ROTC Military training

ROTC Field training camp has a reputation for being extremely painful but is mandatory for every Thai citizen who does not wish to gamble (50-50 between doing nothing and joining the army). Many people are afraid of the activity but don’t see any problem with it. First thing first, preparation is critical for this activity and what you bring with you could significantly change your experience there. Through my instincts and some research, this is the list of items that I will bring with me.

Enough clothing for all four days

Inflatable pillow

Sleeping sheet

Cool powder

Spoon

Scented gel

Towel

Etc.

Experience

The camp was fairly challenging when it came to sanitation and the amount of dust there. The main challenges that I faced there is just that I only have 1 training pants/jacket and how hot it is in the sleeping tent. The temperature issue is manageable thanks to the cooling powder that I brought with me but my clothing problem is really annoying as I sweat very easily. Thankfully, most activities there are quite fun. What I enjoy the most is probably the battle simulation both for attacking and defending. Although there are a lot of physical activities, this camp is also about serving your nation and your comrades. Some activities that involved service included picking up trash and night shift patrol so that the rest of the battalion could sleep peacefully. Overall, it is a great once in a lifetime experience for a military and health freak like me. However, if you ask me if I would go again, I would probably say no as if my friends were not there then the whole thing would surely be unfun.

What I’ve learned

Discipline (teamwork): the main doctrine of ROTC is to teach discipline and teamwork to young Thai citizens. I tried my best since the first day but as a battalion, our overall discipline and teamwork was still poor. That’s why I felt so proud to see how improved (loud and clear) our battalion name report was on the final day.

Outdoor survival: just sleeping in a tent for 3 nights straight is already challenging by itself, but starting a fire and cooling an actual meal on there is something that requires a lot of knowledge and teamwork.

Discipline (patience): there were many physical hardships that everyone had to endure. This may include doing extra work for your comrades, fitness challenges, resisting Sun light and surging temperature, etc. 

CAS learning outcome

• Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

• Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process