Something about the column's writer, Darryn KY Chiew

Darryn KY Chiew is well known in 3rd KL especially with his peers as a 'walking BB dictionary'. Don't believe? Test him out! Darryn joined when he was 9 years old as a Junior Boy. He was one of those few Boys who will do more than what the officers taught him. He is a keen reader. He reads and finds out a lot about BB. He was one of those few who will tell his officer that there is a mistake in the BB Handbook or Berita Anchor. Darryn completed his senior section years as a Sergeantt and is now a Warrant Officer serving in the junior section. He was awarded the President's Man in 2006 at the Kuala Lumpur Pesta.

If you have questions or comments, you may write to Darryn KY Chiew at riddleflake@gmail.com

Part TWO - What you need to have

3 year Service Badge This is the easiest requirement.
Just ensure you are regular in attendance for 3 years.
Remember to call your Squad Leader if you are sick or unable to come to BB parade for a certain reason.
Must be an NCO in the Company

This will be your long term goal.
Try your best to participate wholeheartedly and sincerely in activities organized by the company, and have initiative and enthusiasm in doing things.
Take care of your uniform well too. A sloppy image will not give people a good impression about you.

Overall, do not worry too much about becoming an NCO if you are already doing most of the above. You see, BB is a training ground for leadership. If you are not good at leading, do not be shy to learn through all the activities organized. Take up challenges. If you are asked to plan and lead a games session or singspiration, agree to do it!
However, do also take note that it is not possible for a company to promote EVERYONE just based on the above. IF you did not get promoted and want to know why, just consult your company Captain for advice and guidance.
Achieved NCO Proficiency Star Badge Once you are an NCO in the company, look out for the Advanced NCO Training School. It is usually held a few times a year, during school holidays. Try your best to attend this course as soon as possible after your promotion. The knowledge gained here will help you in your leadership duties. Throughout this camp, you will be assessed by the trainers, and marks will also be given by your company captain. Upon achieving the passing mark, you will be awarded the NCO Proficiency Star.
Achieved Christian Education Badge (Advanced Level) Christianity and Discipline are the two “Twin Pillars” of the BB method. Since your Christian Education class (Bible Study) and Drill class are held separately from your Awards class, you don’t have to worry about these awards. Just follow the classes, ask questions to your instructor if you are not sure about anything, and try your best to pass the test!
Achieved Drill Badge (Advanced Level)
Achieved Recruitment Badge (Basic Level) Invite a friend to join the BB! Tell him of the fun and enjoyable time you have here, the friends and also the knowledge you learn here. After your friend has joined BB for 6 months with regular attendance, you will be awarded the Recruitment Award.
Besides the above compulsory awards, you must have achieved a minimum of six (6) proficiency awards

For this requirement, check carefully which are the awards in group A,B,C,and D that you can achieve. You must have at least one from each group. I advice you to work for 3 basic awards first, from 2 or 3 groups. Choose the easiest 3 that your company is offering.  For example,

Arts Basic (group A)
Safety Basic (group C)
Physical Training Basic (Group D)

After you managed to achieve the 3 basic, work for another 3 basic , and make sure at least one is from the last group which you haven’t completed. Try also to upgrade 2 of your previously gained Basic awards to Advanced level.

For example,

Camper’s Basic (Group B)
Computer Basic
Bandsman Basic
Arts Advanced
Safety Advanced

After that, upgrade any 2 of your remaining Basic to Advanced level. For example,

Bandsman Advanced
Computer Advanced
The awards must be from each group (Group A, B, C and D)
The awards must be at least two (2) at Basic Level and four (4) at Advanced Level

And you’re Done! Once you’ve achieved all these, Report to your officer, prepare a passport sized photo of yourself in full uniform, and the officer will give you a form to fill. Pass back the form to him after you fill it up, and it’s all over. Wait for the results, and the Badge! Good Luck!!

Additional Notes:

While it may seem tough, God will help you, and it just requires an extra effort from you in order to succeed.

As you can see, the plan that I wrote above only required for you to get a total of 15 awards and minimum rank of LCPL.

Right side:
1. Target
2. Arts (Advanced)
3. Bandsman (Advanced)
4. Campers (Basic)
5. Christian Education (Advanced)
6. Computer (Advanced)
7. Drill (Advanced)
8. Physical Training (Basic)
9. Recruitment (Basic)
10 .Safety (Advanced)

Left Side:

  1. 1 year service
  2. 1 year service
  3. 1 year service
  4. 3 year service
  5. NCO Proficiency Star

If you’re not a “badge freak” and just want to achieve your President’s Badge as fast as possible, draw up your plan quickly, and forget about other badges if possible. Concentrate only on the badges which are listed in your plan.

HOWEVER, please take note that usually, not all your plans will fall perfectly into place. As I have said earlier, be flexible enough to have an emergency plan. For example, if there is no Camper’s Badge being offered, you may consider changing your plan and gain Expedition Badge instead.

If you are unable to understand what I am trying to explain here, you may come and see me during BB meeting time, and I will answer your questions and guide you further in your planning. I wish you all the best in your quest.

Back to Part One