So this is it. Probably the final promotion I will get in my whole NSF (and probably NS) life unless somehow I go for the PS course, which will in turn open up the door to possible extra shit that can come my way as a NSMan (read CSM appointments).

(OK Picture’s bad. Camera wasn’t focusing on the object and I snapped the picture anyway)

Let’s take a look at the “milestones” of my NSF life so far:

Jan 9 2008 – RECRUIT
Dedicated my life to SAF for the next one year and ten months.

March 11 2008 – PRIVATE
End of BMT and posted to SISPEC to undergo BSLC.

May 17 2008 – CORPORAL
There begins my longer than others life as a CPL after BSLC ended on 17 May. Posted to 1 SIR as an Infantry Recce. Tough luck. Sent for Class 3 driving course form 12 June to 14 July. Recce (or RSTA) Commander Course began on 18 August. Since this is my penultimate high-key course (the last would be CCC ) before I ORD, unless some lightning struck, I will probably write something about it more below.

First week consisted mainly of lectures and two fast marches – 6 and 9 km. Almost died.
Second week had more lectures and 12 km fast march. Near Death.
Third week was 60 km long walk. Died. And swimming across dirty swamp water in S/FBO sucked.
Fourth week was four-day field camp. Sucked.
Fifth week was starving in forest. Hungry.
Sixth week was Summary Exercise. 5-day field camp.

AND from approximately 1700 hours on 24 Sep 2008 to 0500 hours on 25 Sep 2008, I went through hell – Resistance To Interrogation. It was amusing in some ways and annoying in others. A worthwhile experience.

Seventh week was good. A public holiday right smack in the middle of the week.
Eighth week did nothing.

October 7 2008 – THIRD SERGEANT
Went back to 1 SIR after a ceremony that lasted half an hour maximum. And received lots of shit.
Clearing leave from 16th till tomorrow.
Prowler duty on Tuesday.
Cool. NOT.

Cooler.

Tags: national service