The Individual Fitness Assessment (IFA) as well as Military Swimming Test (MST) were conducted in the first week of the selection process. We arrived at the Mini Stadium, Bolkiah Garrison very early with our sports attire when the skies were still dark. We observed a group of military recruits that were doing the same dry land tests as us. They illustrated to us how we must be physically capable to keep up with our fitness level. We were first guided by one of the military personnel on the 2.4km run route in which to our surprise, took place around the roads of Ministry of Defence (MinDef) headquarter.
Prior to our fitness test, we were first warmed up together with two military personnel. The warm up included butt kicks, slow jogs along with other dynamic stretches to make ourselves up and going. The military personnel query on our well-being. Unfortunately, some of us could not proceed with the IFA due to illness. Thankfully, I was able to participate in the fitness test to assess my physical and mental robustness.
Enduring through 2.4 kilometres run, sit ups, push ups and pull ups under time pressure drained us however, the motivation from Miss Susie, colleagues as well as the military personnel encouraged us to reach our maximum potential.
After the IFA, we quenched our thirst and rested for a while at the Multi-Purpose Hall. We then proceeded with MST which took place at the RBAirF Rimba Airbase Swimming Pool. Alya took Hannan, Syasya and I for a ride to the following place and on our way there, we discussed about military matters. At the swimming pool, the ladies were the first ones to take on with MST which included 2 minutes water treading and 50 metres swim with any type of stroke. After the ladies' swimming session, their fatigued faces worried me a lot. But with my solid foundation in swimming, I managed to pull everything off.
All of us were pleased to consume refreshments provided by MinDef after the MST. I remember vividly how satisfying it was to drink a can of 100 plus whilst eating curry puffs. We headed back home not long after and all in all, it was a challenging yet exciting experience.
A week later, we were called for Leadership Test at the Officers' Cadet School, Defence Academy RBAF, Tanah Jambu early in the morning. Here, we were assessed based on our leadership skills outside the confines of our comfort zone. Before we faced the obstacles, a military personnel warmed us up with some dynamic movements. Thanks to Miss Susie's banana offer, my teammates and I were able to keep ourselves energetic throughout the entire day. We headed to the obstacles field where two representative personnel assisted us on the risk assessments of hopping and connecting two wooden planks with a rope.
Then, we proceeded to the first obstacle in which we had to get on the other side of the imaginary river with a Covid-19 safety package whilst being chased by pirates as mentioned by Col. Norsuriati. I was the first one to lead and although we didn't manage to complete the task in time, I firmly believe that showing a holistic approach to my team members plays a significant role in communicating with them to plan out our ideas. We took turns leading each other in different obstacles while the other two members rest. As a follower, I gained a better insight into the numerous roles that we play which included being open to other suggestions to better understand the function of the whole team.
I highly appreciate the support from Col. Norsuriati and Lt. Col. Pg. Khatamalzariah in letting us explore our physical abilities and utilise them in all aspects of life. Later on, we replenished ourselves with the refreshments prepared earlier and headed back home. On the whole, going through IFA, MST and Leadership Test was initially petrifying and mentally tough but at the end of the day, it gives us an opportunity to perform in an intellectually difficult environment.
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