yeah....Things will only get better

My deepest symphathies and condolences to the families of the late Recruit Chew Heng Huat, Andrew, 2SG Thirukumaran s/o Rajagopal and 2SG Hu Enhuai.
The death of 2SG Hu brought about a huge debate. After all, his death was said to be brought about by illegal training methods.. Training Safety Regulations were not adhered to.

I too had been through Full time National Service. As much as I dread the thought of going through what I had been through, I do recognise the fact that National Service is essential for Singapore. Other than the security aspect National Service does toughen young ignorant boys. In fact enough have been said regarding these aspects. During my years of service, I have been through the very much in the limelight training , the same water treatment that was given out to 2SG Hu. Yeah.. my head was dunked into the water with my hands tied. Yeah... it was terrible.. I mean, no one said it was fun. But I managed to survie... I mean I'm alive.

I'm not too sure if the training was excessive... realistic training is a must. Otherwise there's simply no point in NS. Just get some mecenary forces and that's it.. as simple as that. I believe that excessive dunking and maybe his head was held too long under water. Some 5 or 6 other servicemen had breathing difficulties too afer undergoing the same type of treatment. The instrcutors might have just went overboard ? I guess I might know them, afterall having been through this. I mean , stringent safety measures were taken during my course. So I guess.... this has been breached.

No doubt that this type of training is not allowed under SAF training regulations. However, no one actually paid much attention to it during the other 80 batches before this incident. This is so typical of SAF. Actions will only be taken if someone really dies from it. Professional armed forces ? Far from it man.

Col Yeo Eidik had taken over from Col Noel Cheah. Hmm... Col Yeo was my commander during my NSF days. A true gentleman, very much respected by all. He did place a lot of emphasis on safety and such. His sucessor... a certain LTC Tay wasn't particular. No doubt nothing happen during my time... but like what I mentioned... It will only be a great issue when someone dies. Somehow SAF just won't grow out of this? Col Cheah looks like a very decent soldier. You don't become the CCO for nothing. But I guess he will have to shoulder the blame.

Food for though. If this happened in Taiwan and the public got news of it.. I guess the Defence Minister will have to resign. Hence, RAdm Teo better do a good job out the investigations.