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For the 29 individuals of the 27/97 Signal Officer Cadet Course (SOCC), 10 January 1998 will always be remembered as the day they were commissioned as SAF Officers. That memorable day not only marked the culmination of months of hard work and gruelling training, but also signifies the sealing of their bonds of friendship. CPT (NS) Tan Chee Seng remarked, "Training during SOCC had not only shaped us up, but also built a strong bond among us. For instances, in order to achieve IPPT gold award, all of us helped and encouraged each other during physical training." CPT (NS) Brendan Yong added, "During a military exercise, we had to traverse a good 60 km over three days with heavy equipment, enduring cold and wet sleepless nights. This brought out the best in us and we knew we can always depend on one another when the going gets tough."
Since then, the men from 27/97 SOCC have been commemorating this special day every year, and this year was no exception. Most of them gathered at Dempsey Road, a former Army Barracks which imbued their 10th Anniversary with added significance. LTA (NS) Adrian Quek commented, "I went through thick and thin together with everybody. I think it is worth keeping in touch with those that I know I can count on." LTA (NS) Andrew Mok concurred, "Many of my friends were surprised to know that a group of my Army mates will make it a point to gather in such a manner year after year. To me, this is something precious and I will always ensure my business engagements do not clash with the gathering."
Looking back, National Service has indeed been a fruitful experience for this group of buddies. CPT (NS) Tan commented that, "NS was a great character building experience. It has enabled us to become more adaptive to changes and relate to people in the progression of our career." With the addition of wives and children, the annual gatherings have increased in 'membership'. Regardless of these changes, time has not eroded the camaraderie and bond that they share. As CPT (NS) Yong puts it, "As we get older, some have become balder and most are rounder. It is always great fun seeing each other after all these years, and to see how everyone has grown professionally as well as family-wise and of course, physically".
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