First day of Army Training

Funny how 13 years away from the army has made one forget those things that made you want to leave it as quickly as you can.

Firstly, the reporting order stated that training would commence at 7 am. Naive that I was, I came at 6.35 am in order to ensure that I was punctual. But training only got underway at 8.45 am. So nothing much has changed since I left. Somehow that was comforting.

We started off quite well with CPR lesson, conducted by three medic instructors who taught with slightly more vigor than a dead salamander. The difficulty level of the theory and practical tests accompanying the nonchalent lessons made me suspect that the army assumed that brain damage sets in upon ORD.

Lunch was surprisingly good, with food served on real plates and with real cutleries. The caterer, the Singapore Food Industries, obviously does a better job at feeding the army than the temperamental cooks of old.

After another two hours delay, we had our infusion training. I teamed up with this big size medic whose veins were hardly visible on his forearm. So I pierced his skin with the venula with great faith which really paid off. With much perspiration and loss of blood, I managed to get the IV drip running.


Overall it was an interesting experience so far. I have two puncture holes on my arms to show for, and I had a great time meeting up with army friends I have not seen in 13 years.

So it wasnt all bad.