The annual POP/ROD is organized to thank the current NCOs for the hard work that they had done to ensure that the unit is being run smoothly. The role of the NCOs is important. They help make sure that the welfare of each cadet is taken care of, that the cadets enjoy their trainings and that the cadets know as much information about NPCC as possible.
Throughout their NCO year, it is very evident that nothing run as smoothly as it should be. Nothing is perfect and there are bound to be mistakes here and there. As NCOs, these tiny little mistakes here and there earned them their scoldings by the CIs. It would not be a rare sight to see the NCOs falling in after trainings to be scolded by the CIs, nor would it be surprising if they are brought to somewhere that no one can see. The truth is that, NCOs are often being scolded. The fact that their responsibility is so big, makes being an NCO a tough job.
After the POP session, ROD was held with games and performances by the cadets. There was a prize presentation for the NCOs and a last session of the cadets with their NCOs. It was a touching moment as the NCOs convey their last words to the cadets.
Instead of going on about the event, I feel that it would be more appropriate to express my gratitude for my NCOs. The Secondary Three year is the year in which cadets start to feel the stress on them. They are given chances to organize events and camps and leadership courses are offered to them to prepare them for their NCO year. During this period, what affect the Secondary Three cadets are their NCOs. During this period, when we feel that we are unable to do anything and at a lost of what to do, our NCOs are the ones who will guide us through. They are the ones who will calm us down and slowly make us see what we can actually do to solve the problem.
In fact, they some how seem like our teachers and mentors. When we do something wrong, we will surely be scolded by our NCOs. No leniency would be given to us. This is to make sure that we know what we have done wrong and where we can improve on. However, in times of needs, we can always approach our NCOs, knowing that we will be given great advice in the end.
To me, being an NCO is the greatest thing that can happen to a NPCC cadet. After being a cadet for three years, I realize that all NCOs have a common mission or vision, and that is to make sure that NPCC is fun for all cadets. NCOs are selfless and always do their best for the unit. It is really amazing how some NCOs progress from a shy cadet in Secondary Three to an NCO in Secondary Four. This all show what NPCC can do to one.
I would really like to thank the NCOs for what they had done for us for the past year. It had been a long but memorable year and what the NCOs had done for us allowed me to realize the true meaning of being an NPCC cadet. It isn’t only about drills and camp craft. There are some things that only an NPCC cadet will truly understand.
Done By: SGT Ng Li Ting