A year ago, if someone had told me that I would be the Parade Commander for the National Day Observance Ceremony (NDOC) 2024, I would have found it hard to believe. At that time, I was just another cadet in the NPCC Supporting Contingent, dreaming of commanding the parade on the podium but feeling that it was an almost unattainable goal.

In NDOC 2023, the NPCC Supporting Contingent.

Historically, the Uniformed Groups scene at RI was dominated by the National Cadet Corps (NCC), with NCC members consistently assuming prestigious roles such as Parade Commander and Armed Escorts for every parade and event. Consequently, my aspiration to become Parade Commander seemed like a distant dream in the face of such a daunting scenario.

However, this changed after I spoke with Mr. Raymond Chan during the June holidays. I had been appointed as the incoming Chairman of RINPCC and asked Mr. Chan whether it was possible for me to be Parade Commander despite being from the NPCC. To my surprise, he assured me it was possible, provided that my CCA teacher, Mr. Andrew Lee, believed in me.

The Challenge of Becoming Parade Commander

Achieving this role was easier said than done. During the initial briefing about NDOC 2024, I faced opposition from the NCC representatives. A later date was set for the Parade Commander selection, and I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity pass. So, every morning at 6:30, I practised my commands on the parade square.

On the day of the agreed selection, I was initially surprised to find that there would be no actual selection process to provide NPCC with the opportunity. Instead, I was offered the position of Parade Commander for NDOC 2024 on the spot. Although I felt that it might be unfair to the NCC, I accepted the role, knowing that such a rare opportunity might never come again. Thus, I became the first NPCC Parade Commander in years.

Despite my appointment, the journey ahead was fraught with challenges. As Parade Commander, it was my responsibility to coordinate and organise the parade with the teachers. Significant changes were made to the sequence, including a major shift from the familiar Rugby Field to the Parade Square. This change was met with resistance from the EXCO members of other Uniformed Groups, and I occasionally took the blame for it as one of the main coordinators and organisers for the parade. Ultimately, we managed to address the concerns and reached a consensus on the new venue.

Several weeks later, we began our collective rehearsals and training sessions. The changes to the original sequence brought about various issues, including how the Principal would conduct the inspection, where I would stand to command the parade, and how the supporting contingents and Guard-of-Honour Contingent would march in. These challenges sometimes led to disagreements among the EXCO members of all the Uniformed Groups. Nevertheless, we grew closer and strengthened our bonds of camaraderie.

What Happened to “We’ll Fight in the Sun, We’ll Fight in the Rain”?

I distinctly remember the disappointment and dread I felt at 5:30 a.m. as I sat in my boarding room, listening to the rain pour outside. Fearing the worst, I donned my full NPCC uniform and went outside, only to find my fears confirmed by the inclement weather. My hopes were dashed when the teachers later announced that we would proceed with a much shorter, scaled-down wet weather plan.

Fortunately, we had rehearsed the wet weather plan just the day before the parade, thanks to the foresight of the teachers. The parade went smoothly, but I was still disappointed—not only for myself but for everyone who had spent hours preparing for the full parade.

Reflection

Despite the challenging weather conditions during rehearsals and on the day of the parade, I am deeply grateful and honoured to have been chosen as the Parade Commander for NDOC 2024. The parade was a success, and I will always look back on this experience with fondness and nostalgia.

Signing off,

SSGT (NPCC) Koh Zhi Hao Leonard, 3F 2024