting closer. But if he's here, it means I have a long way to go and I don't like that. Oh, and I'm sure he doesn't like how I kick him off the computer at home whenever I come back during the weekends because I'm only there for those few days. hehe, but hopefully when he gets his own laptop, that won't be a problem.

And of course, I'll be sad when he leaves because I'll really miss the company of my brother. I mean we've been separated so much as of late and it doesn't help that we only see each other during the weekends for a couple of hours before we go off and do our own stuff. And now that he'll be going back, I'll miss another year together with him all over again.

And I'm sure by the time I go back, we'll both have our own world and will probably see each other every now and then; not like how it was when we were kids. Ah well, all a part of growing up I guess. It was bound to happen. Just didn't expect it to happen so soon.

Anyway, I really can't think of anything else to blog about so I'll just end here. I've got a full day of class tomorrow and I don't know how I'll possibly stay awake for most of it.

P.S: I really hope nothing happens to Rafael Benitez at Liverpool. (Just a side for me to note)

Commando

Here I am, blogging in my bunk. This week, there has a been a bit of 'excitement' here in training.

Coming into the OCT group has really made me step up my level of discipline as well as workload.

As I've mentioned before, being Head Provost, I have the responsibility to take charge of this area of working with the trainees and our provost officers to ensure that there is a level a discipline in and out of the mess area.

Because of this posting that I have been entrusted with, I am left with quite a bit of work to do ... something that a normal trainee wouldn't be facing. But then again, being an OCT, we have to be able to lead and things of this sort.

Anyway, it's only Thursday, and quite a bit has happened.

Firstly, two more upgraders came in on Monday, which increased the original number of upgraders from two, being my friend and I, to four. They seem to have settled in quite ok .. unlike me when I found it a bit of a shock to be back in the PA again. Now, we have really increased the record for the largest number of officer cadets in one intake in the Police Force. There has never been more than one squad of OCTs but now, we have two - totaling the record of number of OCTs in an intake to 61.

On that same day, my bunk buddy, or 'buddy' in short as we call it, had to move out to a room downstairs. Reason being, one of the upgraders had to stay with our chairperson, and because of that, several people had to shift, including my buddy. So he left, and I am now left with being the only person staying in one room by himself. If it wasn't for the fact that we have joint toilets linking two rooms together, I'd get really lonely. Yeah, it does get kinda lonely at times. It's usually quiet in the morning so I'd have to really rely on my iPod for most of it - just so it doesn't seem too quiet.

But hey! I really like sleeping in my own room. There's a lot more 'freedom' and privacy in having your own room. I have the final say for everything and because I do, I see to it that everything is neat and very soon after this, clean. And usually after PT or anything that gets my uniform wet and dirty, I'll be able to hang my clothes any where I want to so that it can air properly. So I'll usually leave my clothes hanging at the end of the other bed as well as mine. Not to mention the several clothes hooks around the room XP

Throughout this entire week, we're having the same trainer teach us stuff about Police Procedure Practices starting from 9am till lunch. And somehow, each time he speaks, I have been using all the strength that is left within me to fight my heavy eyes. I tell you, it's very torturing. It's one of the worse feelings I know of. I wanna stay awake but my eyes are telling me a different story. Humble to say, I've managed to not sleep through each lesson but that came with so much determination to fight. Sure, I do close my eyes for several seconds at times, but that doesn't count =P I was awake throughout. But if you wanna talk about how much I actually listen ... I'd rather not talk about that. hehehe, as a matter of fact, a lot of what they're teaching me now is what I've already done during my time as a trainee. The main difference is that there are times when it's a bit more intense and more in-depth. Besides that, I recognise some of the slides.

So yeah .. on Tuesday, we had night class. Wasn't too thrilled about that. It started at 6:30pm and ended 2 hours later. Now this, I really tried to be positive about it all. I tried going in there with a positive attitude to wanna listen and not get sleepy from it all. But ...

... inevitably, due to the fact that it was 'night' and the air-con wasn't on, everyone was getting grouchy and was in no mood to study anymore. I, for one, was fidgeting all over just to stay awake, but because I did, I worked up a bit of a sweat. Not a very pleasant night at all. Was really happy when he oh-so-suddenly rushed out the door at the end of the lesson.

Wednesday, we had the morning class followed by the guy who did the night class the previous night after lunch. After that lesson was over, the four of us (upgraders) approached him because he was our Course Manager (CM). We told him about how we had to go to dojo and shooting but do nothing. We simply sat there and did absolutely nothing but talk and sleep. He kindly agreed and advised us to 'self-study' in our bunks during the times when our squad are having their dojo or shooting. So yeah, here I am, blogging while my friends are off shooting and I have ALL afternoon till dinner to self-study. hehehe

That's why I plan to do a bunch of stuff like clean my room thoroughly and type up some stuff for the provost officers. =D

And the highlight of the week ... this happened last night.

All of these OCT officers actually come from the army. Hardly any actual police officers get chosen for this course and as a result, we 'upgraders' are treated to a very special night. I missed out the first time when they did it to my former buddy cause I was sick and really not feeling well. And plus, I was in the bunk during that time. So yeah, last night was 'my turn'.

I thought I would be able to escape it because maybe they would just forget about it and never return to the topic again. But no, two new upgraders had to come, and because they came, I knew they wouldn't forget me. lol, I was in for the time of my life.

After having a provost meeting, everyone was called to fall-in. People in our squads came and sat at the courtyard of our barrack as they 'got ready'. I knew what was going on; my D-day had arrived. I heeded the advise of my friend and got changed into something I wouldn't mind getting dirty.

When I came back down, they asked me to get a chair as well. So I went and got one of the chairs in my room and brought it out and placed it on the grass in front of every body.

"I'm sure you three know why you have been asked to come here, so why don't we start by introducing yourself and telling us where you went to school and stuff." I went last and not long after, they got bored and decided it was time to do less talking and more action. Off came the shirt then proceeded to sit on the chair half-naked. Prepared for the 'fun', I decided I should just be sporty about it all and just have some fun while we're at it. There was no way I could 'weasel' out of this one.

Pulling out two small yellow coloured tubes, they said, "As you know, we came from the army, and in the army, we have to wear camouflage to hide in amongst the bushes. So open up your hands." We flipped our hands out and got a good doze of camo cream.

"Now, smother it all over your face." As soon as I was done, we all looked like sons of the Incredible Hulk except only half done with the body still very much yellow.

Squeezing the other tube of black camo into our hands, they said, "Draw three lines across your face diagonally. You might wanna do it for each other." So I promptly went and did my friends and drew the three black diagonal lines.

"Ok, in the jungle, we aren't allowed to bathe or anything like that for several days straight. So we had to use powder to keep ourselves 'clean'." Then, he begins to cover us in Prickly Heat powder. For those who know what prickly heat powder is like, you know the wonderful sensation of having the cooling effect on your skin. They poured powder all over us as they told us to 'smile' at the count of three.

1 ...

2 ...

3!!! SPLASH!!!

Three guys behind us, armed with a bucket of water, covered us in water as we then immediately began to chase after everyone. Instinctively, everyone ran, trying to avoid our delicate touch XP We looked like three angry Hulk kids who have been agitated to the max and now, we have been 'unleashed' as everyone ran for cover from us. lol

All in all, it was a whole lotta fun. At least everyone had a good laugh and thankfully, it was a one time thing because them camo cream is really hard to wash off. I had to search high and low just to make sure it's all off before getting out of the shower. It was the longest shower I've ever had in my life. hehe

There were several photographers on the scene and hopefully, my squad mates will have it in our montage at the end of our course =) It would be great to see again cause all this is memory of all the things we've done here. Should be something great to look back upon for sure.

I can honestly say, it was great. Not the part where I got covered in all that, but the part where we can have a good laugh and enjoy doing silly stuff like this. It was fun. I just hope that there'll be more to come, and I'm sure there will be. Another 5 more months here, wonder what else could happen!

Garfield

This entry will have to be a short one because I'm feeling rather sleepy due to the lack of sleep I get in the PA.

Basically everyday, I'd wake up around 5:30am - depending on what we gotta do for that day, I'd force myself up in the morning. For me, I need at least 9 hours to be wide awake for the day. If I get anything less than that, I am not functioning at 100%. And quite often, I'd find myself getting heavy eyes during the day and whenever I get the chance, I'd take an afternoon nap. Don't ask me why, but I just need my 9 hour beauty sleep. lol

Last week, I was finally given the opportunity to be a provost officer. After having been given the role of Head Provost, I think I really need to know what it's all about.

So quite frankly, provost officers are OCTs who are given red sashes and a stick about one and a half feet long which we comfortably slot under our armpits. Don't ask me why we do it, we just do. lol, I never question the powers of the stick. hehe Oh, and we would never dare to smell the stick either.

So yeah, we'd usually patrol the mess as all the trainees and regular squads come marching or jogging to the mess. Our duties are to basically make sure they do the right drills and have their attires on properly. Besides having to do flag raising and flag lowering each day at 7am and 7pm respectively, that's our duties as provost officers.

I find it a whole lotta fun because I know how to be a provost officer after watching the other OCTs do it while I was still a trainee. Unlike my other squad mates, who mainly come from the army, I have refined the qualities of a provost officer into something that I would like if I were a trainee. So I'd try to interact with the trainees; talk with them, motivate them, get them psyched about the mess food (which many of us find to be unbearable at times). I reckon this kinda positive interaction is great. Good for me and for the trainees because life in the PA can get really dull at times. So at least by doing this, I'm keeping them positive for their short three months of training.

Somehow or rather, one of my friend mentioned to me that he disagrees with my technique. He said that maybe I should be more strict and perhaps not as kind. I knew that by doing this, I would be putting myself on the line with the respect of my friends. Even though I may gain the respect of the trainees, I might not get the same response with my OCT friends because by being so friendly to the trainees, my friends are left being the 'mean ones' while I treat the trainees nicely. It's a risk, yes. But it's a risk I am going to take. I think this is the right thing to do, and even if I don't gain the respect of my friends, I think I should be humble enough to empathise with our understudies.

Also, I know that when I say this here, there is a possibility that some of my friends in the OCT might read it, but I will say what I have to say because everything I say, I say in honesty.

I realise that coming back to the PA, and upgrading into the OCT course, instructors would tend to treat me differently when compared with the rest of my squad. Seeing that most of my squad mates came from the army, they are practically new birds in the academy. But as for me, I have been there for a good 3 months, enough time to get to know some of the instructors. And also, on top of that, being the statue award winner, my name carries the pride of the Police Academy and because of that, a lot of the instructors and trainers would tend to treat me differently. In some ways, I would be given 'special treatment'.

And of course that's nice and all, but I feel that I am losing the respect of my friends. Because the instructors care for me in that way, my friends might feel that they are somewhat biased with me and I don't want that. I want to be treated the same as them, irregardless of where we came from. I am still part of the squad and should be treated equally. I'm not saying that I don't enjoy this luxury, but I just feel that I don't think I should be given a more advantageous field.

Oh well, maybe it's just me. Maybe my friends don't realise this, and I hope they don't treat my differently for it.

Anyway, I've gone on longer than I wanted and so I'll end here. Got to enjoy my last day of freedom tomorrow before I am trapped back in there lol. Hope to have more stories to tell in the weeks to come. For now, I'll leave it as that.