Ahh, there was a point in time when POP (Passing Out Parade, or Graduation Parade as it is known officially) was a big milestone for me.
Until I ORDed (Operationally Ready Date).
Jokes aside, POP is a huge milestone in a Singaporean conscript’s life. For the recruit, it tells him that it is the end of his life as the lowest scum of the Army, and that he has achieved a great deal, and to proudly say that he has successfully changed from just a “civilian boy” to a “soldier”.
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Lest you’re not aware, POP is when a soldier has completed his Basic Military Training, which is about three months.
Sometimes, parents are even more proud that their domesticated son is able to become a more rugged person.
This milestone is important not just to Singaporeans who are born here, but to all who serve.
Hilarious Parents
That includes African-Singaporean graduate Alvin, and his parents, who made hilarious Instagram posts.
On the one hand, Alvin’s mother was extremely proud of her son, saying it was an “honour” to see him marching like a “real soldier”. She holds her son close in the picture.
His father, however, took a slightly different approach.
He joked that his son the recruit looked an armed bodyguard with the stoicism that many dads are famous for.
Uncle, that SAR21 doesn’t even have blanks in it lah.
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Alvin shared both posts on Twitter for comparison’s sake, and captioned it, “the difference between an african mom and dad”.
From Tanzania
Alvin states in his Twitter profile that his country of origin is Tanzania. However, as a soldier for Singapore, Alvin clearly has some sentiment for our nation, which is why he mentions “SG” in his Twitter bio as well.
At any rate, despite the different ways in which his mom and dad expressed themselves, it’s evident that they’re both proud of their son.
Alvin graduated from BMTC School V, a BMT experience for service-fit soldiers located in mainland Singapore so that those combat-fit recruits won’t cry when they see PES E recruits book out on their first week when they’re still confined.
Yes, my dear old soldiers: there are now five BMTC schools. Simi sai, right?
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Service
Service, not success. Congratulations to Recruit Alvin and the numerous recruits who have just graduated from their Graduation Parade at Marina Bay.
From your senior,
ORD LOH
Just kidding, all the best for your bodyguard National Service journey! 🙂
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