Taiwan Tales (Part 1)

The Taiwan training that i underwent for 3 weeks was by far the thoughest so far. However, as though as it is, it is equally fun. To any guy reading this blog, hope you had or will have a chance to train in Taiwan. Basically the Taiwan training is divided into 2 main exercises. Firstly, Exercise Longstride is a 4 day navigational and topography exercise along the mountaineous and hilly terrain of Taizong. This is followed by a 9-day fieldcamp and platoon/section exercises. Thank God for the 4 day Rest and Recreation in Taipei after the training. It makes all the training worthwhile.

So what exactly is so fun about Taiwan training? Well, let's see.......

Exercise Longstride

1. You are able to roam as far as your legs can carry you for 4 days without being controlled by and higher authorities.

2. You will be able to make life or death, 400m-climb or 3km-walk, bash through vegetation or walk on through forbidden roads, i-carry- the-signal-set-you-carry-my-fieldpack decisions.

3. You can throw your combat rations down cliffs, sink them under river, camouflage them under thick vegetation, or bury them. The main cause for joy: Do everything with your combat rations, just don't eat em.

4. You will be able to purchase some of Taiwan delights as you find your numerous checkpoints. Pao Pao Cha(bubble tea), Ji Pa(chicken cutlet), Shui Jiao(dumplings) and Ji Dan Juan(egg rolls with bacon and cheese) are some of my yummy favourites provided by the friendly ninja van aunty. (I hope no army officers are reading this)

5. You will be challenged physically in a totally exciting new manner. Walking through rivers, climbing across mountains, running up hills, sliding down slopes and jumping down cliffs are some of such heart stopping and breathtaking activities abundantly carried out during longstride.

6. You can ask the friendly locals for directions to your checkpoints(and other important stops). "Aunty how do we get to point x arh? And do you know where can we past by any drinks or snacks kiosk along they way?" Hehehe...

7. You will be able to have a balanced diet and plenty of vitamin c. "Quick, you 2 go grab as many oranges as you all can while my buddy and i keep the farmers busy with our direction enquries."

8. You will be able to go on exchange programs while doing your topography. "Ay, we tell you how to go point x you all show us they way to point y lah, steady boh?" (discussions and interactions among groups is a punishable offence, oops)

9. You will enjoy taking in the breathtaking scenery of Dou Liu town. "Ay buddy, check out the babes coming out of the university! Try to ask them for directions longer so we can see more ah."

10. You will experience the joy of finding your checkpoints, especially if they take half a day to find. "F**ing checkpoint 9, spent 5hrs finding u i finally found you. Im so gonna vandalise you... Yaaaaaa!!!!!"

All in all, Ex. Longstride was the most enjoyable training since my unfortunate entrance to sispec. For more details feel free to leave a note or ask me anything. Hope to meet up with all of you people soon!