The Last Hurdle of the Start of a Long Journey (Last week of BMT pt 2)

With all of our high key events over, there was only 2 things left on our list. Firstly, to practice for our graduation parade, and secondly, the "legendary" 24km route march. This was the last and final week here on Tekong, and the days to POP started to slip through our fingers. But first, we had to practice for our graduation parade.

On the actual graduation parade, due Saturday, we will march in, onto the floating platform as a company. This meant coordinating 200 people to walk in step and turn at the right speed and moment. Moreover, 23 other companies were also graduating on that same day. Meaning that this was going to be a colossal event to organize. Many many hours had already been devoted to arms drills throughout the 9 weeks to familiarize ourselves with the commands used during the parade. What was left, were rehearsals.

Our days from Monday all the way till Wednesday started at around 5:30 in the morning. Breakfast, drawing our rifles and reporting to the parade square, all done by 8am. And from 8 till 5, rehearsals. With an hour for lunch and roughly 20 minutes between each rehearsal, we spent about 7 hours under the unbearably hot Tekong sun. Clouds seemed non-existent on this island, and when there were clouds, they never went anywhere near the sun. Through midday, the scorching sun was out there, roasting recruits, and many a number decided to fall out because of the heat. By just the end of the first day, many of us were red with sunburn. Two more hot and grueling days awaited us and all we did all day was sweat.

 And sweat, and sweat.

Ironically despite making us sit through the heat for 3 days in a row, we had a safety talk on the last day of our rehearsals, awarding personnel with safe practices. Ha ha, while many were falling out left, right and center during the rehearsal in the afternoon heat.

The Last Leg

The 10th of April marked the final day on Pulau Tekong, and also the day we would embark on our 24km route march. This was a symbol of initiation for a soldier as proof of completing his Basic Military Training. We packed our remaining belongings for our route march and cleared all our lockers, leaving the bunk just as it was when we went in for the first time. Taking one last look at our bunks, our home for the past 2 months, we closed the door behind us and walked toward the future ahead of us.

Our field packs were heavy, some much heavier than the standard weight. With all of our belongings on our backs, we departed from the island to make our way to the starting point of our route march at the ferry terminal. As we started the march, everyone was in high spirits. The weather was great and a light wind was blowing as we walked through the road illuminated by the rays of the setting sun. \

Long, narrow and straight walkways greeted us as the first 6km if the journey was along the runways of Changi Airport. Most of us engaged in conversation to keep our minds off the fatigue. As we cleared the runways, we approached the start of the East Coast Parkway coastal route. By then, the sky was starting to darken and what felt like an eternity seperated us from our third checkpoint. We walked continuously for more than 45 minutes, covering way more than 3 clicks at our walking speed, before reaching our 9km mark. Many of us started to feel the pinch; fatigue setting in. One of my friends looked like he could barely take it anymore,

And that was only at the 9km mark.

As we continued along our journey, we past people spending their Friday night at the beach. Some were shocked at the phenomenon they were witnessing. Others waved, smiled and encouraged us to push on. I remember at one point, kids lined the pathway on our journey. The kids, having a camp nearby. It was then that I actually felt proud as a soldier, to serve the country (something only you have to go through to describe)

Kilometers after kilometres rolled past like a blur as we continued our journey into the night. Our breaks grew incredibly short as we had.to keep up the pace to make timings. This, of course, had an impact on all of us, and our morale.

But finally, 21 km later, we reached the edge of the central business district. Walking down a pedestrian bridge, only 3 kilometres seperated us from our destination. We were all tired -- it was 1 in the morning. But at this last and final pit stop, our commanders gave us the last pep talk of our BMT. Downing our cansometimes of ice cold isotonic drinks, we crushed the cans underfoot in unison. With slightly renewed vigour,we continued the final leg of our march. As we crossed the marina Barrage,we saw a stunningly illuminated Singapore skyline.

This was what we were protecting. Why we were in the army.

Reaching the platform at a quarter to two, we put down our field packs for the last time. Many of us were at our limits. Trust me, I was too. We changed into a new set of uniforms and went to sleep on the.hard floor of the floating platform. 

We.didn't care. Our march was over.

And all that's left, was our graduation parade.