Who would have thought this casual snapshot will make it nationally almost 30 years later!
It was February, at north-north of Singapore.
We had recently received our beret. The men in the picture were my batch boys from 1st Company, platoon 3, section 2 (1989-1992). The weather was terribly dry and hot. Much of the greens had turned brown and the open tracks turned dusty in the air as we walked over. The region straddled between the temperate and humid. While trekking we chanced upon this dramatic looking cliff, hence this group picture. Nevertheless, for the uninitiated, we DO NOT normally wear the red-colour beret in the field, because red is Just. Not. Camouflage-friendly.
It was February, at north-north of Singapore.
We had recently received our beret. The men in the picture were my batch boys from 1st Company, platoon 3, section 2 (1989-1992). The weather was terribly dry and hot. Much of the greens had turned brown and the open tracks turned dusty in the air as we walked over. The region straddled between the temperate and humid. While trekking we chanced upon this dramatic looking cliff, hence this group picture. Nevertheless, for the uninitiated, we DO NOT normally wear the red-colour beret in the field, because red is Just. Not. Camouflage-friendly.
This picture happened because many newly-minted, very young proud NS commandos would want to show off their coveted red berets whenever we have the chance. Also, because we could ahem, look "garang" effortlessly 🤩.
We sometimes packed the beret with us when we moved out to visit these unique terrains to take "garang" pictures - because preparedness for 1001 contingencies is always something we are well-known for 😎.
On hindsight I am reminded of those war television series, Band Of Brothers and Pacific (and a couple of other films from Hollywood) where historical pictures of war are keyed-in or superimposed against the bigger narrative. Hmm, perhaps this could be it haha. Something for me to think about.
On hindsight I am reminded of those war television series, Band Of Brothers and Pacific (and a couple of other films from Hollywood) where historical pictures of war are keyed-in or superimposed against the bigger narrative. Hmm, perhaps this could be it haha. Something for me to think about.
PS: I was also featured on Singapore Armed Forces' monthly Pioneer magazine (December 2018).
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