DUNMAN NPCC 2007
Time really flies...
4 years may be seemed too long for some people while to us, it was rather short. It was just like a blink of an eye and everything is over. I never regret joining NPCC, in fact it was the best decision I ever made. Remember the time when I was in sec 1 attending the CCA orientation. I did not know what CCA to join, I was hoping to join like computer club or robotics kind of stuffs. So I did join computer club. However, when I stepped into the field, I was dazzled by something. It was the NPCC badges, I thought it was quite cool having the badges on, but I was not so certain about joining so I walked away. At that time, I was with Clement, Jon and those 1A guys. We all sabotaged Aaron to write his name on the list although he was not so willing to do so. He never thought that after 4 years, he is the Chairman of NPCC. When I walked to the atrium, I saw another NPCC booth, I thought it might be a chance for me to learn more stuffs. I always wanted to be a brave and cool guy but I was just too clumsy and timid. I went up, took the pen and wrote my name on the list. For the first training, there were 100 over sec1 cadets. It was quite a huge amount and when they ask for volunteers, I will always hide behind because I was too shy. Then I saw some familiar faces like Kah Hwee[primary school classmate].
I endured throughout many trainings, but still quite shy. I never forget my motive of joining, to become outstanding. For what I think, to become outstanding, I have to pass every single badge test and promotion test. During my first annual camp, I passed every single badge test, but I was not so happy because I failed my promotion test. As there were many sec1 cadets, the promotion test was conducted in stages or rounds. Some of the cadets will be eliminated from the first round while the others move on to the second. I reached the final round, I thought I had the chance, but I did not get it. At the end of the year there was another test, I failed to turn up because I injured my leg and cannot march properly. So I was still a private, I was really sad because almost the entire squad got their LCP. I thought I was the only private till Aaron called me. He told me he did not attend the test too. So Aaron and I waited till sec 2 to get our LCP, but on the same year, we got our CPL and managed to be on the same level as the rest. During sec2, I began to be more active in taking part in events and competitions and ensure that I take part in every single one. I admit that I was very self-centred at that time, I only think about myself and achieving my own targets and cared less on my squadmates. I still did not understand the true meaning of team. At the end of the year, I was selected as one of the five representatives from my school to attend the Area 8 NCO course and in that course I got the outstanding achievement award. I was very happy as it was a recognition to my efforts.
After sec2, I finally understand the meaning of a team. It all started when I joined SPDS. I joined the team in sec2 and was the first batch from my squad. I took part in a competition on that year and earned a 1st. On the second competition, we got 2nd. When we were in sec3, the team comprises of my squadmates, there were 11 of them. We endured every training and passed many tests. I still remember when it was near the competition, we had trainings everyday. Even though we were so tired, we still encourage each other. Till then I realised that, a team can achieve more than an individual. So when we became NCOs, we had no worries communicating with each other because we knew what each other was thinking. I still remember our favourite hang out place after training, the budget cafe. The place where we had our dinner under the usual void deck. We always bubble tea and cup noodles every night and joked throughout the night. We would always go home with laughter. Till sec4, we had established a bond so strong that it required a lot of energy to break.
One the last day of the overseas trip when we were on bus going back to school, all because of gary's words made all of the sec 4s cried. We did not blame him for that, all the memories are good enough for tears to roll down our cheeks. I will never forget you guys, that made a difference in my life. This will definitely be one of the memorable chapters of my life.
Thank you NCOs 06/07...
NEVER BE REPLACED (DONE BY KAITING)
DUNMAN NPCC 2007