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The Advanced NCOs Training School (ANTS) has returned to Penang once again. On the 10th-12th of March, Penang state organised the Advanced NCOs Training Course along with the Penang state Basic NCO Training Course in SMK Teluk Bahang. Members from various companies sum up to a strong number of 80 ANTS participants.

Arrival of outstation members from Perak state-1st Ipoh, 4th Kampar, 3rd Manjung Company and Selangor state-2nd Subang Jaya Company. Some hung out at the Gurney Plaza that night and even managed to catch a movie. Due to some delay, we arrived at SMK Teluk Bahang around 1a.m, feeling worn out after what a whole day! It had rained earlier and some of us dozed off on our journey to the campsite.

ANTS has officially begun. Participants from various companies in Penang arrived at the campsite. The day starts off with registration of participants. As we all did not know how ANTS was like, we were still very relaxed and disorganize. As a result, we were “awarded” punishments and had to repeat registration accordingly. We were then divided into our squads. After that was an ice-breaker chair game. Our trainers were introduced to us. The game was fun and challenging mentally and physically! According to our trainers, we manage to break the record of 25 seconds achieved by ANTS Sarawak last year to 20 seconds! Opening ceremony was held later in the afternoon with the inspection of Guard of Honor. Following that, we had a drill session for 2-3 hours. The training was getting tougher. We also began to taste how ANTS was as well as how us as leaders should be like! After our dinner was an interesting movie session followed up by a discussion in our various groups.12.30 a.m.-lights off.

Trainees getting ready for opening ceremony

Our commander reporting to officer-in-charge

Trainees being inspected

The 4 “big guys” at ANTS during briefing

Ladies officers briefing the participants

1 of our meal times

After breakfast, we had a praise and worship session followed by a short bible message by Sir Stuart. The singing was really nice as the songs were sung in both Mandarin and English. Mr. Stuart delivered a short message quoting some verses on something related to our “heart”. His message really struck us to examine ourselves and our attitude towards ANTS. Later on we attended classes like problem solving, decision making etc. Classes were what we look forward to as they were interesting and enjoyable. And the classes was where we can finally “take 5” (rest) too! We learnt a lot from the classes and were given real life situations to solve by applying what we've learnt. It was dinner time again in the evening. This meal was like a few other meals before where everything had to be completed in a time limit! All of us were very nervous because the meals before we did not manage to complete the task. During the night, we finally knew the results-we failed the task again. After much consideration, the “outcome” (or punishment) was reduced to running 10 rounds(guys)/7rounds(girls) of the parade ground. Finally we slept around 3a.m that night.

Trainees duck-walking (punishment)

Classes=)

Briefing on plans for dinner

Cpt Paujoo speaking during meal time

Dorm inspection/ spot check!

We felt much relieved as it was our last day at ANTS. After breakfast we attended our last class for ANTS followed by camp evaluation. A few of the trainees who were post form 5 also learnt about our SPM results then. After closing ceremony, a group picture was taken. After lunch we said our goodbyes and exchanged contacts. Although relieved that the camp was over, we still felt heavy hearted to leave because the bond among the trainees and trainers had just started to form.

Part of our “exercises” …

Trainees take a pic b4 leaving for each home

The trainers behind all our programmes

Below are some interesting views and thoughts from both trainees and trainers from various BB companies who participated in this ANTS:

Suffered a lot! It's absolutely tiring but I learnt a lot of lessons, our stamina increased, gain experiences and knowledge about being a true leader.

Through the tough training, it has foster friendships. When we were at ANTS, it doesn't matter which company you are from, co-operations from all are needed to move on. Thanks to the training, we realized and learnt many, many things which we couldn't have learnt at any other channel. Last but certainly not least, it gave me the opportunity to create a network of bb friends from other states!

I would say that ANTS was at first thought, a terrible experience! We had to do things over and over again because it wasn't perfect... I'm sure it made everybody frustrated! Although so, it soon taught us many important lessons as leaders. During those 3 days, I definitely learnt much more on leadership. To be successful, we need planning and must be prepared for the unexpected... We must not take things for granted and risking ourselves as well as others...To me, I realized at the end that ANTS is just another harsh way of teaching us values and lessons in life…Learning the hard way works at times. Attending ANTS was definitely an experience not attainable from anywhere else and is something unforgettable especially the friendship and lessons we gained there…

One of the main values that ANTS wanted to teach the members are the true initiative to be a true leader… they have to observe n take actions to improve and to ask.

Overall, the camp was quite interesting and enjoyable, unlike what others said that the camp was torturing, hard and tough! The officers were quite caring and the form of ‘tortures' carried out by them were actually quite lenient and they served to educate each and every participant to be a better leader in the future. So, once again thanks to the Trainers! We LOVE U!

I'm happy with the training. It wasn't that tough, we had to have good time management. What ANTS impact me most is to be a good role model to others!

The system has changed where Privates can also join ANTS is not really a good idea. Throughout ANTS, not many participants were willing to give their views and opinion. Only a few was willing to take the lead in camp… It was an effective training, action learning instead of boring theory .The new syllabus has allowed trainers to forge closer bond with the trainees.

Participants learnt how to manage crisis, act fast and think of consequences, as well as supporting team members and voicing out.

ANTS was Unlike any other camps we attended and the experience gained was worth it! We also became more fit through the exercises (some calls them punishment or torture)! On behalf of the trainees, I would like to thank the trainers as well as those indirectly involved of ANTS Penang 2007 for the invaluable training. To those who have not attended ANTS, take up the challenge and experience it yourself!=)