Keeping an eye on the sky

Lieutenant (LTA) Tracy Ong developed an interest in sports science during a stint at a hospital, where she got to observe the physiology of patients who had suffered a stroke.

She never lost that interest even after she was commissioned and underwent training as an Air Warfare Officer (AWO).

A Singapore Armed Forces scholar, LTA Ong is currently studying sports science management at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Though not directly related to her vocation, it is nevertheless a useful skill in an organisation where there's plenty of physical activity.

"Knowledge of sports injuries is useful during IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test) or sporting events where I may be the safety officer, and can be the first to attend to the injured before medical help arrives," she explained.

Despite her study break, she has not lost sight of the important role she plays in the Air Force. As an AWO (C3), she is involved in performing air traffic control and round-the-clock surveillance of Singapore's skies.

"I chose C3 because you act as the eyes in the sky, which is very meaningful for me. I'm not an adrenaline junkie so I didn't want to be a pilot!" she said with a chuckle.