NDP 2017 @ Floating Platform

On National Day this year, our Unit Cadet Leader, SGT (NPCC) Brendan Tan, represented AMKSS NPCC and participated in the National Day Parade held at The Floating Platform. After weeks of rigorous trainings, the day was finally here! On the 9th of August, I made my way to Home Team Academy at 9am to report. Before the briefing, we were all chatting with one another. We were then briefed on what would happen later and also some of the things that we need to improve on. Every week, we will come up with 3 objectives and on that day, the 3 objectives were: to have fun, stay hydrated and be enthusiastic. After some minor changes and a short break, we took the bus to our holding point. We first had our lunch before starting our rehearsals at the floating platform. As I was part of the leading column, I had to be familiar with the markings on the floor because the rest of the contingent will be following behind.

Soon, the rehearsals started. After 2 rounds of rehearsals, we had a long break. Besides it being a break, it was also a chance for us to create more memories together. Many of us used this chance to take photos to keep them as memory. After dinner, some of us chatted while others took a short break. We knew this will be the final time seeing one another. Shortly after, we formed up and began marching towards the floating platform. When we were reaching the platform, I caught a glimpse of the Red Lions jumping out of the helicopter. However, we couldn't see the whole performance as we were below the platform. The time was finally here! The parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) marched us in and there we were, in the parade. We stood there for about 50 minutes - it was tough but definitely an interesting experience. It was also the first time we were so up close to the President and many other major personnel.

After the parade, we said our final goodbye and left to board the bus. Some of us even cried before leaving. This journey was tough, especially standing under the hot sun for long hours. Nevertheless, it was a good experience as I learnt more about the parade and my drills are definitely better than before. This experience is definitely worth burning out most of my Saturdays.

SGT (NPCC) Brendan Tan