Almost.
When I was still a kid, when someone asked me what I want to become when I grow up, my answer was always the same. I want to be a SOLDIER or POLICE. People were always surprised knowing that this little malnourished girl wants to be a Woman in uniform. I don't know, I was always fascinated with that thought. Maybe because two of my Uncles were in the military. That desire of mine grows more because of what I had been through during my teenage years. I hate being weak.
I was supposed to take BS Criminology when I was in college but due to financial issues I ended up taking BS Education. Yes, you heard it right, I was supposed to be a teacher. Hehehe.
I was somehow frustrated as I was unable to take the course I wanted. Yet I was delighted when I found out that ROTC (reserve officer training course) was offered in our school as choices in NSTP. Without hesitation I picked up that choice and even applied as an ROTC officer. I am not that tall. I almost got declined because of my height, thanks to the current Group commander that time as he gave consideration to us.
Applying for an officer was never easy, aside from I need to excel in my academics too. Being physically fit was one of the requirements and I even ended up having a hard time walking due to muscle pain especially after the reception. Reception for civilians means feast, eating. Thus in the military it means endless exercise!
There are 3classes or levels in ROTC officers, from bottom, 3rd, 2nd and 1st class. In order to move in 2nd class there should be an "ACCEPTANCE" and it is somehow related to " RECEPTION". You need to pass a theoretical and physical exam. To move as 2nd class, you need to undergo RSCT (regional summer camp training). All officers in every unit under a certain RCDG (Regional Community Defense Group) will undergo military training for 21 days. Yes, it was a rigid training but little bit less compared to those applying to be part of the Military.
THE RSCT training.
As a requirement we need to submit medical certificates as proof we are physically fit and I even had a hair cut back then. Yes, I got a military haircut once in my life! We arrived at the military camp and the first day was really hellished. It was summer time so indeed it was humid. The ceremony started at 1:00 PM and the sun was striking hot. We were arranged per platoon alphabetically and since my family's name starts with the letter "Y" I am in ECHOE company. During the reception I almost fainted as I have my menstrual cycle that time so my body was weak. But gladly I survived!
Being in a military camp was hard as we are not allowed to walk, you need to jog and must have someone with you "Buddy -buddy system". I remember one time I got caught jogging alone because there was an emergency that time. I was hit with a paddle on my butt and demn it hurts! What I have learned? Always follow the rule or make sure not to get caught!
The training only focuses on theories related to the military of course and Physical strength. Not mentioned is the attitude to be developed in order be an effective military officer. We always remember that motto " the mistake of one is the mistake of all". So we are always conscious not to create a mistake. Yet this selfish trainee ( a female) was caught drunk by one of the training Officers. We don't know how she managed to have some liquor. As punishment while all men were sleeping soundly at their tent we ladies were having our "Hell night". Lying on our back, rolling to the left, rolling to the right. Performing different exercises until we all almost dropped as our body could no longer take it. Our punishment did not end up there as one of training the officers took our platon flag. They only gave us 48 hours to retrieve it back. Failure to do so means another hell night. This made us realize teamwork + formulating a planned = SUCCESS. Yes, we were able to get it back through the help of the darkness. We manage to accomplish the mission. We did it at night with the help of our fellow trainees. The training officers were glad and congratulated as it was indeed part of the training. Which means no one was drunk, it was just a set up in order for them to know how we are going to react. See? In times of trouble, having someone to blame will not help, instead think of a RESOLUTION.
Aside from those things I have learned what I could not forget when I had my first "FIRE" using armalite "M16". Yes we are taught how to assemble and disable guns and you need to pass at allotted time. That was the time I discovered I had a great pulse upon checking my target paper.is is what happened during the training, it's our video but I doubt if you can find me due to poor quality.
Closing Thoughts
I decided to write about this as @Amjad_Ali_Waince mentioned me last night in his written article about "Most memorable Day of his life". He asked if I could share mine.
Aside from the day when my husband asked me if I wanna marry him, which I don't want to share for some reasons, that days during my military training were indeed memorable for me. Why? Maybe because somehow I had proven to myself that I was strong physically. Many male students decline to choose ROTC and here I am manage to be an officer. It is something that I could tell to my future grandchildren that somehow once in my life I've been part of the military .
If you're gonna ask if I pursue to be part of it? Sadly I didn't, which I somehow regret. It was one of the wrong decisions I made.
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Growing up I wanted to be a doctor, that's until I did grow up and realised I couldn't stand the sight of animals or people bleeding and knew I has to change course. I have changed my mind a couple of times since then, but being in the military was never something I considered, I attended a military secondary boarding school, so I got a bit of a feel and insight as to what the real military training would look and feel like, knowing myself and the fact that I don't have the energy or the physical stamina to go through all of that I never put it into consideration. Well done to you, you must be really strong to have gone through all the training and everything.