HEARD BUT NOT SEEN

When I first joined the army, I went through an approximately 3 months of induction period. The few weeks was hell. Actually we called that orientation period. And in reality it was a ragging period. The Adjutant purposely produced a 'training schedule' for us in case there is a Board of Inquiry just to have 'an umbrella' ready.

I joined an infantry battalion which was about to go into military operation at the Malaysian-Thai border. Though most officers were busy during the 'battle procedure' after receiving 'warning order' from the Brigade HQ, they were equally busy ragging 3 of us in between every nick of time they can spare.

We bottom-ups with the 'battalion specials' during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The specials is the recipe prepared by officers which consist of chilly, pepper, salt, sugar, prawn paste, sodium glutomate, soy sauce, coffee, tomato sauce, chilli sauce and curry powder.

I missed those time but swear will not go for the second ragging period. What I learned from those officers is the term that at most time, we young officers must not be seen but heard.

Actually it was good trick of practical management. A good leader / manager must not be seen at most times by superior or subordinates but they know that we are around somewhere in the vicinity or the premise.

To me this can be an element of management by fear because they know the bosses can be there just like a pop-ups. Subsequently, subordinates will work hard. The element of surprise which is one of the basic principles of war is fully practised by us.

As for the superior, anytime they ask for us, we are there at their office within few minutes.