Connect With Us

"Army Days (Vol 1)"

Post on: February 8, 2018

Every 18-year-old Singaporean male goes through this rite of passage. It’s a transformation where boys become men. Yeah, I am talking about National Service where one has to soldier on for two years before he embarks on his university studies or working career.

I’ve always marvelled how the army can transform a freshly out-of-school boy into a man proficient in soldering skills and leadership qualities within months. Such is the intensity of training and a belief in every individual, regardless of where he comes from. In fact, the army is a great leveller — you are treated the same whether your dad is a business magnate or a humble cobbler.

There are many instances which makes army days memorable, causing us to chuckle whenever we take a trip down memory lane. I remember many of such instances which have been ingrained in me. Even my first day was an unforgettable one! Unlike what I was expecting, the Corporal did not “tekkan” (punish) me. However, the camp barber had his “15 minutes of fame” at my expense …

We had to go through our “initiation ceremony” and the whole company of more than 100 boys sat down, waiting for our haircut. I had enlisted with a stylish hairdo like James Dean — the barber decided to play a prank. He shaved my head bald and just kept my fringe intact! — and presented his handiwork. Everyone had a good laugh. Despite the tough times, such hilarity along our journey, kept our spirits soaring.

Here are some uniquely cool terms which the Corporal use liberally:

1. Wake up your idea – It basically meant you better change your attitude. You are still in “la la land” and better make a quick adjustment to the regiments of army life. It could also be an admonishment to those who are slow, idle or trying to be smart.

2. Bobo Shooter – It is used to describe a soldier who frequently misses the target while at the rifle range.

3. Wayang – It has a negative connotation. It describes a soldier who pretends to be a team player and helpful in front of the corporal. But once out of the superior’s sight, he can be the most selfish person.

4. Suck Thumb – It is a situation where you have no choice. An example is when a corporal gives an order but it could be unfavourable to you — And your protest falls on deaf ears! He will coolly tell you, “Too bad, suck thumb”.

5. Go and touch the tree and come – This is not referring to Bollywood movies where songs and dance revolve around the trees. This term is very commonly used as a means of punishment where you have to dash to the tree, touch it and run back quickly.

6. Sign Extra — Soldiers hate this term. When you sign extra, you are not autographing your memoirs! It means you are signing for additional duties as a form of punishment. And the extra duty usually falls on a weekend where your buddies would be booking-out while you end up waving them goodbye stoically.

Well, there are many stories and proliferation of movies made about army days. Yet we all can’t get enough of it. For those enlisting soon, be prepared physically and mentally. It may sound cliche but let me reiterate, “Tough times never last, but tough people do”.

Army days is a defining moment for a person. Amidst all the rigours and regimental life, there is much fun and valuable lessons we can bring back to our civilian life. As the saying goes, “If you think you can, you are right; If you think you can’t, you are right too”. In line with this, my Encik (Staff-Sergeant) a hard taskmaster, never fails to unleash his favourite catchphrase, “Can Do”, whenever the going gets tough.

The Jolly Good Times hopes you had a glimpse of army days. We will bring you more terms and real-life anecdotes. Share it with your kakis (buddies) — Invite them to Like us on Facebook.

By Shaji Thomas Varughese

#ArmyDays #JollyGoodTimes #ShajiThomasVarughese
https://www.facebook.com/jollygoodtimes.org/
Photo 1: George/JollyGoodTimes; Photo 2: Pexels.com

Sharing is caring!