FLIGHT OF FAITH AND COURAGE

Long before the Wright Brothers, man has been fascinated with birds' ability to fly.

The privilege to glide across blue skies that has been the birthright of our feathered friends. Or is it? Can man fly?

A total of 107 of us from the Singapore Army and Republic of Singapore Air Force, led by our Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Eric Koh, embarked on the trip of our lives where every single person had a dream to fulfil.

Filled with eager anticipation, the delegation touched down at Sydney Airport on the early morning of 18 Aug and we were determined to make this miracle happen to make man fly.

Free fall parachute training in Singapore is limited due to the availability of airspace and open land. Thus, in the early 90s, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Commandos decided to explore overseas training areas to conduct its free fall training.

Parkes, Australia was chosen because of its good weather and open land area for the conduct of our Advance Military Free Fall Training course over the next 28 days.

This annually-conducted event included High Altitude Parachute Operations, and we were all ready to head into the adrenalin rush of an exciting training programme which is the climax for every Special Force trooper.

Such operations display our mettle and strength, as we free fall in total darkness at times, while navigating our way in the sky to avoid enemy detection.

After a free fall flight in the sky, the trainees land together as a team.

Every jump I made was a new experience.

Although we had to battle cramps and pain of having to sit through long plane rides with full combat gear, with apprehension and anxiety building up before the aircraft doors open to the sight of the heavens; nothing can possibly compare to the pleasure and freedom of sailing through the air in free flight.

Also, the feeling of piloting a canopy while enjoying an unobstructed view of the earth from above is simply priceless.

During our stay, despite the cold winter that we had to endure, the gracious hospitality of our Australian counterparts kept us warm throughout the month.

Friendship jumps were conducted and sky-diving formations made in the air symbolised the friendship and bonds shared with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

A barbecue party was even held to celebrate our achievement and paved the way for servicemen from both armed forces to share our cultures, experiences and knowledge, not forgetting the jokes and jibes in the spirit of camaraderie and friendship.

This trip has definitely been a fulfilling and satisfying one for all the trainees. Not only have we acquired advance knowledge of military free fall, we have also deepened our understanding of our foreign counterparts.

Such exposure can only be achieved from overseas training exercises like this, where we get to interact with them, and at the same time, demonstrate our professionalism and fighting spirit.