Hi all. Just thought I'd update with a more formal entry not concerning the Speech Day Parade where I was the Parade Commander. Not till I get pictures to 'show off'.
To anybody who is currently or is aiming to be a CI, this might be inspiring or uninspiring to you, but that's up to how you actually see it.
Do you have what it takes to become a CI? This whole entry was spurred off by a series of events which happened yesterday, 21st April 2007, at NPCC Annual Parade 2007. The problem lies in the overall head-to-toe of the D06 PCIs. I'm not speaking about their uniform. They all have excellent uniform etiquette, but their behaviour, initiative, responsiblity and control of situations is surprisingly poor.
What values do we learn in CIBTC? As CITs, we all learnt PICARD right? The CIIs mention this magic abbreviation over thousands of times during CIBTC, but how much of PICARD do we really apply when it comes to NPCC?
Punctuality
Initiative
Commitment
Attitude
Responsibility
Discipline
PICARD is a 6-letter abbreviation, newly-promoted PCIs usually score full marks in things like Punctuality, Commitment and Discipline, but the Initiative, Attitude and Responsibility-wise the new batch is really pushing it. 4 months already they have been CIs, and yet they are still behaving like cadets.
Firstly, you do not have much initiative. This is sad considering that, during CIBTC, everyone always had the initiative to remind each other to turn off the bunk lights by 2225 every night. Well done. Then why do I see PCIs cluster-f***ing in one area when there is obviously work to be done. When nothing's going on, it's fine to chit chat, but when everybody is busy working where they are supposed to be working, go and do your job and stop slacking. Just because there are HOs, officers and other CIs in the same area having a chat, doesn't mean you can stop for one too. I remind you again, they are not duty personnel!
Attitude-wise... We all are CIs, we are wearing the same rank. The same pip, the same strip. But do not forget we are your seniors. Wearing the CI rank. I know you all wear it with pride, but for some people, does it give them pride or boost their ego? Please remember as your seniors, we have more experience than you, so when we start delegating jobs amongst ourselves, we don't expect you to go over and help your friend handle his/her school because the school has 10-odd more cadets than yours. You might think that's initiative, but what happens to the school you are supposed to be in charge of? Please be responsible for what we put you in charge of.
The job was to find out how many cadets there was, and respond to the IC or the FI. We don't get a reply, the cadets don't get to their buses quickly, the entire area becomes packed with cadets and officers, and becomes noisy. If you think you're friend can't handle the school, get an NCO to help you report to the IC or FI-in-charge then go help your friend. That's initiative! That way we can all get the job done.
On another note, I still don't like the way new CIs like to abuse their powers and shout at cadets like nobody's business. Be firm, use clear and straightforward directions and orders. Raise your volume but never your voice. These are all mostly Sec 1/2 cadets, little children who suddenly find themselves in a large modern campus in the northwest of Singapore, how not to be noisy? Remember, as a duty personnel you are supposed to guide them not freaking shout at them! Leave the shouting and scolding to their officers/CIs/NCOs.
I'd like to share this little story I found on a forum:
"Two mechanics stranded in the middle of nowhere are trying to repair their ship to get it to move back to mainland. Both mechanics got so hot & frustrated that they began to argue.
One of them, threw his wrench, left the cabin in anger & decided to quit. Changing into cleaner clothes, he was ready to leave only to find out he is still STRANDED in the middle of nowhere.
He finally understood & changed back into his working attire. Apologizing to his fellow mechanic they both get back to repairing the ship together."
CIs are one level above cadets, but we should not always put ourselves above them. Take away situations where you are giving an order and they have to reply 'Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am'. All this is definitely a must, a formality we follow in a regimental organisation. Though we are above cadets, if we work together with our NCOs instead of against them, we surely will achieve greater heights. You as a CI, would surely want cadets to look up to you instead of print your picture as a stick-on target for their dartboards.
And. PCIs. You don't have to call us Sir or Ma'am. Look at your rank, look at mine. We're the same rank, okay? We are not CIIs, you are not CITs. Heck, I don't even expect CITs to call me Sir if I happen to chance upon a squad of CITs if I'm ever in HTA when they are conducting CIBTC. It's just stupid. Having 'Probationary' in your official rank title doesn't mean anything much except for the fact that you have to clock hours.
We must always Give and Take. Give knowledge and Take home memories.
Isn't it true? Most of us don't bother to claim our allowances after our Probationary period is over. The only thing we find fulfilment in our lives as CIs are the memories the cadets give us, so be nice to them, and they will be nice to you in return. Don't be an asshole. They are, like yourself, somebody else's son/daughter.
Lastly. D06. Are you CIs or cadets? CIs? Why do you all behave like cadets? Do you know the way you all think and react? You all behave like cadets with excellent uniform etiquette. You are supposed to set an example for the cadets to follow, and not the other way round! Are today's cadets so poorly taught regarding regimentation and discipline because the CIs are behaving like cadets themselves?
I hope I've given some insight on what it's like to be a CI. And how new batches can shock you to hell when you least expect it.
D06, please clean up your act. |
