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I did 9 years enlisted in the Army and then applied for OCS. I was going to stay my 20, so I figured why not get the additional cash for retirement. I was on track to make E-9 by 20 years…but a Captain O-3 made (at the time) about $300 more retirement pay at 20 than a SGM (E-9). And back then (mid-80’s) EVERYBODY made Captain! (Unless you got caught with the General’s daughter or something equally as stupid).I applied for and was accepted in to the Cavalry and went to Ft. Knox, KY for my Armor Basic Course. During the time there, we had a new Captain who was our “class leader/counselor” during out few months there. One Saturday, he was doing his “counseling session” and had us come in at staggered times.When I arrived, he went through the his required things, and as I got up to leave, he said, “Lt. Thibodeau, I do have one more question for you…” I stopped, turned around and said, “Yes, Sir?”He went on, “I’ve noticed over the years that enlisted people hate most officers. Now that you are an officer, I was wondering if you can explain that?”I smiled and replied, “Yes, sir, that is correct. When I was enlisted - I HATED officers. Now that I’m officer - I KNOW WHY!”He just barked, “Get out of here!” And we both had a good laugh as I left!How did I fare as an officer?Well, my men loved me. As others said, I knew what the game was all about. I told my Platoon Sergeant, basically, “In garrison, they belong to you. When we deploy or hit the field, they belong to me.” We got along great. I would schedule “off site training” for my platoon and we would hold a short (1–2 hour class) and then spend the rest of the day playing softball or things like that. I could get away with that about once a month.I scheduled “reverse cycle training” twice. This is where we would show up for work at 6pm (for PT), then do a variety of night training until 6am. When everyone was showing up - we would leave. It was great not having an “head shed” people around.All of my tactical evaluations were rated between 97–99%. But, as someone indicated in their answer, I was not a “ring knocker,” but considered a “maverick.” One time, a new unit commander told me that the Squadron Commander, when describing the officers in our unit, described me as “An NCO impersonating an officer!” I considered that a compliment!The Squadron Sergeant Major and the 1SGT’s would come around and ask for me. When they found me, they would usually ask me to “talk to this new LT - he’s getting on my nerves” type of thing!Unfortunately, because I only had a AA degree (taken, basically, one or two classes at a time sporadically over the 8 years prior to me applying to OCS), I knew I would not make the first cut for promotion (you were allowed two selection boards. If you were not selected, you had to get out). I knew I would be competing in the June Board against ROTC and Academy grads. But I was confident I would make the second selection.Well, in 1989, the Army had decided they had too many people, including officers (this was before the 1st Gulf War build up). I came in from a meeting (I was working at Squadron HQ at the time as the S-3(Air). I was told the Squadron Commander wanted to see me.I had been waiting for the promotion list to come out, not expecting to be on it. But I could not put in my 6 month extension for the next promotion board until after we knew for sure.I reported and he said, “Bob, you did not make the list.”I responded that I had been expecting that word and and would file my extension paperwork.That’s when my world got turned upside down…He said the Secretary of the Army had signed an Executive Order cancelling the second promotion board for that year. Instead of TWO boards, there was only going to be the one. I was told to report to Personnel (S-1). I had to pick up my clearance papers… Basically, I was fired.It took me into about a 10 year tail spin…life was hell. It was not a pleasant time in my life…I loved the Army and had devoted myself completely to it. But budget cuts got me…I did 18 months at the Louisiana Officer Candidate School…but National Guard time was not for me. Since I already had more than 8 years, with no required obligation, I simply resigned my commission there.But I finally “woke up” and decided to become a cop. Now I am retired from Law Enforcement. Life is good!

My first answer on Quora, and I would like to contribute my answer to aid any pre-enlistee who would one day go down the same path that I took.Served 2 years in the CDO formation from 2006 to 2007 as a Weapon Spec. ORD-ed as 3SG but now a 2SG.Prior to 2007, the mandatory term for enlistment was 2.5 years. Hence, when it was my turn to enlist, my formation was still going through a transition in terms of cramping in 2.5 years of training syllabus into 2 years. Even the camp that pre-commando recruits changed from Hendon Camp to Pasir Ris Camp.A commando’s entire NS life (unless he drops or gets posted out- this is quite rare, but it has happened) will be spent with the same people that he enlists with.There are 2 commando BMT intakes a year- Alpha and Bravo companies. In general, Alpha Company is for the A Level batch; Bravo Company is for the Polytechnic batch. Without revealing too many details, each company had about 5 training platoons, with 4 detachments (sections) per platoon.What sets the commando BMT apart from the BMT in BMTC is the sheer amount of Physical and Outfield training that a recruit goes through. Unless there is outfield or outfield training (route marches), there is PT every morning. Sometimes, even twice a day. PT consists of HIIT, fartleks mainly. Lots of pushups and crunches and pull ups. The SAF is moving towards functional training- Strength and conditioning type of exercises. But during my time, it was the good old “knock it down”, and countless “no count!” for every exercise. Needless to say, we all were beaten down and buffed up a whole lot.There is a ‘myth’ that commandos can tank a lot of weight, and walk endlessly. Let me end this by going on record that this is not a myth, but a requirement as a CDO. If you cannot do this basic requirement, not only would you be the bane of your mates, but you would also be picked on by instructors for further training. What is the average loads that a commando can take? It’s such a pity that we did not weigh our ALICE bags back in the days, but the heaviest that I have ever carried was close to 35kg. That was during my vocational training. And I will now touch on this.After BMT, each commando is then filtered into the various vocational training. Because each commando detachment is small, every one plays an important role. Vocations are- Leaders (officers and specialists), medics, demolition, signals and weapon. the leaders would be taught the basics of the latter 4 vocations- so that they know if their men are ‘smoking’ them (and this happens a lot!), and also to assist the operators when necessary. As I was a weapon specialist, I went through the leader course, or known as CSLC (Commando Small Unit Leader Course). This was a short course that latest 10 weeks, and the final 3 weeks was spent in ROC where we put what we had learnt to practice in the terrains or Taiwan. I thought BMT was tough, CSLC was 10 times tougher. I lost 5 kgs in those 10 weeks.Once the vocational training is over, Basic Airborne Course (BAC) is next. This is where we earn our “silver wings”.After BAC, we (sans soldiers selected to go to OCS to become officers) converge back to Hendon Camp, where we start our Battalion training. Because we are still a large cohort, midway through our training, we will be split into 2 separate companies, and will form part of the active 4 companies in the 1st Commando Battalion). Whilst BMT teaches us basic soldering skills, vocational training gives us our bread and butter skills, and BAC equips us with parachuting skills, Battalion training combines all these together. Our training would be more focused on working as a detachment/company/battalion, without shortchanging on the PT and outfield fitness prep. All these would be to prepare us for the annual ATEC (Army Training Evaluation Centre) evaluation. Highlights of Battalion training would be the countless local outfield missions in various parts of Singapore, and of course, Brunei. I could write an entire answer on Brunei. Brunei changed my life, and I am sure it did for my fellow mates as well. I lost 5 kgs in Brunei.There is a reason why the commandos win the Best Combat Unit every year- we take it EXTREMELY seriously. So serious, that we would not even entertain the thought of losing. We are that competitive. It is not that we looked down on the other army vocations- we really wanted to be number 1.After Battalion training, we then have a ‘lull’ period, where we go through Unarmed Combat training. This spans 4 weeks.Some of us had the chance to take part in Bilateral Training Exercises with our overseas counterpart. During my stint, we went to Thailand to train with the Thai Rangers. There, we were given a glimpse into their lives (all professional soldiers there, no conscript); how they trained, how they lived, and even how they enjoyed themselves. Made me respect every one of them, for their gung-ho spirit and sheer patriotism.Commandos either do 6 or 8 cycles of ORNS (Operationally Ready National Service). Won’t talk too much on this!Attrition rate is high in the commandos. About 250 of us enlisted in BMT, and half ORD-ed as full fledged commandos. I have made many friends along the way. Whilst we respect the rank, ultimately, all of us are from the same batch. For example, my NS OC is my BMT bunk mate, my NS CSM is my fellow detachment sergeant. We all recognize the part that we have to play, and we execute our roles, knowing that we cannot disappoint and play out or fellow commando mate, regardless of rank.My biggest take away from my NS experience (and also during my ICTs) is the power of camaraderie. We went through 2 years together, our experiences intertwined one with another, creating such a strong bond. I lost weight too! I weighed 66kgs pre-BMT. 52kgs at the end of it.I don’t see myself superior to my fellow soldier of another vocation. I only feel blessed, knowing that I was privileged to serve in the Commandos. Ultimately, the commandos is just a small part of the SAF. We all play our part in protecting our nation and I hope that all citizen soldier will take pride in what they had done in NS.

Bike: Get fitted properly on the bike you’re using. Make sure that the bike is in a proper state of repair and well maintained. If you are going to ride long distance, you want a more relaxed geometry, and the new gravel or comfort bikes are nice.Tires: Use good kevlar belted/ or flat resistant tires of at least 28–32 C width.Tire Pressure: Keep the pressure adjusted to around 80–90 PSI, depending upon type of tires and your body weight. At home, you need a good floor pump with a gauge to ensure that your tires are pumped to appropriate pressure before you start your ride. Check and inflate tires to proper pressure every ride. It’s the number one thing that will keep flats to a minimum. Stay well below max pressure depending upon your weight and tire width. You don’t need them at race pressures for a long training ride, but you don’t want to be so soft that you pick up every piece of gravel or glass.Base Fitness: See a doctor and get evaluated to ensure that there are no medical issues that disqualify you for long distance cardio.Heart Rate: You can overthink it, but the latest thinking is 5 active training zones. Cycling training zones: power and heart rate zones explained - Cycling Weekly Spend lots of time in Zone 2 spinning at around 90 rpms. Work up from about 40 minutes to 5 hours at Zone 2. When you’ve got a decent base fitness, you can certainly start to mix in your intervals.Bike Handling: If you haven’t ridden a bike in a while, it takes practice to handle a 2 wheel vehicle at any speed. Learn to use both brakes and turn by leaning. Be smooth. Learn to stand so that you are not hitting bumps or potholes in the saddle.Traffic: Riding a bike in traffic is very difficult. Motorists don’t see you, and you’ve to learn to stay visible. Anticipate what motorists are going to do. They will turn left in front of you. They will underestimate how close they are to you on the shoulder. Shoulders are very rough and have lots of gravel and glass. Generally, I like to pre-plan a very low traffic route with very smooth roads.Kit: you need good cycling shorts and a non cotton jersey that will stay warm when it gets wet. It should have a zipper to ventilate if you get warm. Pockets in the rear are nice for a snack and spare tubes.Flats: You should have both a mini pump and CO2 cartridges, which you should know how to use to inflate a tire. You should have at least two tubes and a patch kit because when roads are really crappy, you don’t have just one flat, you have multiple ones. The mini pump should have a flexible filler end so that you don’t break valve stems while pumping. You should know how to fix a flat without tire levers and know how to check the inside of a tire so that you are not putting a tube in a tire with imbedded glass.Multi-tool: You should be able to do easy road repairs. Put your chain back on. Tighten or true a spoke to get home, adjust a brake so that it is not rubbing on the wheel.Carry With: Always carry a cell phone, a few bucks for an emergency stop for food or liquids if you bonk on the road, and ID with health insurance and emergency info.Terrain: Try to ride flats at first until you develop some level of fitness. Hills will cause your legs to blow up quickly.Have fun