My First Day At PLMGS Series - Epilogue

ACS SJAB LTC'85

I can't believe I kept this inside me for 23 years. I supposed it's ok to talk about it now that it no longer mattered to me anymore.

I was deeply disappointed with the appointment given to me despite ranking 6th overall in the Leadership Training Course. With Top Dog post of Student Coordinator and 4 Platoon Sergeants, surely I would be first in line for a Assistant Platoon Sergeant spot? Instead, all I got was the appointments of a Squad Leader in the Corp and a Section Leader of the clarinet section of the band.

While not trying to come across as unappreciative and with all due respect to the squad leaders past, present and future, I was gunning for more back then.

Of course with the benefit of hindsight that we wonder why take this so seriously. But at the age of 14 and not more hindsight nor maturity, it was all the world to me.

The ACS SJAB was a world within the world for me.

Strangely, while it was demoralisingly humbling, it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. A lesser appointment meant that I had more time to pursue other interests. So came that one day when my officer approached me to ask about my interest in helping with the setup of the PLMGS division. I said "Yes" without without a second thought.

I agreed to it partly because this was a very interesting project. A new challenge. A new experience and an opportunity that probably won't come by again.

And also partly the want to "redeem" myself and prove my officers wrong for "seeing me no up" and give me such a "low" appointment despite my high ranking in the LTC.

There was one minor thing though. Whatever I do at PLMGS SJAB, would not count towards my performance in ACS SJAB and will not be recognised for ECA Distinction Award consideration. This was made known to me right at the start that the PLMGS project was a voluntary project i.e. outside interest of personal nature.

I signed up nevertheless. I was not doing it to score "promotion points" within my own Corp. I just wanted them to see a better picture of me and what I am capable of.

At the end of the day, I think I did ok at ACS SJAB. I signed off my ACS SJAB "career" with the rank of Senior Warrant Officer and the unofficial appointment of the Concert Master of the band.

Could've climbed further if I had carried on when I entered NTU, but alas travelling to and from the university was just too far and timing clashed as a result of my lectures on Saturdays.

Still, it didn't matter as much as my stint in PLMGS.

I remembered fondly of one of my first job interviews when I just graduated from NTU by a prospective employer. I was asked about my greatest achievement in life so far?

"I helped set up the St John Ambulance Division in Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School." I replied proudly.

I'll never forget that.

- Voxeros

1. THB left...

Friday, 1 August 2008 9:45 am :: http://the-hb-diaries.blogspot.com

Impt thing is... Did you get the job? Haha. =p

2. Gary left...

Friday, 1 August 2008 12:23 pm

i think i can recognize you in the pic. somewhere along 2nd row.

3. darkelfin left...

Friday, 1 August 2008 1:41 pm

why so seriousss......

4. JayWalk left...

Friday, 1 August 2008 9:29 pm :: 

THB: I did get to second round but by then, I accepted another job elsewhere already.

Gary: I'm not telling, you'll just have to guess like everybody else.

darkelfin: Good question that I know not myself. I was merely letting the "proverbial pen" take it course with the entry.

5. Linny. left...

Friday, 1 August 2008 10:40 pm

Clappity clap clap! Very cool, I wish I was more devoted to Choir.
I get complacent all the time, cause the girls around me in choir are like, really tone deaf.

6. JayWalk left...

Saturday, 2 August 2008 10:14 am :: 

Linny: This type of thing takes more than just interest and passion to fulfill the commitment. It was a calling for me to step forward to serve.