Dos and Don'ts
PTIs / Certis trainers actually have a tough job. On 1 hand, they have to handle the expectations and KPIs while on the other hand they also have to understand that NSmens are not a lifeless product but a human being and each one of us have different physical limits and constraints, whether if it's physical injuries or others.
Hence it is not my wish to share about the don'ts and what they can or cannot do to you during training. Because I am worried that by doing so will cause one of two consequences: 1) System being abused by fellow NSmens and PTIs / Certis trainers suffer, or 2) If too many abuse the system & if the information is too public, they'll just change their SOP to make it right and every NSmen suffer.
However in recent years, we have all read far too much reports of NSmen collapsing during training (Yes, even ONE death during peacetime is too much.), and while the bigger majority of PTIs and Certis trainers are good, and have our benefits at heart by training us to be physically fit for our health sake, there will always be that one rookie hotshot who is sometimes in over their head, thinking that we're their private chimpanzee circus, or trying to push beyond the physical limits of some NSmens and appear gung-ho in front of the OCs, friends or girls (now that there're some chio bu in camp.. LOL). Remember, a lot of these PTIs / Certis trainers are very young, some as young as 22,23. And we have all been young before and we all know what some of us might have done when we were young.
Hence, I'll taper bit by bit and start with the most basic and commonly known first.
Vulgarities: This is the most basic and understood issue nowadays for army. In no way nor manner should PTIs / trainers use vulgarities on any of the NSmens, let alone those addressing mother and father. But what some might not understand is the rationale behind: The point is not just because of cultural sensitivities, respecting one another, or that we're gu-niang and cannot da-han. The point is regardless whether they're officers / PTI / trainers, once they use vulgarities onto an NSmen or trainee, they're letting people know that they're making it personal. And once they make it personal they're no longer fit to lead nor to give instructions, as whatever they say then will be determined as personal and unfair.
Medical: PTIs / trainers are not trained medical professionals, and are not fit to make any medical assessments for anyone. I've seen cases whereby some NSmens might have sprained their ankle or muscle cramp and when they raise the issue to the trainers, some trainers will ask slyly, "you okay? still can? / medic over at the other side leh, quite far, etc " (it's a matter of phrasing their words)
Medical attention is YOUR RIGHT, not your needs / wants. Regardless of ranks, no officers / PTIs have the right to deny any trainees / NSmen the right to medical attention once you raise the issue up. And once raised, the officer in charge / PTIs should make IMMEDIATE attempt to contact the medic to you and not take their own sweet time.
Remember, anyone can say what they want but they don't own your life. You own your own life. Sometimes, I have seen fellow NSmen raising for medical attention up to trainers but after the trainer comes over, and twist their words nicely to the NSmens (training almost over / too long never exercise, that's why, etc) , they back off and don't insist for medic anymore. You also should not be concerned whether you'll be giving the nice PTIs a hard time by asking for medic or whether they need to file written report after the training because you asked for medic. That is not your concern. Your concern should be your safety, and that your life is in your own hands. The next time you don't, just think about your loved ones, and who you promise to take care of when old. What will happen to them if you don't take good care of yourself… remember that.
Add to that, the weather and environment of now, is not like the 10/20years ago past whereby you might be able to do 50 pull ups but can only do 5 now. Remember, climate change and environment are also contributing factors and a lot has changed over the past 30years including your physical body.
I hope the above helps, but please don't abuse the system too. Should I go on? Or has someone else already addressed / written something like this before me?