Heng Ching Journey: MY CCA NCC(AIR)

Joining NCC(AIR)

I have settled down very well in RI. I didn’t have any real frien

ds but plenty of playmates. In sec 2, I joined NCC(Air). That was the turning point in my school life. My friends will eventually come from this group. The activities soon add meaning to my life. It was here I learned about leadership, responsibility and interpersonal skill. When one spoke of character building and nurturing values, then this must undoubtedly be my foundation years. I owed many of my successful pursuit in life such as becoming an officer during national service and later my successful career in aviation to this early stage of character building.

As recruit, 9th from right. Sec 2 (1969)

Air cadet training

The first year consists of basic military training like marching, arm training on the heavy Mark 4 rifle. It’s all about discipline. We looked smart in our properly ironed cotton army uniform. My boots shined like mirror. We attended technical training in aviation subjects in a centralised Air Training Centre located at Kolam Ayer.

1970, Sec 3, 2nd Row, 6th from right

1971 Sec 4. Front Row, 6th from right

The second year was similar, except we had more activities like drill competition, aero modelling competition, air rifle shoots and some outdoor camps. I was promoted to Lance Corporal. For vocational training, we went to Seletar Camp. There we were taught aeroengines, theory of flight, meteorology as well as air law.

Camp at McRitchie Reservoir. 1970 (sec 3) 6 packs or ribs?

Taking Charge

The third year, I became corporal and began to take charge of new recruits. The Air Training Centre had also shifted to CMPB in Tanglin Road. I spent more time on the parade square teaching drill to the younger cadets. We also took charge of organising camps, competitions and even hiking with girl guides from St Joseph Convent. By the end of the year, I was promoted as sergeant.