Idaho Reflections

As I sit in my room full of half packed boxes and approximately 1 month to returning home to Singapore, I can't stop but start thinking back how fast the past 2 years flew by quickly. I'm full of gratefulness for this opportunity to come to this wonderful state called Idaho to train at Mountain Home Air Force Base with the USAF. Of course, it's not always rainbow and butterflies as I also share what struggles I faced. I hope this blog posts helps to collect my thoughts and reflections of the past 2 years. It may be a slightly lengthy post (hopefully I can dig out some pictures since I'm a pretty visual person). Here goes the main 5 pointers:

1. Finally the chance to live and travel overseas alone
2. Working in a Fighter Squadron in an airbase
3. Experiencing 4 seasons and "angmoh" traditions
4. The great outdoors
5. Relying on God and finding true friends

Living and travelling overseas alone

You have no idea how I've longed to travel overseas be it an overseas university degree or even an exchange. Each time though I was knocked back down as my parents would not sponsor my hunt for an overseas experience. I understand of course, it is their money and I don't really have a say in it. Young me always wanted to venture out of Singapore to taste what the world have to offer. I always said I wanted to migrate overseas but at this point in time after being overseas for 2 years, I really appreciate what Singapore has to offer. Every place has their pros and cons but now I know the pros far outweigh the cons for me back home in Singapore. I'm looking forward to coming home for good. 

I will miss the freedom of living alone though! I get to sleep in on the weekends, come back late without having to update anyone, manage my own meals (though it gets very sian to think and plan for meals), get lazy on household chores, buy whatever I want to decorate my room, basically just be responsible for myself, answer for my own decisions and not have anyone nagging at me. Hopefully even after coming back to Singapore I can get a place of my own soon. I'm definitely going to have a hard time adjusting to living with my parents again even though I really miss them a lot. 

One of the biggest perks is having my own car here and having the freedom to drive on wide open roads to nowhere. Also the speed limit on the expressways are 80 mp/h which is about 130 km/h and there are rarely any motorcycles. People are way more courteous on the roads here cause we are in a pretty much ulu place. 

Also, I adopted two cats here and will be bringing them back with me to Singapore! Hmm, I guess my parents have some adjustment to do :P

Travelling has been great until COVID struck. I'll cover more later in point 4 but just to list down the few places I've ventured to outside Idaho: 

• Salt Lake City, Utah (just 4 hours away from Mountain Home)
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• LA & San Fran, California
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Kauai, O'ahu & Big Island, Hawaii
• Jasper Banff National Park & Vancouver, Canada

*TBC*

Big shoes to fill

I've been neglecting this blog but a few recent emails from you guys made me start reflecting again on my journey thus far. I really want to give thanks to God for giving me this opportunity to come here and train. I honestly don't know why I deserve to come here instead of someone else. I don't know what else is in store for me in my RSAF journey, what future appointments I'll hold, which other squadrons I'll go to.

All I know is that when I do go back to Singapore (Aug 2020), I'm expected to be "senior" and take on instructor roles, teach the juniors what I've learn in my 2 year stint in US. I've seen those that have come before me, how much knowledge they have learnt and imparted to me and my fellow mates. Now it's my turn to continue the cycle and do the same. 

It's scary. What if I'm not good enough? What if I learnt the wrong thing and teach the wrong thing? What if my juniors don't make it because I can't teach properly? What if I didn't actually maximize my opportunity to learn as much as I can here? My biggest fear is my juniors asking me a question I don't know the answer to since I know I'm not exactly textbook smart (I cant remember facts and numbers for nuts). 

I'm 3 "practical exams" away from completing my training here where I have to control multiple aircraft in a tactical fight. Sometimes I laugh and wonder how the heck did I even get here, I mean it was just yesterday I was at my workstation at level 12 in Raffles Place, answering client's calls, replying scores of emails, meeting KPIs, having lunch in CBD and squeezing in the train home after a long's day work. 

All I can say I'm much happier now in the RSAF and God has really blessed me in this aspect. Like many, I grew up worrying I could never find a job after graduating, let alone a job where I can find satisfaction and also be financially independent. God really found the right job for me and I can't be more thankful. 

8500 miles away

I haven't really gotten down to reflecting and looking through small milestones in my RSAF journey and figured it might be a good time now. Just really thankful for all the opportunities that were presented my way for example helping out with NDP18, RSAF50@SA18 and RSAF Womens Seminar 18. Some may think of this as saikang but to me, I enjoy participating as part of the working crew to see more than the civilian point of view. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be wearing the RSAF No.4 Blue uniform and standing BEHIND the counter and talking to the public about what we do. But Here I Am :)

Now, I find myself at a new start. Knowing new people, processes, physical space and last but not least, the different culture. I kind of miss my previous squadron but I guess I have to constantly step out of my comfort zone to progress. I'll be here for 2 years for my training upgrades and hope I don't disappoint.

BUCCANEERS! TAKE NO PRISONERS! 

2018

The path ahead is still full of hurdles but when I take a glance back at where I began, it never cease to inspire me to just continue. Somehow, just like that 2.5 years have passed and I never thought I could even pass out from BMT. Take that back, I didn't even know I would sign on!

2018 - RSAF Family Day

2011 - RSAF Open House

Almost at the 2 year (ORD) mark

One by one all the guys in my BMT batch are ORDing and finally reuniting with their PINK IC. Just want to wish them CONGRATULATIONS for completing 2 years of NS! It's definitely not easy considering males do not have a choice in serving NS and which vocation they can choose.

On a side note, I've received numerous emails from many of you and I'm really glad to be able to answer your questions and hopefully allay some of your worries. It may seem lonely and scary at the beginning stage as females but trust me, in the end you will get to meet a whole lot of other females walking this same path as you :)  Here are some of the emails I've received (hope the senders don't mind me sharing). Continue to keep those questions coming! I only apologise if i take some time to reply ><

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Hello Cherie! :-)

Chanced upon your blog a few months ago while researching on joining the air force and I would like to thank you for recording your experience online for all of us ladies who are considering signing on as well!

I have just graduated from JC and will be entering uni this year (unless all goes well and I do manage to sign on). I received news that I've passed my COMPASS test and will be going for my aeromedical next week. I do have a few questions that I hope you may be able to answer in your own time since replies on forums are mostly from male NSFs, and I figured that their experience would vary greatly.

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Hi Cherie,

Hope you see this email, I've just passed the interview stage for C3 and was asked if I wanted to join Air Traffic control or Air Defence control! Which are you currently in and how is it? Was hoping to get a better view of it from someone inside :).

Thanks much

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Hi Cherie!

Chanced upon ur blog and saw that u did your compass test. Do u still remember what is the compass test all about and the various sections??

Thank you and looking forward to your reply soon!

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Hi Cherie!

I have came across your blog and have a few questions to ask you about joining RSAF!

I understand that you might be busy and my question would seem rather repeatitive. But i really hope that i could talk to someone like you about my questions and doubts.

I look forward to your reply!! ((((:

Thank you!

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Hi Cherie,

I am :) , a female who is considering to join the RSAF. I have gone for the compass test and medical test at CMPB. The next step would be the aeromedical test, but i have yet to book the timing for it. I passed the compass test for WSO FTR and C3. I would like to find out from u the life of a C3. How is the environment like over there? From what i heard about the fighter sqn, they usually scold very nasty things at you, vulgarities etc till one feels really demoralised. Is C3 environment the same? Have you ever regretted joining the air force? And do u think that u r treated unfairly compared to the overseas scholars, SAFOS and SMS?

Thank you so much! God bless!

Warmest regards,

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