OCS - Officer Cadet School, To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome!

Yesterday, I went to SAFTI military Institute, home of the OCS or Officer Cadet School.

Why am I permitted to enter? Well, my Grade 5 piano friend was inside there, confined for three weeks. And right after our visit to him, he will get to start the real Officer's course.

I went with his family to enter the premise. He talked to us about his experience in OCS so far for the past 2 weeks. Already he had so many stories to tell. He told us it was different level to BMT, its tougher, more studying and more "tekan". And his batch, their studies were at the top. Then he explain to us the different course officers will take after the removal of their "immunity" which is a string tied around the left shoulder.

There are three paths, one is Naval officer course, then there's Air Force Officer course and the bulk of the group will go to the Army Officer's course. From the Army course itself, most of the people in his wing, Tango Wing, will be diverted to Support Arms Officers. Meaning, some will go to Armour, Engineer, Medic, Artillary etc etc. You get the drill...

Anyway, we went for a talk which shows us about the Officers and what they will be doing for the next 9 months. 9 months I tell ya. Thats super long...
They showed us videos about Kean Mun's Tango Wing batch. It was really hilarious some of them. The funny part was when they entered the Tear Gas Chamber. They actually had a gas mask on. After which, they will need to take it off and shout their name and rank and reporting for blah blah blah... Then they start to tear up. We get to see some of their rections and facial expressions the moment they take of the mask. Some can't even talk properly. Some started making weird faces just to keep their eyes open. And some just cannot take it. The moment they came out. all their faces and postures look the same. All leaning against the fence coughing and just trying to breathe.

Kean Mun told me the feeling was terrible. He felt like he was going to die. That was the impression he had on tear gas. So now you know how terrible tear gas is? And guess what in the news when they say the riot police use tear gas on the riot mobs. I imagine it must have been super agonizing for those mobs too.

Then afterward they showed us another batch of Tango Wing people. It was a really hilarious video. It also shows not only their first three weeks but the whole process of Army Officer Training. They have to dig their own trench about their body height, rush up a hill with gun fire. Its like they have to take the hill. Of course this video did not show all the Tekan session. lol.

Other than that it looks to be alot of fun. But Kean Mun knows its not going to be a walk in the park. He showed us around the OCS premise and even the SAFTI tower. He also show us the parade square where all the Officer's will be Commissioned by the President himself. They will attend that parade when its time to graduate.

I mean I see how Kean Mun was really changed by army life. But he's still the same fellow. Realistic, and not over the top. Caring but also competitive. I find it very hard to see myself this way in future. Still, every man has to go through army. So what the heck, train my arms first... Still as flimsy and small... Can't even punch a fly fast enough... Haiz.