So where were we the other time. Ah yes, I was going to Brunei. Took that awfully skinny picture of myself before flying off (I am actually even leaner now...yikes... at least the abs are showing off nicely...no complains). And yes, I had to take a C-130 to Brunei. Think World War 2 bombers...noisy, shaky and hot. Three full hours of flight. Miss them pretty air stewardess.... sigh...
Off to the jungles of Brunei. Back as a trainee again. A role that I haven't assumed for a long time; but one that I am very comfortable with. Now many people might not get used to it after being commissioned as an officer. Its hard to be ordered running about like dogs again after being in power for so long; even if its only for a short 2 weeks. But... I have no problem with this role. In fact somehow it feels good to be a trainee again, I relish in roles like this.
Anyway, this time I'm attending a course called the "jungle confidence course". Basically, you are in a hypothetical scenario where your plane crashed in the middle of the jungle and you have to survive for five days without any given food or water; they call it the "survival phase". After which you supposedly manage to nurse yourself back to health and recieve instructions to move back to friendly lines. And the movement back would take a solid four day three nights of walking; this is the "Evacuation Phase".
Second time I'm doing it. The first time round I did it, I failed the course, due to poor navigation. Our team lost the way on the third day of 'evacuation phase'. Sucks I know. And who'd have guessed I'll be here five years later doing it the second time...
But hey I'm ready. More ready than ever. The first time I did it I felt like shit. It was quite a rude awakening and I was pushed, or nearly pushed to my limits. I remember vividly on the fifth day, alone in the jungle, I missed my family so much that I cried. Yes big baby I know...considering I don't usually miss them. I fainted a couple of times too due to low blood sugar. I remember squatting down trying to start a fire, and when I suddenly stood up, the sudden rush of blood to the head was too much. I fell to the ground; blacked out for a few seconds. When I came round, and my vision came into focus I couldn't remember where was I, only to see my makeshift shelter made from tree trunks and then thinking to myself "shit...i'm in the jungles of Brunei"...
This time round, older, wiser (I hope), mentally stronger. Somehow I know its going to be ok. Not a walk in the park, but it'll just be another mission, albeit a tough one.
