Kaleidoscope of dreams- My time in Zhonghua NPCC Unit

Lead with pride, serve with passion.

On May the 7^th of every year, cadets and officers of the National Police Cadet Corps commemorate the founding of NPCC. This year was no different, with the annual parade being held at the new Home Team Academy almost 2 weeks back. The theme was, “Lead with Pride, Serve with Passion”. And as much as I played no part in that parade, I hope that my time as a Cadet Inspector in Zhonghua NPCC Unit could be summarised by that simple yet powerful phrase.

With my graduation from an NCO, I finally received the long-awaited email gauging our interest in becoming an instructor of the unit. At that point of time, my heart was already certain. I knew I wanted to prolong my service in the unit; it was only a matter of whether the unit wanted me back. However, what I never knew was the kind of responsibility an instructor held. How different the roles of an instructor and an NCO are. And despite going through the Cadet Inspector Basic Training Course in December 2004, I never really knew the difference. I was back in the unit, with a higher rank and much more power. But I had not grown into the role of becoming an instructor of the unit.

And I suffered.

The first major task I took on was the March camp, a first for our unit. We would be taking the cadets out of school, out of our comfort zone. It was a mere 24 hour-long camp, but the kind of emotional torture I went through was simply disheartening. The number of proposals that were brought up and turned down. The many reece we embarked on, to determine the sleeping and campsite areas, finding the nearest shelters and toilets. Thinking up suitable activities and delegating duties. Ah, what a handful it was. The meetings with senior instructors were absolutely discouraging. For they knew where we were going wrong, but our inexperience simply showed. The camp went fine, but the many mistakes were not lost on the teachers and instructors.

During our camp debrief, I was taught one of the harshest lessons in my life. With everyone taking turns to point out the many faults made both in the planning process and the actual execution. At the end, I just broke down. And teared in front of the entire instructor team. It was just too degrading for my ego to take. However, the planning and conclusion of that camp helped me grow into a true instructor. It was the harshest lesson I learnt, but it was the best.

Then came the departure of Weihao Sir. He was the instructor and person I wanted to grow to be. He brought the unit so far, and I would give so much just to be able to emulate what he has done for the unit. He will always remain so highly regarded and respected in the unit for what he has achieved. With his departure, signaled the start of the 4 of us taking on the entire burden of managing the unit.

And I really could not have a better team helping me. We certainly struggled and felt the disappointments and discouragements at times, but we pulled through. With the Advanced Level examinations approaching, 3 of us have left, and only Guo Hwee remain. And he has been such a great buddy and help. To always be there to provide me with the necessary assistance. And to be a true friend. Moreover, he has always shown to be such a great instructor, there is just so much I could have learnt from him.

The year of 2005 ended with many regrets for me. I may have done a lot which other instructors may never get the chance to. Such as coordinating 2 school camps and an Adventure Training Camp. But deep inside, I regretted. I felt that I could have done much more. That I could have contributed and propelled the unit much further. With the release of UOPA Competition 2006, I determined within myself to make my last 5 months in the unit count.

My goal in the 5 months was going to be simple: Lead with pride and serve with passion.

Campcraft trainings were especially enjoyable. It took us away from our usual trainings. When cadets and instructors could share a closer bond. Moreover, the year started off on a great note with a great recruitment drive, made possible by the efforts of the NCOs and cadets. We garnered the greatest response and interest in the school, for the first time in our recent history.

Then came the Campcraft Competition Preliminaries and Finals. The many lessons we learnt. The shared experiences. The joy. The pain. The hope. What event could have a greater impact on a cadet’s life.

Next up was our Annual Camp. The water games. Floorball competition. Supper outside school. Dragonboating. It was definitely a great time. The unit has indeed come a long way, and we can only get better.

For me, my instructor life ended on an absolute high. The cadets in the unit share a bond stronger than ever. We have cadets who can differentiate training from fun. And I certainly hope the unit will always continue with its proud tradition. Not necessarily the top in drill or campcraft and even UOPA rankings for that matter. But we will always nurture and develop golden cadets.

They will always reserve a special place in my memory.

The innocent and cute secondary ones.

The secondary twos who learnt so quickly.

The secondary threes who always livened up the mood.

The graduating NCOs for every thing they have done.

The instructors who work tirelessly for the unit.

Today, I leave the unit with regrets. I could have achieved more. But I will leave with a sense of joy and happiness. And with bright hope for its future. Afterall, in Zhonghua NPCC Unit, we run a marathon not with our legs, but with our hearts.

My time in Zhonghua NPCC Unit has certainly been a kaleidoscope of dreams, and I am going to miss it.