‘Twas in 2008 that I was “volunteered”to go for the NCC Teacher Officer Course. I did not want to go. Firstly, being a TO did nothing to reduce my reservist. Secondly, I am not the type of person who relishes rank and power.
In the army, I was a lowly 兵 and am proud of it. I think those people who want rank and power should all have their heads examined.
Part of the course involved jumping off the flying fox. I have a fear of heights and I dreaded having to do the flying fox.
Rationally, I knew that there was a safety harness but what if it snapped?
The reason they made teachers do the flying fox is probably so that they can encourage students who have to do it.
On the day of the High Elements, I was scared. Like a sheep led to slaughter, I followed all my other fellow trainees up to the top of the Flying Fox structure in Amoy Quee Camp.
One of the teacher officers bailed out. “You coward!” The instructor said.
(Actually I think he was very brave not to succumb to peer pressure!)
I jumped. It was exhilarating. After the initial rush, I sailed through the air and hit the ground safely.