Wallaby

I'm back from Exercise Wallaby! Amazing experience, really. After the whole thing, you've learnt so much about the tank, about your own capabilities and about yourself. I feel like I can take anything the army throws at me now. Pretty tired now. I've got 5 day block leave, awesome. I actually managed to keep to my word and maintain a journal of my 23 day adventure. So in the next few posts, I'll transcribe everything onto this blog, complete with photos from my great friend and crewmate Andy Chee!

23rd September Day 0

Went to Changi Airport at 1130 to have lunch with family. Felt strange that I was going to be going alone, duffel bag and all. Met up with TCC at the airport. 

Everyone gathering at the gate, after browsing through the duty free shop 

 We entered only with our travel order and our 11Bs, something different from ordinary travelling. You don't even need your passport, just your 11B. Morale with pretty high, everyone's excited to be on this trip. It felt like going overseas with your friends, not a military exercise. Yet. Boarded the plane, MH8727. Malaysian Airlines, but a chartered flight. Doesn't beat SIA, but it was pretty good compared to what I expected. There was a movie screening, MIB 3 and Prometheus. The food served was ok, not bad for airline food, but no alcohol.

Excited to be on the plane

We touched down in Rockhampton International Airport at around 2345 local time, and collected our bags straight from the plane. As in we literally unloaded our own bags from the plane. That's SAF for you, no baggage claim or anything. We quickly went through customs and boarded a bus from Rockhampton to Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Tired and hungry. No one was celebrating anymore.