ROD on 25 Jun 1976

Navy and ROD

It was ‘THE’ day every NSman looked forward to. It was called ROD but today refer as ORD. For me, it’s 25 Jun 1976. To me, this chapter of my life was most defining. I knew some wish to forget, but I had cherished this period thereafter. Among the 40 of us who made it as officers, about 10 had signed on to be regulars. How they felt, I really cannot tell. Majority of us will be going to University of Singapore. Some were going for overseas university. One or two went to run their family business.

The intensive training, that never seems to end, had nurtured us from boys to men to officers. We learnt to take the challenges, overcame the obstacles, persevered and ultimately prevailed. These were the share feelings we had when we met later into our adult life. Some of us may be idealistic and naïve at the start, but most of us eventually learnt to be pragmatic and accept that not all things were fair and achievable.

The mood among us was really mixed. Sad that it had to end but happy that a new beginning awaited us. We had gone through some very tough times, in the classroom, to on–the-job-training and the unforgettable storm that tormented us over the Bay of Bengal. But we also had many fond memories of the wonderful times we had among ourselves and the ship’s crew, both officers and sailors. I dared say that unanimously; we felt tremendous pride and satisfaction when we ROD.

A few of my mates, like me were not going to university. I did really envy those who had the opportunity to continue to study. But I had made up my mind years ago, that after NS; I would be independent and looking for opportunities to build my own future.

NS had also defined my first moment of financial independence. My first pay cheque was $90 as a recruit. I gave $50 to my parents and spend the rest. When I started my officer training after 3 months, I was paid around $300. By the time I was commissioned, I was earning about $450. For someone fresh out of school, it was substantial. (Especially in the 70s). By the time I ROD, I had saved a few thousand dollars. I had intended to use this money to do part time study while I work.

So I enrolled in a private course in accountancy. My plan was to work as account trainee and study part time until I qualify as accountant. My intention was to move to the business world. At the same time, I was searching for a job. I was offered a course in nautical studies by Singapore Polytechnic. Upon graduation, I was required to be bonded a few years and teach at the Poly. I was also accepted by a shipping company as a ship officer but I had to take the relevant courses while working. I turned both down as I was not really keen to spend my entire life at sea. Finally I was accepted as Trainee Flight Navigator for B707 by Singapore Airlines. I was thrilled that my childhood dream and passion for aeroplanes was realised. The rest became history.

It had been a lot of effort trying to recollect the early part of my life. I am glad I had fulfilled my objective. This blog on my childhood and growing up years of my life will end here. The rest of my life history will be reserved for my retirement.


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