Last day of March

Concert this Saturday, real looking forward to meeting the folks again. After being part of XYZ and the Force, I find that when everything official ends, whether friendships can be maintained depend heavily on whether there are any common interests or activities, that will provide reasons to meet. Anything under the sun, for example karaoke, concerts, running, gym etc. If not, then it'd be gatherings once in a long while, catching movies and having lunches and dinners (no breakfasts yet, so far...). This is the only, and the best option left, to at the very least maintain contact.

As for matters in the Force, theoretically, yesterday was my last day. Then came the news for AMPT next Tuesday and Wednesday. Life is full of surprises; something I have got to realise after so long. Though some may say life is pre-destined, well, we do not know the plan, do we? Stop grumbling, and maybe I'll be happier.

I pity my fellow drivers. No one else, but our own kind, understands the responsiblities and demands of being a driver in the Force. Who are among the busiest groups during O p s? Daily maintenance, collecting the awesome four-wheeled machines from elsewhere, feeding them fluids, servicing... Meanwhile, what could the others be doing? Some may be very busy, but inevitably there are bound to be people who are just having fun, entertainment. To rationalise their actions, many loved quoting this phrase: free license for you drivers! Even back then, nothing is known to be for sure. Elements within the Force should know better. So much that I resent this disparity, it may just be my own stupidity, foolishness for doing work. Or maybe, it's meant to be this way. Destined.

Yes, I should stop my grumbles. It's fate that friends meet, treasure the time left. Think of all the good times we had, the way we endured life out there together sometimes, and how we are all going to leave safely, onwards with our lives. This is a desirable ending for all. After all, comparisons of gains and losses can never be apparent. Continue to do what is necessary, and let a clear conscience be the guiding beacon.

4mikes to transit point

True care and concern. Welfare, some call it.

"Keep your bunks tidy. This place is just like your second home. Ensure you have a clean and tidy bunk to rest in. Show respect to the landlord,"

Then, the news broke, abruptly.

" Clear your bunks... Take the spare beds & cupboards... Intention is to let you guys clear off as soon as possible, so that only around 20 of you are around..."


Around one year ago, I'd just completed my military driving course. Immediately upon completion, I was instructed to clear my belongings, and leave the camp the following morning. Heartless, it may seem to some, but not to me. I didn't want to stay in such a place any longer, anyway. I'd just be returning to my unit, which I had believed to be a more caring place. Sad to leave my comrades behind, but I knew that we would be reunited at our unit a couple of weeks later. A place where everyone is family.

Now, I find myself finishing my tour of duty soon. Normally, the drivers are allocated a bunk, so that they can continue to clock their mileage. The rest of the outgoing personnel may also use the bunk, be it putting some toileteries or staying overnight. The newly first operational personnel will have to squeeze a little in their bunks. We were informed of this arrangement, as expected, before our feb ops. However, right after the ops, we were informed that no such bunk has been allocated. Instead, the drivers, and anyone else wishing to stay overnight, will be allocated the spare cupboards and beds in the newly first opeartional personnel's bunks. The rationale is that they will be trying to get most of us on off, so that only around twenty personnel are left in camp at any time.

We are trained in tough conditions, ever since day one of posting in. Expect the unexpected, so said our instructors. Hard work, and the rewards will come. I have yet to see anything significant. Now we've been promised early off, as a reason for not being allocated a bunk. Is it going to come true? I've enough of promises and reassurances. Show the number of off we are given, authorise our off/leave forecast, and yes, I'd believe you.

Smoke and insubordination, we've been threatened and accused. A clear conscience will see us through, till the very end.