Most of the time, my response has been "You don't really wanna know"; simply to spare myself the trouble of getting into the fine details of my job scope.
Well, for those who have been, or are still, curious, let me now take this opportunity to explain in detail what it is exactly I do; day in, day out.
As most of you would know, I am in the Public Affairs Branch of SCDF's 1st Division.
On the surface, I am a certified Public Education Instructor; meaning, I go around teaching organizations in both the corporate and public sectors, grassroot organizations, academic institutions and the general public on the fundementals of Civil Defence through our Community Emergency Preparedness Programme, or CEPP for short.
The CEPP consists of 5 modules: First Aid; CPR; Fire Fighting and Evacuation; Emergency Procedures; as well as Unconventional Threats.
Having worked in numerous Education and Community Outreach projects in my 1 1/2 years in theatre, this part of my job is a piece of cake, actually. I've never had difficulties being in front of a crowd; as long as I know the contents of my tutorials well.
Besides being a PEI, I also take charge of most of the administrative work in my department. This is the root of most of my job-related stress, to be frank.
Not only am I required to perform data-entry duties, I'm also required to prepare the monthly department report, both the weekly and monthly CEPP reports, the monthly Commander's meeting powerpoint slides, as well as the annual work plan powerpoint slides. On top of that, I'm also required to vet through other important documents with regards to the CDECs in the 23 constituencies which fall under our Division. To add on, I also assist my Assistant Community Involvement Officers with their paperwork, as and when they need it.
If that's not enough, I'm also the unofficial photographer and emcee of my Division. Hell, I even ran double-duty during the last Commander's Parade; something which, as I've come to find out, has never been done before by any NSF in my department - past or present.
Daunting as it may seem, I'm actually glad to be in this position; for not only does it discipline me in my work ethics, but it also creates a platform to stretch my potential - thus, creating more avenues to excel and shine in.
Looking at the previous batches of NSFs, I realized that I've not come across 1 personnel who was proficient both in the office, as well as on the training field.
Though I personally believe that I have yet to reach that level of greatness, I'm determined that, with a little bit more effort, I'm well on my way of achieving that ultimate goal.
Besides, there are perks to being, arguably, the busiest NSF in the department.
For starters, my welfare has always been extra taken care of. I've never had any request for a day's off rejected; I've been treated to meals by the Head of my department, my Public Education Officer, and my ACIOs - a gesture I take as a form of acknowledgement of my performance at work; and the best part of it all, I've constantly been given the green light to do my work, my way - without having to conform to the SOP of the Force.
That, in my opinion, has always been the source of envy in the eyes of most of the boys in my department; to the point where my rapport with the officers have been the centre of their bitch fests.
Also, being a PEI, I get to shake hands and rub shoulders with MPs from the various GRCs - something most people don't get to do ever so often.
Hence, it leaves me to wonder - why do most of the boys shudder at the thought of stepping into my shoes?
Sure, the shitload of work's enough to make you jump off a cliff; but, with those perks and more, why not let that be a form of motivation to do better?
If there's one thing I've learnt through my mistakes in the past is that there's always time for play, as long as you know when it's time for work.
National Service is where "Boys Turn into Men".
That said... Have YOU grown up yet?
That said... Have YOU grown up yet?
1 comment:
ive only started reading up your entry from when you first re-started writing.
Hey interesting lah your job. I didnt know they have such post / duties in CD. I tot all are physical!
Where can i pm you?
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