Roger Roger

Just like with the French preparatory school, the army has been very intense but rather fun. The intensity is comparable but is indeed very different. Here it is more about being able to perform even without being in control of the situation e.g without the proper amount of sleep. In preparatory school at least I was in control of most factors surrounding me. In the army you have to be ready at a minute’s notice to jump out of bed and get outside in uniform.

One thing I enjoy in the army is that every single object has a specific place made for it. If there is no place for it, it should not be there. In every locker there is room for 4 pairs of shoes. That means that you do not have the right to have more than 4 pairs. There is room for a specific amount of personal objects, it is limiting but simultaneously very freeing. Minimalism.

One of my favourite sayings so far is: “The team is only as strong as the weakest link.” Even if 104 people manage to put on gear in a given amount of time and there’s one person who doesn’t make it in time, then the whole mission fails. This sort of black and white mentality is somewhat satisfying.

Yet this renders us slightly less human. Since surprise-surprise life tends to be different from black or white. It does make sense in the army though — either you have your equipment or you’re dead. No real in between.

My first week here has been a rather positive experience. The group I happened in is very open and friendly. Everyone is trying which is what matters most.

P.S — Sorry for being slightly late on my weekly post. I forgot that I had to check with my superiors about posting this blog. Thank you for understanding!

This Week’s Suggestions:

Turn off for a moment. Take a second to stare at the wall or ceiling. The first three days were so crowded that this practise of simply staring at something helped me calm down and properly wind down.

Till next time!