FSA really pushed me to the limits. It consists of doing a few stations which includes drills and tests on the BA and hydrant testing. God knows how close I was to breaking my fast when we were done with all our drills but I kept going and perservere thankfully with His will. We were graded out of 100 for FSA and my score is only a B in JC standards while the average score was about 70+. I felt demoralised at the end of the test but rather proud for carrying out my obligation as a Muslim despite an exhausting day.
Next up we have HRCT which falls on hazardous materials (hazmat) week, just a week ago. It felt like school all over again. I mean we had 3 days of lectures on the detectors used in hazmat operations. We had to study the specs of 9 or 10 detectors and 3 of the detectors will be tested in an oral assessment. Didn't screw up on the test itself thankfully. The physical endurance test was fun, despite it being held in Ramadan while donning our chemical agent (CA) suit. I guess the most memorable part of hazmat week is our experience in the CA chamber. We entered a tear gas chamber with our CA suit and face mask to protect us from the tear gas of course. Here comes the interesting part. After staying in the chamber for about 5 minutes, one by one we have to remove our mask and say our name and IC out loud. What an experience to be engulfed in tear gas. It wasn't hazardous to our health with our brief exposure to tear gas so no worries on that. With that, 2 tests which are part of our fire badge down !
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Last but not least was our marine week. As usual there were lectures and some practical lessons before we were given a rescue exercise to apply what we have learnt. No actual fire to put out. Overall it was rather dull but enriching to say the least.
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What I've just shared is just training wise. Whatever I am sharing here does not depict what I feel throughout this course though. I used to think that training will be tough before I entered this 5-month Section Commander Course. In actual fact, it's the life as an enlistee that's even more of a challenge than the training itself. Not just referring to regimentation but more to getting along with my rota mates. Deceivingly looks bonded but in reality there is a segregation amongst the A level students and diploma holders/ regulars. We, A level students are always the target of discrimination and more for supposedly being egoistic and book-smart only. Oh well. I believe that at the end of the day respect is only earned where it is due and there is no point adding fuel to the fire. My ultimate goal is to have a positive influence on everyone. I don't have to please everyone. I'll do fine with the support of my loved ones and with strength from God.
Salam Aidilfitri to my Muslim brothers and sister.
" I seek forgiveness (from you) physically and spiritually".
