Vocational Assessment

Woke up early in the morning, got my ready for my first-ever vocational assessment for the Commando unit.

Its been a long time since I took a long bus ride. I took 89 all the way to Hendon Camp. i overshot my bus journey, and ended in a taxi.

We were allocated into different details, I was in detail 1. 

Many thoughts went through my head: What if I didn't make it for Commando because of my heart condition? What if I'm posted to another unit which I wouldn't be enjoying myself? What if I regret my choice? I was quite regretful to declare my heart condition when i first came for this assessment, worrying that it will affect my suitability. Enough of the worries, i interacted with the person behind me, he's Alfred. He is from Pioneer JC and he wasn't interested in Cammando initially. Not only him, I know Daniel from JJC, and 4 other people. 2 of them were from Australia and Canada, coming back to Singapore to serve the army. We went through Psycho-motor and Physical assessment which I think I did relatively bad for both. 

During the interview, it went like this: (L) - lieutenant (W) - Me

L: Good Afternoon, I'm Lieutenant Foong. Take a sit.

He shook my hand.

L: Do you know why you're here for?

W: Yes I do.

L: Do you have any queries for me?

In my mind there were a lot of questions for him, and I have no idea which question should I post to him.

W: Erm.. I heard that in Commando unit, teamwork is more important than leadership. Is that true?

L: Yes indeed. After all the Commandos returned from their respective departments, you will realise the power of teamwork.

Halfway through, I mentioned to him regarding my dilemma between Prelims and VA.

L: So the fact that you chose to give up Prelims mean that you're really interested?

W: Yes, I'm really interested and passionate for it.

L: Great, that's all I need to know.

I was dumbfounded, but at the same time elated that I didn't come all the way for nothing. To reconfirm his words....

W: What are the odds of me getting into Commando?

L: There are no odds. Well, I believe in volunteerism. If you want to do it, I know you will do it well. You're in.

I left the interview station feeling accomplished. He may not make the final decision and I may not make it into Commando, but i left the station with a takeaway: Never be afraid to speak up. I spoke up for myself, I told him that i want to be a Commando. That's when he saw my sincerity and gave me his words that I'm in for Commando. 

I left the Hendon camp at 3pm. I've forgotten to say bye to Chun Wee and Sherman. Our detail left together and departed at the bus stop. At the bus stop, we remained silent. In the camp, we were the most bonded bunch of people, we shared about our JC lives and mocked about Alfred's unwillingness to join Commando. It was a great day with them, the great companions that I've ever met in a long time. When my bus came, I told them, "So er.. I'm gonna see all of you again except for Alfred isn't it?". I said bye to them and boarded the bus. What I really meant when I said that: "I'm gonna miss all of you." That's our (boys) problem. We never get mushy. I felt close to them even though we have only interacted for 3 hours and the moment when we departed, I had a feeling of amiss. I really hope we'll meet again.