Inter-Unit Drill Competition 2019

Our cadets were given the opportunity to take part in the Drill Competition Finals 2019 on 31 August 2019. Here are the reflections of the participants of Drill Competition 2019.

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It was a great honour to have been the squad leader of the 2nd runner up squad of the IUDC 2019. It wasn’t an all smooth sailing journey, but it was definitely worth it.

Like many other squads, we started off with extremely uncoordinated drills. To think that we would’ve gone this far at the start is absolutely unimaginable.

Throughout the countless amount of trainings under the scorching sun and the occasional scoldings, disagreements, sweat and tears shed, we’ve come to learn to understand each other more.

By the time the day of the IUDC finals finally arrived, we were all extremely worn out and exhausted from training almost every day. However, despite our exhaustion, many of our squad members were able to remain hopeful and positive, joking around as well as encouraging others. This was something I was extremely thankful for, as they really helped me remain calm for our turn later on.

This year’s finals were quite different, having to plan for the unexpected shrinking boundaries. Though we had practised countless times for this moment, there were a few mistakes along the way due to our nervousness. Fortunately, we were able to recover quickly.

All in all, I’m extremely grateful for this experience. We all laughed together, cried together, suffered together and got through all of it together. We really bonded a lot throughout the many trainings, and to us, that’s the real achievement.

To the next IUDC squad, all the best! However, most importantly, have fun, and enjoy the process together. 

Lastly, once again, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart to the IUDC squad, and for this opportunity.

- SGT (NPCC) Alyssa
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Being part of the drill competition squad was a new and eye-opening experience for every one of us. When we first started, our drills were nowhere near where they are now. Only after spending many long and tiring trainings to constantly improve our drills, our hard work had paid off upon getting into the finals. 

Initially, we were all doubtful about how we would do for the drill competition. We did not perform as well during training the day before the competition, so we were all very nervous that we would not perform well the next day. After our turn at IUDC, our squad was initially disappointed as we all thought we had "messed up" in our own ways, and were thus demoralised and reluctant to know the results. However, upon knowing we had gotten third placing, we were all overjoyed and relieved. 

Throughout this entire experience, not only were we able to sharpen our drills and improve our drill standards, but bonded much more with our squad, consisting of both sec 2 and 3s, strengthening our ties and becoming closer than before. Participating in Drill Competition was indubitably a meaningful and unforgettable experience for all of us. 

- SGT (NPCC) Kimberly Chieng