VOCATION CHANGED.

I'm now an official Mortar Infantry. =)

Was quite satisfied with it, cos' I kind of liked to be an artillery personnel, and it's considered one of the more relaxed vocation in my company.

So basically my schedule for the next 2 years is roughly like this:

First 6 weeks -> Go through advanced infantry training (and get my green beret *grins*).
Next 8 weeks -> Go to School of Artillery to learn mortar.
Future weeks -> Start on the different operations.

And to those wondering what a mortar is (and no, not the 'mortar and pestle' or the mortar you use to fill gaps -_-"):

A mortar is a muzzle-loading indirect fire weapon that fires shells at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It typically has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber.

A mortar is relatively simple and easy to operate. A modern mortar consists of a tube which gunners drop a shell into. A firing pin at the base of the tube detonates the propellant and fires the shell.

These attributes contrast with the mortar's larger siblings, howitzers and field guns, which fire at higher velocities, longer ranges, flatter arcs, and sometimes, direct fire.

A mortar can also be a launcher for fireworks, a hand-held or vehicle-mounted projector for smoke shells or flares, or a large grenade launcher.

Light and medium mortars are portable, and usually used by infantry units. The chief advantage a mortar section has over an artillery battery is its small numbers, mobility and the ability to engage targets in the defilade with plunging fires. It is able to fire from the protection of a trench or defilade. In these aspects the mortar is an excellent infantry support weapon, as it can be transported over any terrain and is not burdened by the logistical support needed for artillery.

There are also heavy mortars of 120mm to 300mm caliber. These weapons are usually towed or vehicle-mounted, sometimes breech-loaded, and normally employed by infantry units attached to battalion through division level. Even at this size, mortars are simpler and less expensive than comparable howitzers or field guns.

A mortar can be carried by one or more men (larger mortars can usually be broken down into components), or transported in a vehicle. An infantry mortar can usually also be mounted and fired from a mortar-carrier, a purpose-built or modified armoured vehicle with a large roof hatch.

Adapted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_(weapon)

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Really thanked God that He has put me in a platoon where all the sergeants are really nice people. Although sometimes still strict, but has their unique personalities and are friendly sergeants. Also, I have had very nice platoon mates who have been really encouraging.

Have had quite a tough first 3 days, cos' I really didn't want to end up being a recee (too fierce), or even a rifleman (boring/too routine). I just spent the days thinking about it, and the days has been long.

To be honest, I doubted God.

I was wondering why did He wanted to put me in this awkward and uncomfortable position. It was hard and tough, and I didn't like it.

However, I believe God is making me learn this lesson:

If the clay is not moulded and put through the flame, the clay will never be refined.

Just like all of us, there will surely be times where it is gonna be difficult, it is gonna be a dark day. However, with God by our side, all things are possible. Be a person who would persevere while God is doing His work of refining, and we will all become people who would be strengthened much more then our previous self. =)

Keep pressing on, and don't give up when it is getting rough. A new and refined 'you' is waiting on the side.

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~After doing like a million pushups~

CSM (Company Sergeant Major): Support company... (My company)
Us: YES SERGEANT MAJOR!
CSM: Are you all dying?
Us: NO SERGEANT MAJOR! WE WANT MOREEEEEEEE! (Being forced to say it)
CSM: PUSHUP IN POSITION READY!!!!!!!

Somebody save me~~~~~~~