NS Part 4

Welcome to part 4 of " Life in NS ". In my last post, i talked about my POP and mentioned that i was attending a clerk course. Well, almost 4 months have passed since my last post. I am now posted to and working in Civil Defence Academy.

Looking back at my clerk course. During my 10 day course, we learnt the basics of using Microsoft office. I know it sounds like a joke. But there will be many simple things that you might not know how to do. At the end of the course, there will be a small test, making you use what you have learnt overtime. We were told that if we failed the course, we would be posted to become a General Technician ( Gen Tech ). This is one of the worst, or lowest ranking vocation. In this vocation, you would be given various tasks by your officer in charge that differs from the rest.

One example would be the guard house at the entrance. Working alongside with the provost are the Gen Techs. They do not get to go home at 5 everyday like the rest. They work a ROTA shift. Coming back to the clerk course. I assume the instructors were joking when they said that as i actually failed my test. However, my instructor told me that he would somehow pass me, which he did. At the end of the course, we were told where to report to. Since majority of my friends were staying in the east, they were posted out to 1st Div. Only me and a few others remained. A few of my friends were posted to 4th Div, while another friend a I, were posted back to CDA.

The following day, i reported to the Admin Office, which was where i was posted to. And within a few hours, i got to meet my seniors and learnt what my task was. It took me a while to know and familiarize myself with the office.

I am currently working as a charge clerk, dealing with all of the charges that occur within CDA. As you know, in NS, you can get charged for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is AWOL. Another one is not attending roll call. Civil Defence has its own act and various sections of rules, different from the SPF and SAF, that we have to abide by. I cannot share them due to obvious reasons.

In a month, i receive many cases of NSFs going AWOL, not attending roll call, reporting to the clinic late, caught sleeping etc. When an officer comes to me with a case of his guy doing something wrong, i write down the details in a specific form, similar to a police report. Once i am done with that, i create a case against him in the online system. Once the case gets approved, i get the report printed, along with the provost and the subject himself, meet a specified Junior Disciplinary Officer ( depending on his unit ) . for his trial.

There are also cases of NSFs going AWOL for a long period. After a certain number of days, he is considered a deserter and is also wanted by the police. If he were to surrender himself or gets caught by the police, he will be escorted back to CDA and held in the DB. I would then have to create a case against him, get the report done, along with the JDO, head to the DB to conduct his trial.

I get to see and handle stuff that the public and others would not be able to. For now, this is what i will share. Overtime, i will write in more stuff as i will be handling more duties.

My Class 2B Traffic Police Test

I know it has been months since i posted about my experience of obtaining my 2B license . I just realized that i have not posted about my traffic police test .

Alright . I took my traffic police test on the 9th of October 2015 , which was on a friday . I remember booking 2 Self Practice (SP) lessons and a Road Revision (RR) on Wednesday and Thursday. I kept practicing on my U turns and plank . Moreover , i also worked on my S course .  Road revisions take place in the afternoon and night . That went well with no problems.

Now the day came for my TP . I reported at the training center at 7.30 and printed out my slip at the machine near the glass door , not the usual machine that you would use for you lessons. You have you hand in your IC and PDL to the guy at the counter . Your number is based on your age and nationality . Foreigners get to go first , then singaporeans from oldest to youngest . I was in the last group .

We had a briefing for about 30 mins regarding the test and we were given a break for about 15 mins. You will be not allowed to go out and buy food . Only from the canteen . In addition to this , we all had a chance to test the bike and go for 2 rounds of warmup around the circuit . If there are any problems with the bike , you would have to report it to the instructors .

Now , time for testing to start ! Group by group , you will be brought outside to the circuit and asked to recall your IC number for the tester . The first group had to go for their test right away after that while the rest of us would be allowed to go back to the room . The good thing about being in the last few groups is that the instructors would be tell you what mistakes the earlier riders did , and what the testers penalized them for. I was anxiously waiting for my turn. Finally the moment came ! We were led outside and each of us chose a bike .

We had to wait in a line near where the bikes are parked . Once we got the signal from the tester , who , by the way , will be seated in the highrised  mini shelters that you see around the circuit , we must then ride to the starting line . I was the 3rd last . Once the instructor waved to me to go the start line , i rode there anxiously . I then had to wait for another signal from him to go off . Once he gave me the signal , i checked my left blind spot and rode off . Something you have to take note of which is really important , is to wait for the signal from the tester who will be stationed at specific courses. If you fail to do so , you would have an immediate failure . The testers will be at the starting point , s course , plank and e brake .

The first part that you would be check for is your right turn from your major to minor road , leading to another left turn , which heads to your slope . The most important thing is your checking of the blind spot before each and every turn .

Once you are done with that , move on to your slope. Never forget your blind spot . Move on to your S course and crank course . Remember to wait for the signal . Now the next part where most people tend to get penalised . The right turn from the minor to major road . 

I was pretty lucky as there was not much test cars around that time . Check your left , right and blind spot, and off you go , merging into the left lane smoothly . I headed over to the plank next ! I actually said some prayers before i went onto the plank , as once you fall off from it , immediate failure . 

I completed the plank course and pylon slalom with ease ! 

The next course is something which i feared the most. E Brake ! 

I rode to the starting line and waited for the signal . When it came to braking , i was hoping that i would not skid and fall ! And true enough , i did not ! With a happy mind , i rode off to the exit for the road . 

Everything when with ease , including the u turn ! After the u turn , i was filled with joy . I rode back to the end point , parked my bike and headed to level 3 , entered the room which was infront of the stairs to collect our results . We had to wait for about 30 mins before the instructor came in.

My palms were filled with sweat . One by one , numbers were called out amd each got up and went to another room . In case you do not know , if your number is called out , that means you have failed . After calling about 10 numbers, he closed the door and said " the rest of you passed ! " . All of us clapped and cheered each other . 

We had one final lesson before completing out 2B course . And that was the expressway riding .course . you could either book a 12.30 or 2.30 lesson . I went for my prayers and headed for the 2.30 lesson . As a group , the instructors will bring you to discovery center , farm mart , and through KJE . It is really thrilling experience to be riding at around 60 km/hr on the expressway . Once you are done with your final lesson . You will be given a piece of paper signed by your instructor stating that you have completed the course . 

I went to the TP counter at level 2 and got my license :) 

For the new riders, I have authored 2 posts regarding buying bikes and riding in general :

-)Buying your first bike

-)Riding in Singapore

Do read my other experiences.

Class 3/3A lessons

Class 2 tp

Class 2a tp

Class 2a lessons

Class 4 

Class 2b lessons

Class 5

I have shared my class 3 and 3a tp experience here :

class 3

Trying to ask a girl out !

From the title , you know what it means . Me trying to ask a girl out . I was walking through Yew Tee Point ( a shopping mall near my house )to go back home . That was when a hot blonde caught my attention ! I was starstruck by her looks . The first thing that ran through my mind was to get to know this girl , maybe go out with her one day for a drink . She was working at a yogurt shop called Yoguru .

So at home , i was planning of ways to get her . The only logical way i was thinking of , was to go to the store , order something and try talking to her . I decided to execute my plan . I was nervous and sweaty when i went there for the first time . I decided to ask her how much the drink was and the total if i were get that and a cup of yogurt just to get to talk to her , as i thought just ordering something and walking away after that would be boring . And after paying the cash , i walked away without even smiling .

Me being a shy person , i always had anxiety when it came to talking to girls . This situation was no different . The next day , i decided to get a haircut , a shave and buy clothes in order to look good and be presentable . From what i read , girls like guys who dress well . I spent about $100 on 3 shirts . I did not mind spending this much to get a girl !

On another day , i walked past the shop and saw her . I decided to run home and change as fast as i could as i thought that the shop was about to close . I did not know the closing time then . By the time i reached the shop , i was sweating like a waterfall . I ordered what i needed and before i left , i said an awkward " goodnight " to her . Again , since i was nervous , i did not even smile at her .

For the next few days , i kept walking by the shop to see if she was there . At times she was actually there , but i could not sum up my courage to actually come to the point straight . Then , a lightbulb popped over my head ! I decided to write a letter to her instead !

I went online and found a good looking vintage texture . I spent hours writing and re writing the letter . This was the end result :

And the day came for me to give her the letter . After ordering my usual stuff , i asked her a few questions like if she was local and still schooling . She gave me one word replies . The one question that was running through me head was " why is she giving me one word replies ? " . She gave me my change and went back to prepare the store for closing . Without hesitation , i took out my letter and got her attention . I told her that " i wrote a letter for you " . Her immediate reaction was " What ! " and " Why ? " . In other words , she seemed surprised at why a guy who has been coming back to the shop repeatedly wants to give her a letter . I told her to keep the letter . 

Before leaving , or more like " wanting to get the hell out of the place as soon as i could " , i told her " sorry if this is awkward " . I left the place never to look back again . 

Even till this day when i walk past the place , i rarely look at the shop in fear of making eye contact with her as i am afraid it might be awkward . 

Personally , i think this whole plan failed as i did not make her feel comfortable . I did not even bother to smile or even say hi to her . Even the " goodnight " was said in an awkward and rushing manner .  Nevertheless , i don't want to worry too much about it as it was my first time even trying to ask a girl out . 

If i had the chance to meet her again , i would just be straight forward and apologize to her first for making her feel uncomfortable . Next , i would tell her what my plan was , which was to just go out with her for a drink , or coffee . 

This is my experience on trying to ask a girl out ! 

My Motorcycle Accident !

If you read my " NS Part 1 " post , you would have noticed that i mentioned " motorcycle accident " there . I got into a motorcycle accident on the 1st of January 2016 . I might beat around the bush before leading to how i got into an accident .

On the 31st of December 2015 , I headed off to Gardens by the bay to capture the fireworks . I left my house around 10.30 , and i reached Gardens by the Bay around 11.30 . The place was PACKED !
The car park was full . I waited for about 20 mins after deciding to go somewhere else . I decided to go to the taxi stand there to capture the fireworks .

The wait to enter the car park

Managed to go to the taxi stand and capture the fireworks 

After capturing fireworks , i headed back to Choa Chu Kang to pick up my friend . The crowd at MBS was insane ! People were packed like sardines ! I managed to get back to CCK in about 1 1/2 hours . After picking up my friend , we went to Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak to eat . We chilled for a while before sending him home .

I had to pick up my dad around 4am after he had finished his night shift at Admilarity station .

After sending him home , i got a text from my cousin asking me to pick him up around Orchard . 

I told myself why not as i wanted to go around exploring places . 

I reached Spize around 5.30 am . The place was filled with drunk people . I really hated it . Now , the part leading to my accident . I was going to send him to the Grand Hyatt Hotel which was a few blocks away , as my other cousins had booked a room there . As i was approaching a junction , a car turned right infront of me ! All i remember was braking and boom ! The next moment , i was lying face down and all i could hear was the motorcycle revving . 

I got up immediately trying to fit what had happened into my mind together . The driver , a japanese worker , got out and all he said was sorry ! I took down his details and he soon left the place . A police car just happened to pass by . Two police officers got out. The most useless police officers . All they asked was whether i needed an ambulance . After i said no , off they went !

I called my dad to tell him what had happened . He told me to call for a tow truck . I managed to find a service through google and got in contact with him .

The junction where the accident took place . That is the police car i was talking about . I was going straight in the direction of the car and the other guy was turning right from the opposite side . He did not wait for me and turned out immediately .

The car which collided into me

The bike was damaged so bad that i could not even start it 

A screenshot i took of the exact location minutes after i got back up on my feet 

I was not injured badly as i was wearing jeans ,  riding jacket and full face helmet . If it weren't for those , i would have be injured severely . I got some minor road rashes on my knees , knuckles and left ankle . I left knee hurt for about a week . As for my cousin , he sustained minor road rashes . We flagged a cab and he got off at the hotel . I went home and my parents rushed me to NUH A&E . Fortunately , i did not have and fractures . I got treated for my road rashes . We had our breakfast and went to Shun Li Industrial Park , as there was where i rented the bike from . 

Just to let you know , that is the only place where 2B holders can rent bikes from . I have rented bikes from there about 2 times . Coming back to the point , the owner there helped me file a accident report and my parents had to pay $2000 for the bike and lawyer . It will take about 14 months for the case to be settled . Hopefully , the case can be settled and my parents are able to get claim back the money . 

I am fortunate to have not sustained major injuries . As i am typing this post , i have fully recovered from my injuries . I just cannot wait to get back to riding . My Apologies for not coming straight to the point .

As the saying goes , " you are not a real biker till you come off your bike "

NS Part 3

Continued from part 2  ,

Every morning , all of us would have to fall under the shelter , which is right beside our block , with our water bottles . We would have our water parade and go for our morning walk . We would either walk 2 or 3 rounds either around the running track or NSTI . By the way , NSTI is just beside CDA .
Then , we would go for our breakfast at the canteen . Our food is catered by a company called Sodexo , which sucks really really bad . I have to put up with the shitty food for almost a month !
Anyway , after our breakfast , we would fall in back into the same place we had our water parade , and return to our bunks for our bunk cleaning . We would be given about 30 mins to clean our bunk and tidy our beds . After that , we would have our bunk inspection and change into our attire for the next lesson .

The week before POP , we have our medical lessons . It compromised of theory lessons and practical lessons . For 2 days straight in a row , we had theory lessons in an air conditioned room for half of the day ! Most of us fell asleep . Then , we were taught how to do a CPR , tie the different bandages etc. On the last day , we had our theory and practical test . It was really hard but all of us managed to pass it .

And finally , on my 4th ( last ) , we had many foot drills and POP rehearsals . Unfortunately for us PES Cs , we werent allowed to do any marching . We only had to forge in with the POP marching squad after they had made one round . So while waiting for the POP marching squad to finish rehearsing , we could just chill and talk . Also on the last night before our POP , the whole Alpha company had something called OC night , where we could organize games , play and ask questions to the instructors . This lasted all the way till 12 midnight . After going back to our bunks ,
we could either sleep or talk to our instructors who came to our bunks . They usually shared stories about their life in NS and ghost stories . The lights out on that night was around 3 am .

After OC night. Most of us spend the time taking pictures with their instructors and friends 

On our POP day ( 28 January 2016  ) , we had our " rehearsals " and then went to our bunks around 5 to change up . For our actual POP , we didn't even do the whole forging in thing as we had to stick to the wet weather plan as it was raining . All we had to do was to stand at the top level of the hall till the ceremony was over . Then , we went and met our parents , had our dinner and spend quality time with them . We were given about 2 hours . After returning to our bunks , the instructors gave us drinks and chips . On that night as well , the lights out time was really late .

POP !

And finally on my last day as a recruit , we had to pack everything from our lockers into bags and clean the whole damn bunk . From moping to cleaning the windows . It lasted from 7 all the way till 11 i guess . Around 11.30 , we had to fall in into the hall for our last briefing . And finally , we booked out around 12 ( 29 January 2016 ) . That was my last book out as a recruit . All of us had to report back on monday for our vocations . I got into a clerk vocation . From the 1st all the way till the 10th , i am having my clerk course ,

Currently , as this post is being typed , i am enjoying the long weekend due to chinese new year . The 10th of Feb will be my last day of the course . And on wednesday , i will know where i will be posted to and report to the place for my work . Will keep you guys updated .

NS Part 2

Continued from part 1

A proper post this time . Like what i was saying earlier in the first part . I got enlisted into SCDF on the 7th of Jan 2016 . Going into detail , i was told to report to CMPB at 8.30 am . I took a cab there with my parents . After arriving there , i was told by a representative there to wait for some personnel from CDA ( Civil Defence Academy ) to pick me up . After having breakfast and waiting for at least 3 hours , another guy , who later became my friend , and I were brought into a room to take the oath . Soon , the personnel arrived to pick me and my friend .  I bid farewell to my parents and we were directed to a lorry . My friend and I sat at the back of the lorry and waited for our journey into becoming a NSF .

I can't remember his name but he was 22 years old . We talked about games , school and many more . After an hour , we arrived in CDA . We were brought into a room where i clearly remember someone telling us to enjoy the last moments of our civilian lives . Later , a NSF helped me with admin stuff , like signing papers etc . Soon , i was given my uniform and brought into my bunk .

To my surprise , many in the bunk were really kind . Not like what i expected . Majority of them were malays . There were a few chinese , skihs and indians . Most of them had A levels and degrees . They were kind enough to teach me the basic stuff , and i learnt them quickly .

The view from my bunk . The muslim cemetery was just opposite us !

I can't remember much after that . The next few weeks were filled with footdrills , learning how the rescue equipments work. As PES Cs , we are not allowed to do any physical activities and use any of the rescue equiptments . I was disappointed as i expected to learn more and do more physical training ..

Chilling out at night . Usually after our dinner or last training , we are given about 1 or 2 hours to bath , iron or use our phones .  Lights our are usually around 10 and last movements are around 10.15 .

Anyway , after 1 week of confinement , we were allowed to book out on the 2nd week ( 15th January 2016 ) . The book out time was always around 5.30 PM . You don't have to bring home every single thing ! Only necessary stuff . We were told to always have our caps on . To be honest , i couldnt give a crap about that rule . Getting cab at Jalan Bahar is a pain in the ass . It is considered a quiet place as it is filled with the various cemeteries . Personally , i went riding there many times at night , it was really creepy . Anyway , for all of my 3 book outs that i had , i shared a cab with my friend .

We were to book in on Sunday by 8.30 . For the 2 book ins that i had , we had to unpack everything from our bags after falling in , for our spot checks . It was a pain in the ass .

Continued in the next part ...

NS part 1

I got enlisted into the Civil Defence Academy on the 8th on January 2015, compared to the rest , who were enlisted on the 2nd . Reason being , i got into a motorcycle accident on the first of Jan , and was on MC till the 7th . I was pretty nervous at first , thinking about my bunk mates , the training . From what i read and heard , majority of the people in CD are malays , and there are some who will act like " gangsters " . However when i went there , i got a surprise . Most of the people there were really kind to me . Almost all of them helped me out .................  continued on next part . I made this post in a rush .