In a test of skill and nerve, NPCC Cadet Inspectors, Honorary Officers and Teacher Officers showcase their marksmanship!
By: Rose Maswida
What does it take to hit the mark in the world of competitive shooting?
This was the question that Cadet Inspectors (CIs), Honorary Officers (HOs) and Teacher Officers (TOs) from the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) faced as they headed down to the Home Team Academy (HTA) on 17 August 2024 for the finals of the NPCC Inter-Area 0.38 Revolver Shooting Competition!
The annual event brought together NPCC CIs, HOs and TOs who were eager to showcase their marksmanship skills. This year, 60 CIs and 55 Officers participated to see who would emerge as the top shooters.
Nervous anticipation and lively chatter filled the room as competitors gathered in the morning. They listened attentively to the briefing on safety protocols, rules and regulations before the Competition commenced.
Hitting the Mark
After the briefing, individual details were assigned to collect their targets and enter the range, where they would be scored for both Individual and Team categories.
Once the competitors had taken their places in their lanes, they awaited eagerly for the command from the conducting officer. His command pierced the air: “Pick up the revolver; Load and ready; Watch your front.”
The air was electric with anticipation as they waited for the targets to turn towards them. The moment this happened, they raised their revolvers, took aim, and fired.
Cheers occasionally rose from the viewing gallery, with CIs showing support for their fellow competitors.
The competitors faced three sequences: the first two are straightforward, with broad shapes to fire at. The final sequence required the shooters to shoot at the NRA target which looks like a bullseye, testing the competitors' accuracy to the limit.
As the first sequence concluded, the command "Unload and ready" echoed, signalling the start of the second sequence.
This was repeated until all the three sequences had been completed. With relief and excitement showing on their faces, the CIs collected their targets and headed to the scoring room, where their performance would be evaluated.
As the morning progressed, the Competition intensified as the individual competitors combined their scores and worked towards achieving the best possible scores as a team.
But it wasn’t only CIs who got to showcase their skills. Soon after, the HOs took the stage, leaving spectators eager to witness their marksmanship.
Honing His Craft
Among the shooters competing in the 0.38 category was Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) (NPCC) Paul Seah. ASP (NPCC) Seah’s policing journey began as an NPCC Cadet in secondary school, and he continued to serve as a CI and HO in the years that followed. He now serves as Head Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) at Airport Police Division, in addition to being a TO at the secondary school where he teaches.
“I believe the NPCC provides an excellent avenue for students to be introduced to policing,” shared ASP (NPCC) Seah. “Through these positive experiences, they can learn important lessons and values that will help them in their life journey.”
ASP (NPCC) Seah’s first experience with a revolver was as an NPCC Cadet. “I took part in the 0.22 Revolver Shooting Competition held at the Old Police Academy at Thomson Road,” he recalled. “It’s been a very interesting journey. As a 14-year-old, I was extremely nervous, but over the years, with practice and my background in the VSC, I’ve honed my technique and shooting skills!”
The Long-awaited Moment
As the final detail completed its shoot and the Competition came to a close, all the competitors gathered for the award ceremony, the most awaited moment of the day. Presenting the individual and team honours was Guest-of-Honour Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) David Scott Arul, Commander Training Command.
Join the NPCC as a Volunteer!
The NPCC Cadet Inspectors and Honorary Officers are deployed at the unit level to assist Teacher Officers to train NPCC cadets in schools. Want to have a part in training and nurturing the next generation of NPCC Cadets? Find out how you can do so here.
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