A tribute to those people who have made a difference in my PC tour...

"Operational Ready Soldiers"

Friday, 24th Nov 06. The day my unit have a parade to symbolised our turning operational. It doesn't really mean a lot to me. Especially since i'm disrupting for further studies next year. It feels just like another working day. But slowly when the day approaches, can see that all the men feels something about it. Its the "I" in the L.I.V.E that the whole army is talking about now. Image and Identity. It sure makes everyone feels more proud to be part of the battalion. Even with minimal time for rehearsal, everyone still puts in a lot of effort, to show the visitors what they have become after one year into the army. "WE ARE READY!" Thats the message the men wants to bring out to the parents and friends sitting in the stands.

"Rawdy 1st yr Platoon Leaders"

Thats us! (With the Rawdy Creed behind us, Sadly i still did not manage to remember it) Well i admit i'm short, so don't be mislead by the picture. I'm standing on step. =) Thinking back 2 yrs in time, i'm still a guy who is "BLUR" but pack with lotsa enthusiasim as i wanted to be a Guards Officer. Til now, i've achieve what i've aimed for. Leading a platoon which never stop impressing me each time i bring them out for training. Their dedication to the platoon, even though they are (what the foreigners call it) draftees can match full time regular armies head on! Their spirit of not giving up that they show during LANCER training was just what makes a true GUARDSMEN special, definitely sets them apart from the others.

My OC and the 2 platoon leaders, with whom i've created such a strong understanding and bonding. The company, have stick together through tough training, up the moutain, cross a river and numerous (heliborne)missions we have went through to bring this company where we are. It sure is a GREAT experience working with you guys, an ULTRA understanding OC, and both of you, great buddies on and off work. I always believe, that even though we were not physically the fittest company, but mentally, i'm sure we are there. Its the cohesiveness of our company that makes us different from the rest.

Positive Experiences

Back from LANCER. Well, manage to bring all my men back in one piece. =) Have a much better trip then the first time i went there.

I'm very happy that my men pull through the LANCER training package without much help from me. I must say that they have really impressed me a lot during the training. Motivating each other along the way when the going gets tougher. Well Done PLT 1. I'm happy not only because they all manage to pull through the training together. I'm happy because they've mature from a boy who needs someone senior to push them on, to a man who help each other and pushes their friends along when they see them struggling. They never gave up.

Maybe its because of the approached my PS and me had on them. Its quite ironic though. Its never discussed. But during admin, my PS was the one who was tough on them. Giving out punishments and etc. And i'm always the good guy, talking to them, motivating them. But when out in the field for mission exercises, our roles automatically changes. I'm the one who keeps "NAGGING" at them. Showing little concern even when they are struggling, while my PS would help them carry some of their load if they are feeling unwell.

During commander's AAR after our last mission exercise, this is what 1 of my guy said in front of my CO, OC and other comds, "I feel that during this exercise, the platoon never gives up. Can see that they pushes each other so hard and they never want to give up. Everyone is willing to die for our PC." WAH~ stunning words came out from his mouth. Shocked everyone present in the AAR. Don't know want to be happy or not. =) But, like always i've to say this. I'm tough on them during training, so that they don't have to die for their country. I want them to make the enemy die for their country if they are required to fight. Well, maybe its something that my PS and myself have done right. But i'm just glad that i've managed to give them a positive experience during my time as their PC. Hopefully all of them have learn something important from me. Character wise. =)

Anyway, just some updates. I've receive an offer from UWA. 2.5yrs of study starting next feb. Now i'm still waiting for UQ to reply me. I have to pay the deposit by the end of this month!! Don't know whats the hold up. No time already and still no reply yet. Tomorrow going back to SP as student! Haa~ On course from tomorrow to friday. Not bad huh, can study a little. Break away from regimental life style in the army.