JOINING THE NAVY

The World Financial Crisis

The last month, I have been totally consumed by the monumental events unfolding each day. The financial crisis ravaging the world was just too depressing. I cannot ignore the ramifications and I need to digest and comprehend how this financial meltdown will bring compelling consequences to each and every one of us. I will blog on this when I am done with my personal blog. I will endeavour to continue what I set out to do.

-------------------------------continuing my personal blog------------------------

Sembawang Naval Base

Sembawang Naval Base was a sprawling complex of wharfs, jetties, barracks, building, as well as residential houses. There were even a Navy stores, golf course, sport fields and many restaurants and canteens. This was the largest British’s navy base east of the Suez. The British withdrew in 1970 and part of the wharf became Sembawang Shipyard. The Royal Navy military complex was inherited by Singapore Navy. Here the School of Naval Training and the Midshipman School were established.

Briefing

We were briefed by the camp commander, Major Selvarajoo. The sailors here gave him a nickname ‘Mamarajo’. He welcomed us and I always remembered he told us this, “You are no more students, and you are now Sailor”. We were housed in barracks with about 10 to a common room. There was a very large parade square. Here we were to do a special BMT of 3 months specifically for navy personnel. Thereafter, those we met the requirement will proceed to “Midshipman School” for naval officer training. That was the most meaningful new I heard for the first day. I was energised and ever motivated again.

BMT

This part of the training was a breeze for me as I was in NCC and had instructed drill before. The camp routine was relatively relax and I adapted very well. During most of the exercises I was well ahead of my cohorts. I dressed smartly all the times as I was well aware I was under appraisal. My experience in NCC has given me an advantage. I was very confident that I will be selected for the Midshipman Course. Midshipman is the equivalent of officer cadet in the army. Beside the drill, there were route march, live firing and grenade throw. There was no requirement for jungle training.

Above: As Recruit Jan 1974

My Recruit platoon, me holding the "troup marching" signboard

My recruit section (above)

Fooling around in the barrack (left)

Family visit

I do not have a telephone at home and phone call was disallowed from the camp. To inform my parent of posting, I had to write. My family came to the camp and visited me on a couple of Sunday afternoon. During these family visiting hours, the whole camp was like a big picnic.

Guard of Honour

The Pulai Brani Naval Base was to be official opened at the time I was undergoing BMT. To fill the ranks of the Guard of Honour for the opening ceremony, the navy was looking for former NCC cadets. I volunteered and was chosen. There were about 10 of us selected. We had to skip BMT occasionally to train for this ceremony at the new base. We were more than happy as we could escape from those boring basic drill sessions.