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Tri Ambar NUGROHO

Correspondent Tri Ambar NUGROHO

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Posted 306 days ago

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Articles

How I found my edge

A stint in the Air Force taught me the secret weapon of a man’s success. I was flat on my back in a military barracks, a dark-faced commander howling at me an every muscle in my body shaking with agony. And all because I did not know how to fold my shirts properly.

This was basic training, the air force-style, and no matter how brilliantly I spit-shined my shoes, I just could not get the standard-issue shirt folded and stacked with precision. One-Eight of an inch of an inch off was all it took, and you were deemed: “unsat” (unsatisfactory). Best case scenario, you would be ordered 4,5,6 or even 7 laps run till you drop, really made me got a real good pissed-off. It was a Groundhog Day hell.

Back then it all seemed rather unnecessary. Over the time, though, I learned the wisdom to requiring attention to detail: Our inner states are reflected in our outward appearances, and vice versa. And if you can’t remember to button your lapel and shine your shoes, how will you remember to check a gauge or cinch a knot that people’s lives may depend on? :-)

Here in the mission, the same rule holds, if you can not manage your personal appearance, how can you be trusted by a boss to manage a department; by a woman to manage a romance; by your family to manage their lives, and yours?.

If attention to one’s appearance is vanity. Then vanity is man’s secret weapon. My Air force commander would definitely agree.

by Luigi Pralangga at 19 September 2007, 17:10

Mas Ambar,

Indeed, and I can see that you’re trying to maintain your charms by regular exercise and stuffs. :-)

I just wonder how others within the officers would comment once seeing your striking pose as per above… :-p

PS: Are we set on Friday, the dinner of the UNMIL Indo-gank? :D Helping us with the cooking or choose to clean the dishes?

by Jennie at 19 September 2007, 23:54

>if you can not manage your personal appearance, how can you be trusted by a boss to manage a department; by a woman to manage a romance; by your family to manage their lives, and yours?.

Very inspiring indeed and makes a lot of sense. :) Now I know why women love men in uniform. (LOL)

by Iftekhar at 20 September 2007, 18:46

Dear Friend your writing might be appreciated. I want to know under which circumstances you r inspired to write this article.Any way a good step and it will increase your writing capability. By the way are u still maintaing the same tempo the way you kept in Team -10 ? The appearence was innocent but the action was vigorous.Keep it up my friend.Wishing you a better future in Air Force. I like to see you as Air marshal in you country.With profound regards.

by AMJAD KHAN at 21 September 2007, 18:19

Hi Brother, your story reminds me of my days as cadet. Though it was hell but i cherished them the most in my uniform life. Thanks for making me recall my old days.
I know people in uniform are more romantic, but others think they are just soldiers. Alas, they don’t know we believe in only one thing and that is to“sacrifice” and if it is love than who cares for even life.
Any how you will remain in my sweet memories for rest of my life. The good days we spent together, well no match.
I don’t know whether you make it to Air Marshall or not but I know u are Marshall of so many hearts.
Always wishing good to you and your family.
Brother Amjad

by Irawadi at 24 September 2007, 20:14

Are ready to match volley ball with Unifil team?