ABSTRACT
On 240913, approximately 1730H, Sergeant JT and Sergeant Wilson caught PTE ABC (henceforth referred to as ‘my buddy’ or ‘Mike’) and I tossing our JOCKEY CAPS at each other while Sergeant JT was giving out instructions. Finding both the acts of tossing the JOCKEY CAP, as well as not paying attention to Sergeant JT at the time disrespectful, Sergeant Wilson handed Mike and me the task of writing essays about this act.
ESSAY
The JOCKEY CAP, better known in other countries as a patrol cap, is the first type of headwear Singaporean soldiers will receive during National Service. This essay will seek to discuss why it is inappropriate to toss the JOCKEY CAP around, namely through the symbolism of the JOCKEY CAP, the very act of tossing the cap like it were a “soft, green rock”[1] and the inappropriate moment when it was thrown.
The JOCKEY CAP has had a great presence in military history; the earliest form of military cap that resembles the modern patrol cap would be the Hungarian shako in the 1800s[2], followed by the French kepi in the 1830s before evolving to the softer kepi we have today. As such, the cap holds great significance as part of our No. 4 uniform. Tossing the JOCKEY CAP around would have the same effect as, for instance, using our No. 4 uniform as a tablecloth; both would be greatly disrespectful to the S.A.F.’s identity. Additionally, the semi-irregular shape and weight distribution of the cap would make it even more susceptible to landing on the ground once tossed, yet another sign of disregard for the Army. The JOCKEY CAP is much more than a mere piece of headwear; it is the trainee’s topper, a symbol of the soldier in the field, and should not be subject to idle tossing as if it were merely a ball.
Another problem with throwing the JOCKEY CAP around would be the act of tossing the cap itself. The motives for tossing an item can be seen in many ways; out of boredom, out of playfulness, et cetera. However, none of these motives are appropriate excuses; boredom, playfulness would all signify a lack of discipline. Moreover, if an F.A.D. were tossed instead, the reaction would be of indifference at most. The act of tossing the JOCKEY CAP may very well be a subconscious thought of perhaps tossing off one’s identity as a soldier. Outlandish theories aside, it can be understood that it was a foolish act to be tossing such an important and symbolic item to the modern soldier.
The final significant problem, which is probably the strongest argument against throwing the JOCKEY CAP, would be the inappropriate situation when which it was thrown. Similar to the age-old question “If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?”, if the cap was exclusively thrown about in the relative privacy of the bunks upstairs, the problem would not exist. However, against all common sense, this act of tomfoolery was performed in full view of several sergeants and was disrespectful towards Sergeant JT. This shows disregard for upper ranks, which violates the core values of Professionalism and Discipline. Not hearing Sergeant JT’s instructions properly may cause us to fall-in afterwards at the wrong moment, wasting time for everyone within the company when it could’ve been avoided by paying attention at the right moments. Even worse: if extremely important information had been handed down (for instance, the proper way to activate a mini-shrike), the neglect of such information may very well lead to disastrous consequences during live firings or war-time.
Ultimately, the act of tossing a JOCKEY CAP may be seen as an innocent thing to do, but as it leads to inattentiveness and thus to negligence and ignorance, it may result in much more than an angry sergeant. It is neither the JOCKEY CAP nor the tossing, but the lack of discipline and attention that is the issue. Thus, the act of tossing of the JOCKEY CAP in itself is not only inherently wrong; it was also performed at the wrong time and wrong place.
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