The beginning of the year saw me faced with a number of challenges. Firstly was the fact that I was posted in a 6-subject class which meant that I had to work much harder if I wanted to get into a JC.
I attended the AETI Silver and Gold Wing course in March and June respectively. It was a great eye opener to me as it was the first time that so many topics on aircraft can be lectured on. I learnt a great deal about the ins of the aircraft with different types of engines, radar systems, instrument panels, avionics etc... Sadly, I don't really consider my father's vocation as a technician in the Air Force as my future choice because everything there is full of jargon, which I can't really understand yet.
In June after my Gold Wing Course, I was selected for the Specialist Course. The 6 day 5 nights course saw me in No.4 trying to revise on what I had learnt in 02 Camp. Not to mention was the fact that the International Air Cadet Exchange was going on and cadets from Canada, Hong Kong, India and The Philippines were there to learn IFC with us. We got the chance to shoot the M-16 again and saw the MDC perform at AETI. I passed the course and was awarded the Army-NCC Badge along with my Specialist Course Cert. The Saturday, which was my last day, saw me helping out in the Sqn 01 Passing Out Parade where I rescued 3 of them who wanted to pass out early.
One of the highlights of the year was the SYF opening ceremony parade. After attending numerous parade practices at the National Stadium, I was ready to march with the entire crowd. My position as the right marker last man was sealed due to the height, which gave me the advantage of not turning my head at the marchpast. The guest of honour was DPM Lee Hsien Long.
The NCC day parade was the first time that it was held at SAFTI. I remember spending hours in the hot sun trying to perfect the drills for the parade. Nevertheless it proved rewarding for myself.
The Mount Ophir Expedition was the first time that I was leaving the country for foreign activities. We had to stay overnight at Jalan Teck Whye camp which wasn't that pleasant considering the mosquitoes there. In fact that was the only place where I got mosquito bites. The malaria pills sure came in handy. We took the coach up to the North-South Highway where we turned off at Tangkak for Mt Ohpir.
In December, there was yet another visit to the Sembawang Air Base. I visited the Helicopter Simulation Centre again where I flew the Super Puma helicopter. This time round I was a little much more experienced in flying and took off from Sembawang and headed towards the city. I tried low level flight and did a trench run at Kallang River and continued my way towards the city. Unfortunately, as I turned I forgot that my collective was way too low and thus crashed into something like a swamp. It also marked a repetition of the Super Puma flight, which I still enjoyed.