Saturday, February 11, 2006

Army Daze

20 years ago, I joined the Army as part of our mandatory National Service in Singapore for all male Singaporeans. Today, I am officially transfered into the void called "Military Reserve" otherwise known as "don't call us, we'll call you when we need cannon fodder" or civilian life. ;)

Bit of background, all the guys in Singapore go thru mandatory military service which consists of 24 to 30 months of full-time service, followed by 10 to 13 years of yearly re-training (which can last anywhere from a few days to 4 weeks at a time). Depending on how often we are called back for re-training, the actual period of service can stretch over 20 years (like in my case). After that we get transfered into "Military Reserve" which basically means no more obligations to return for re-training, etc. I.e. the long awaited life as a ordinary civilian.

So today my army buddies and I gathered in a military base to celebrate our release back into civilian life. It was with mixed feelings that we went to the camp - relief that our national service is finally over, but a tinge of sadness that buddies that have served side by side for the last 10 to 20 years will hence part and probably never meet again. Some senior officer came to thank us for our loyal service (as if we can any choice!), and then we were served the most generous lunch in our entire military service, given some momentos and then it was all over. In typical male fashion, we joked, shook hands and then left - not even bothering to exchange contacts or promise to stay in touch because we know that even in a country as small as Singapore, without the mandatory military re-training, many of us will never see each other again.

It is hard to describe the friendship/camaraderie built up over the long years of blood and sweat (sorry, no tears, we are MEN). ;) Suffice it to say that somewhere along the line, we stopped working together because of serving the country, compulsory requirements, threat of military discipline, etc... and starting working well together because of EACH OTHER. I must say that over the years, I have had the priviledge of serving in rank and file as a lowly sergeant, rolling thru the same mud, sleeping on the same hard ground, carrying the same heavy loads as the men I serve with. And what MEN they are - guys who over the years have grown flabbier, lost hair, grown skeptical, but nonetheless showed up when called and got the job done. There are so many stories to tell, more than this blog can hold, and I will always remember them as some of the best/worst moments of my life.

I am only saying this only because no one in my Army unit will ever see this blog, but I LOVE my army buddies and I sure miss them.

13 comments:

Sixteen Chickens said...

That was a very nice tribute to your Army buddies. Even if you never see them again you will carry them around with you every day.

Papa Tweet said...

Wow, nice post Kewl. Very well written. Thanks
Benny

it's only fuel said...

That's really great letting us in on that part of your life Kewl:) I'm sure it's been a challenging 20 years, but you did it with pride.

I think that America should have some sort of program like that. I grew up as an Air Force kid and can tell you the military life gives you a foundation for a solid adulthood. Kids these days are soft and don't want to work for anything. I also hear domestic violence among teenage couples is on the rise. These young folks need to have something else to focus their attention to aside from video games and the television. But I digress...it'll never happen.

Oh...and it's okay for men to have feelings...seriously!

Tammy said...

Hmm... being in the reserves in the US means somethine else entirely lately. But I promise not to spew my political opinions on your blog. It's a nice day outside, why ruin it? :)

And in my typical science-geek fashion, I will tell you there is a "bonding/love" facilitating hormone that is released in times of stress. Makes sense that warfare binds people for life, eh?

Kewl Nitrox said...

Hi Wylee, thanks. I sure will be thinking of them.

Hi Benny, thanks for the encourgement!

It's Only Fuel, yup, I have personally benefited loads from National Service. We learn to be independent (that only lasts until we get married though) :), and we learn that the human body/spirit is capabale of a lot more than we figured.

Hey Tammy, that explains a lot! Somehow suffering together makes very strong bonds. :) I hear ya on the US reserves - it ain't what it was before. Used to be that the troops were welcomed with open arms...

Bolder said...

that's a great post Kewl.

thanks for writing it, and thanks for sharing it.

almost makes me wish i was born in Singapore!

did i ever tell you i've been to Singapore on business?

TriDaddy said...

So true about the stories you acquire with military service. I've posted a few on my blog but the really good ones, near and dear to me, as I'm sure there are some with you, remain inside. Eternal Bonds. It's true.

Great post!

Robin said...

Nice post. Hey, did you get out in the morning???? YOU CAN DO IT! (Didn't mean to make you feel guilty, but if it got your butt out there in the AM, I guess that's OK!) :)

Also, I read a previous post: You can totally do this Oly tri this July. No problem. Just keep up some semblance of a consistent workout/training regimen. Consistency is the key!!!!

qcmier said...

I wish those who serve or have served in the military would receive the respect and gratitude they deserve.

Thanks

Kewl Nitrox said...

Hey Bold, next time you are in town, we have to catch up. :)

Tarheeltri, funny how as men we know we will die for each other, and yet would not bother to even keep in touch...

Robin, no, I must admit I didn't, but I did do a midnight ride after reading your post. :)

qcmier, you and me both, brother!

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how military service can generate such mixed feelings for those who aren't diehard lifers. I spent 10 years in the Navy and strongly disliked a great portion of it.

Then again, it was 10 years that had a tremendous impact in my life and 10 years that I probably wouldn't trade back.

Congratulations on your "retirement" and enjoy the bit of extra time gained by not having military functions to which you must attend.

Chris said...

Those friends that I know that have served all have this love/hate relationship with the armed services. They also have some of the best stories to share from their years of service. I'm sure you had some great friends while you were there and even greater memories. Those will stay with you for a lifetime!

Chris said...

Those friends that I know that have served all have this love/hate relationship with the armed services. They also have some of the best stories to share from their years of service. I'm sure you had some great friends while you were there and even greater memories. Those will stay with you for a lifetime!