bah, about time i updated my blog :)
Passing Out Parade 2007
Its the day where the "old" gets replaced by the new one. On this particualr day, the 28th batch finally passed out, with the 29th batch taking over. It was a sad day. Sad,sad,sad. Regardless how much you love the CCA, theres always a day where you have to stop doing that, and that day is the passing out parade.
The day started with a brief UI, by the NCOs to be. They are kinda sadist to me, not used to them. Before the parade started, it rained. Well, well ,well, what a good time to rain huh? The rain dampen the mood, it was supposed to be a very "grand" day for the 28th batch, doing their fancy drill at the parade square. Unfortunately, it rained. They had to switch venue, from the big spacious parade square to the small cramped space outside the lecture theatre. Before our squadleaders passed out, they left us with a question.
What is the point of learning drills, campcraft and physical training.
The question really set me thinking. After doing drills, campcraft and PT for almost 1 and a half year, i have never really thought about the question. Now i can only say, drills are for self discipline, campcraft for self-learning, PT for endurance. Self discipline is for the future, it helps in alot of stuff. One of the most common ones is doing homework. Without self discipline, i don't think i will finish my homework. Most probably i will go play games while doing my work. Sense of urgency can also be learnt from doing drills. Move fast, do everything fast, but fast and neatly, not shabbily. Tomorow won't wait for you if you move slowly, you're wasting your own time if you don't move fast do everything fast.
Self-learning, hmm actually i can't really think of a word to replace this one. What i wanna say is campcraft promotes self learning, like learning advanced knots all by yourself. It promotes the healthy competition between squadmates, like getting a place into the team for campcraft comp. It also promotes the bonding between squadmates, like asking them nicely of how to tie a knot or lashing that you don't know how to do. They will usually teach you. A way of communication, a way to bond the whole squad together.
Endurance, everything needs endurance. You must be able to endure, whether its the tough PT, or the harsh reality. Mind over body, with that, you can overcome any tough PT, provided you have a positive mindset. The way your mind thinks, affects your preformance. Your mind tells you to give up, your body will feel weak. People crumble easily, without the strength that the mind gives. Endure, with that, you will pull through.
Sigh, thanks to them i am what i am now. Then, i was a Secondary 1 kid who wants to skip trainings, the kid who wasn't enthusaistic about this CCA. Now, i don't skip training, instead i try to turn up for every training, i hope trainings won't end sometimes. Then, i hate push-ups, don't understand what drills are for, what campcraft is for and PT was just a waste of time. Now, i do everything with the passion, the love for the CCA, not all the times though. They took over, changed my impression of the whole CCA.
Goodbye, good luck and thank you for everything 28th batch.
