5th Honorary Officers Basic Training Course

Stepping once more into NPCC was a daunting challenge for me as I had become "rusty" after an absence of 2 years from the Corps. Although the 5th HOBTC consisted of 36 students (from the 3 respective varsities) with varying degrees of knowledge about NPCC, the ultimate goal was still to groom ourselves into worthy HOs. The 1st day of the NRC (Non-Residential Camp) started off with us being divided into 2 squads and a brief introduction of our instructors. This was followed by the Opening Ceremony which was honoured by the presence of our Commandant who welcomed us into the NPCC family.

What course is complete without lectures? Lectures on the MOI (Method of Instruction) and Topography were conducted by our instructors Esmund and Weng Nam on the 1st day. We also had a hands-on session for First Aid where we sadistically enjoyed ourselves by wrapping each other in bandages.

A liberal dosage of vitamin D was given to us on the 2nd day of the NRC as we were given a chance to revise our footdrills on the Parade Square under our instructors' eagle eyes. During this time, we were permitted to put what we had learnt in the lecture about the MOI into practice and also to clarify any doubts and queries we might have regarding footdrills. Although there was a time constrain when we were taught the baton, cane and sword drills, our patient instructors managed to cramp as much information into us as possible. For us ladies, many of us were also given the opportunity to handle the M-16 for the 1st time (unlike our male counterparts) under the guidance of SSG Ng Ah Ba, our instructors and a few CIs during the NRC.

After a few dry-firing practices with SGT John Lam, our "trigger-happy" fingers were finally allowed to do some shooting with .38 revolvers at the firing range in Toa Payoh. Amelia Lee Siew Kiau emerged as our best female shooter after easily scoring full marks. Initially, we had a tie between Eric and Meng Kiang in the male category, but Meng Kiang won the determining round to become our best male shooter.

We were also given the opportunity to learn more about the Changi Airport Police Division and how they foil hijackers and terrorists with their hi-tech equipment during our attachment there. Learning how they detect bombs and firearms was a real eye-opener for us although it was disappointing that we did not get to visit the Airport Tower. Nevertheless, it was an undeniably enriching and enjoyable experience for us all.

When the day for the long anticipated ATC (Adventure Training Camp) arrived, we were divided into our respective groups of Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta along with the training TOs (Teacher Officers). I was allocated to Charlie which later emerged as the Best ATC Group. During the days we spent in Pulau Ubin, what we had learnt about knots and lashings during our NRC proved indispensable to us. Activities such as tent pitching, rope confidence, pioneering and land expeditions were organised for us in order to let us experience what NPCC cadets would be going through when they are camping. We even went rafting and kayaking in the sea and although I was a non-swimmer, I enjoyed them most during my stay in Ubin.

Finally, the day that we have been waiting for arrived and even though it was a mere 2 weeks that we spent together, many new friendships and close bonds were forged along the way. As honoured as I am to be able to get the Best Female ATC and Best Trainee Awards, I would never have been able to accomplish this without the constant guidance of the instructors and the help and support offered to me by my squadmates when I needed them most.

P/H/INSP
Loo Zhao Mian (NUS)