"> PTE Raynard learning wire locking as part of his course. 
My Air Force Story - PTE Raynard Tay
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I am PTE Raynard Tay, and I enlisted on the 25th of July 2019, as a PES BP soldier. After my Passing Out Parade, I was posted to Air Force Training Command (AFTC) as an Air Force Technician (AFT), in Aircraft Engineering School (AES).
After our Airmen Orientation Programme (AOP), I was streamed to the Flight Line Crew (FLC) fixed wing group, where we had to learn the different practical aspects of our vocation, including logistics, safety, aircraft marshalling and wire locking.
PTE Raynard (center) and his friends in AFTC.
During the FLC course, our instructors ensured that we understood what was taught so that we are able to carry out all our tasks. I also made many friends during the course, and was particularly inspired by one of my course mates. He convinced and motivated me to exercise regularly to keep fit. We even started a “meal time regime”, where we had to do pull ups before our meals. It is heartening to have friends who allow us to better one another and grow together, both during and outside of work.
In recognition of his civic-mindedness, PTE Raynard was awarded the Commander AFTC, Commander’s Coin.
On 21 Feb 2020, while alighting from a bus, I noticed a man between his 70s to 80s lying on the ground close to the traffic light junction. The elderly man also had minor abrasion injuries on his forehead, cheeks and thighs. With my previous experience being the Chairman of my school’s Red Cross, my first instinct was to step forward to provide first aid assistance to him. I had a set of personal first aid kit in my bag and using medical gloves, I applied antiseptic to treat the wounds and continue speaking to the elderly man to make sure he is conscious while another member of the public called the ambulance.
We are trained to never shy away from people who needed help. To me, it’s my duty to serve and to lend a helping hand when others are in need. I was happy that I was able to apply the life skills that I had picked up.
PTE Raynard learning to marshal an aircraft.
As I graduate from AFTC and received my posting orders, it was a bittersweet farewell. The bonds that I had with my friends reminded me of my days in Basic Military Training, and I will always treasure these moments even when we move into our new units. I also look forward to meeting more people in the RSAF, and to create meaningful relationships that will help improve me as a person and what I was trained to do.
