..:: 495. The One With Being a Staff Officer ::..

During cadet days, those who wish to 'slack' would opt to be a staff officer instead of being a platoon commander in an operational unit. I guess it is true when you are a NSF or it applies if you are in a unit.

It is so different when you are in mindef. There is no such thing as 8-6 work schedule. though there is no bunk but you can expect to leave the office around 9pm. Simple briefing that i attended today lasted a few hours. Still trying to think like the senior officers, all the framework and all the contingencies and that one-look-u-know-what-is-missing.

today the branch celebrated one of the senior officer's birthday. despite being his birthday, he did not request to leave early, in the end, he was the last few who went back. really admired his professionalism, i enjoyed working for the major and the captain. they are a joy to work with. it can get crazy in the office where you have a few tasks to complete in such a short time. After the briefing, the to-do list seemed to be longer.

Was glad to stay up with them till 9 cos i think we are all workaholics. i pity their wives and my future wife too. I guess those who are workaholics would love army. But at the end of the busy day, i felt really good to accomplish many things. Though there are many things i can and want to do but none will give me as much fulfillment ...

To those out there who dread NS, please dont. Enjoy the times of brotherhood and catching up, knowing more people. You can see it as connection but not a waste of time. I have seen so much hard work put in to ensure effective and efficient training. I really treasure all the chances i was given to learn and give.

After work, the senior officers 'jio' me to go to the officers' mess to have dinner, drinks and a chat. I felt weird but they sure make it a point to know me. It was great to know lots of colonels and it felt good to be recognised - 'so you are john right?' Seniors asking me to go over their dept to help them and being recognised as one of the nice engineers to work with really boost my morale.

It feels really good to get posted to different areas but you know people everywhere you go. You sure need help from others so knowing more people really helps, especially when they can help you to look out for desirable posts.

strange eh. came back late, the more i worked, the less tired i felt. i felt happy, satisfied :)

tomorrow after work got red cross meeting... hope i can last.

Quote of the day, ' I have not failed, I just found another way that did not work'

lets keep a moment of silence for Alex, and the 2 NSFs...