I went for my Advanced Trainfire Package(ATP) on Tuesday and Wednesday. In simple terms, it is a live range test. The reward for marksmanship is $200 and a badge. In monetary terms, it is worth 1/3 my monthly salary. I was really eager to add it to my list of achivements. Up to that point, I have not fired a shot for more than 4 months. Tuesday was our practice day and I didn't make the mark for marksmanship(I am required to score at least 22/28). That made me really nervous, yet excited on Wednesday. Truthfully, I have always enjoyed shooting and that made me even more determind to succeed.

There were 16 day shots. I hit the first 8, and my assistant complimented me. Gosh! The golden rule of Singaporeans: Never compliment them in the middle of something. Result: I only hit 5 of the remaining 8. I can only miss 3 more out of the 12 for the night. Night is more tricky than day obviously, and my eyes turn watery at night(time to sleep). The previous night I scored a 0/9, owing to either my 'excellent skills', or a problem with the target. And so, I went for my night shoot with enormous pressure of wanting to win that title. Even while aiming, I could feel my heart thumping, and my fingers start to get fidgety. I scored the first 3, 6 more to go. My perspiration started to drip down my brows. I hit another 3. Just 3 more to go. This time it was in a standing position. I had trouble contolling my breathing now. I was really excited. I held my rifle as firmly as I could and smiled to myself. This is the moment. 1 went down easily. My rifle began to sway slightly but I managed to hit the second. 1 more, just 1 more. I took a deep breath and fired off my third. I thought my aiming was off for a moment, but when the target went down, I knew it was my day. I met the criteria with 3 shots to spare. It was only then that I felt the first cool breeze that night. Whew! What a range, what an accomplishment. Well deserved.