KMTA Day 1/8

OK, today's the most dreaded day of the entire battalion. I'm sure I need not mention why....

The "Admin Team" loaded up our laptops, printer, kitbags and some other essential items into our designated Land-Rover. We then headed off to the Vehicle Form-Up Point before heading towards KMTA, with my rover leading the convoy of 19 vehicles, including 2 spare guns.

Departing at 9am, we arrived at our destination (+/- 100km away) nearly 2hrs later and immediately setup our "Office" for the next 8 days. Our "Office" is set up in a gigantic open-concept sheltered shed with concrete flooring and a bricked perimeter wall with openings at intervals. We picked out and optimal spot towards the middle of the shed, cordoned off an estimated 5m by 5m area using white-tapes and started setting up the various equipment and beds.

It was nearing lunch time by the time we finished. We were shocked to learn that there will be no food today and it's supposed to be Combat-Rations for today. Fresh rations will start from tomorrow and continue until the final few days when it will revert back to Combat-Rations. One alternative is to get food from the canteen which will usually be opened at the camp site. However, checking out the building likely to be the canteen, the hawker said it would be ready only during dinner time. We ended up getting by with a packet of Combat-Ration, some biscuits and junk-food bought from a nearby provision shop.

The canteen was ready by 4plus and we took turns to go as someone HAD to be around to guard the "Office". When I finally managed to go, I was stunned to find that the hawkers here are the EXACT folks from the SYC Canteen!!! Apparently, these hawkers are aware of our movements and followed us as we move!! I'm very impressed.

Must be due to the rain, it's rather cold today. For the first time ever, I wore a t-shirt under my uniform and I just about felt warm enough. Usually, the uniform alone would make me sweat! I can't imagine how cold it will get later on in the night be it for those out there in the field and also for us back here in camp. Even the water feels quite cold... Guessed I'd skip shower tonight...

I was mentioning to SO earlier in the evening that the amount of calamaris I've had in the past few days are more than what I'd have had in a single year. She instantly reminded me that these are high cholesterol stuffs. I hadn't thought of that until she mentioned it.

Oh man, I simply love SO to bits for being so thoughtful!! :)


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