150 / 409
BASIC TRAINING
134
EIGHT
PTI Sergeant Lim Boon Chor facing an occupational hazard.
There were many trips, including during officer cadet days, to the obstacle course. Speed
in negotiating it was gradually built up and before the end of the basic course, a test was
conducted. The circuit included a run of 400 metres from the 25 metre range, negotiating
the obstacle course and back again to the start point at the 25 metre range. There may have
been marginal failures but, physical fitness having short shelf life, they were probably not
penalised solely on this basis.
VII. ELEMENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS THREE:
ROUTE MARCHES
The first route march was conducted within the first week of life at SAFTI. Platoons were
formed up and OCs and Section Instructors participated. While the distance of three miles
would seem ridiculously short a few weeks later, there were several factors which made it
a near disaster for the whole programme of training because it had been provided that the
trainees could opt out of the course within the first three to six weeks. The unanticipated
factors were that the uniforms, and in particular, the boots were brand new; the steel helmets
were heavy and an unfamiliar experience; the trainees were not yet physical toned; and
the pace was not only forced but the marching was undertaken in formation and without