Posted on 18-Dec-2012
By Corporal Yip Wei Jian of 12th Kuala Lumpur Company
November 2-4, 2012
SENTUL, KUALA LUMPUR - During the start of start of the school holidays and while the SPM examinations were still looming, the Kula Lumpur State Boys Brigade held its first ever Drill Camp (the first one since it evolved from KL Battalion to KL State anyway) at the Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur. The objective of the camp was to improve the quality of drill amongst the KL State companies as well as correct the ways of drill in accordance to the latest edition of the Drill Manual issued by The Boys Brigade in Malaysia (BBM). It was also a time to learn from one another and also to have fellowship with BB members from the other companies. 31 participants from 3rd KL, 6th KL, 10th KL and 12th KL were present for this occasion.
Day 1
We gathered at the canteen of Wesley Methodist School to await our briefing and also for the students of the school to vacate the premises. It was a Friday night when the camp began and it was to last the night as well as throughout the entire weekend since it was ill-advised to use the premise in the middle of a major school examination during a normal weekday. At around 4.30pm, we were briefed on the expectations of camp and were sent to our classroom-converted-dorms to settle in and place our belongings. It didn't take long before the sessions began, with drill theory in the comfort of our air-conditioned auditoriums, to the humid outdoors for practical. We were under the care of Mr Sim Guan Jiann, a Warrant Officer from 3rd KL for most of the first night. The day’s session ended at 11.00pm sharp with the blowing of the Last Post and Lights Out.
Day 2
The next day we got up early for morning exercise to freshen up our day. After breakfast and morning devotion, we moved on for a whole day of intensive drilling where we practiced hard on both the basics of drill as well as the more-advanced parts of drill. It was hard work because of the constant drizzle of rain but the whole camp pushed on to achieve what was needed even though it was raining. Later that night we learned a bit of drill with a cane and the right ways for a Colour Party. Most of these sessions were interchanged by another two officers, Mr Chan Ka Weng, a Lieutenant from 10th KL and Mr Steven Voo, a Warrant Officer from 3rd KL, who were both very knowledgeable in drill. It was interesting see Mr Voo carrying his huge “pace stick” around throughout most of the sessions.
Day 3
The next day, we attended a morning service at Faith Methodist Church proudly in Day Dress uniform after a quick breakfast and received the days sermon from Reverend Victor Vethamani who spoke on the story of Jabez. We were treated to a kind refreshments courtesy of the church and the captain of 2nd Kuala Lumpur Company, Mr David Jacob. Immediately after that, we went back to the school premises and continued with practical drill session on the advanced level. We also practiced the sequence of the Guard of Honour including the Trooping of the Colours, which went on despite heavy rain. The sessions all concluded around 4.00pm, with a debriefing from Mr Nicholas Yeap, captain of 12th KL , who also gave a short prayer and finally the singing of the BB Vesper. After the taking of the group photographs, we were delegated areas of the school to clean up before collecting our things and went home.This drill camp was certainly an eye opener towards the complexities of drill. Despite an intensive session, all of us are still in the need to put in lots of practice time before we can reach the necessary standards set in the Drill Manual. We also enjoyed the fellowship with the other KL State BB members and hope we will remain friends in times to come. Also, special thanks to our canteen caterer, Mr Jimmy Kumar for excellent meals prepared, some all by himself during the course of the camp. Also a special thanks to Miss Tai Xin Wei from 10th KL for looking after the girls and Mr Kenny Voon the KL State FTO for arranging logistics and administration. Praise God for a smooth camp and .. I "cautiously" look forward to the next one.
