A Sneak Peek into my Life as an NCC Cadet by By Chelsea Zena Pinto Back

A Sneak Peek into my Life as an NCC Cadet

I am JUO(Junior Under Officer) Chelsea Pinto,   My inspiration to join National Cadet Corps was from my grandfather who was in the military. I inquired about the roles played by a NCC Cadet in the society,  I got motivated by what is thought in NCC and decided my contribution to my country. I got enrolled in National Cadet Corps(NCC)  in the year 2019. I was really looking forward to it.  I remember the students saying that the certificate is very valuable and it will help us get good jobs, get into the army etc. 

In order to join the NCC one is asked to give a physical test. I passed the test and was selected as an NCC Cadet. 
To be an NCC Cadet is to commit yourself to being unique, hard working, dedicated, punctual and most of all an achiever. It inculcates the attitude of never giving up, makes you optimistic and builds a lot of self-confidence and character. 

During my first year as an NCC cadet I got the chance for piloting for some events. The second year due to Covid there was no camp. Finally, in my third year of NCC I got the ATC camp (Annual Training Camp) which began on 24th October, 2021. During this camp the initial selection for RDC (Republic Day Camp) also took place. In front of me were  300 cadets out of which only 50 were selected for RDC and I was one among the selected 50 Cadets. The training was for 10 days. The RD Cadets gave more importance to drills and less time for rest.
My journey of CATC (Combined Annual Training Camp) began on 15th October,2021. Cadets from different battalion like 19 Kar,  20 Kar, 21Kar, 6 Kar Naval, 5 Kar Naval etc had attended this camp. Around 300 cadets arrived again for this camp and there was further selection for RDC. There was a 3 CATC training. CATC(1) camp was for 10 days and so on. Out of 300 cadets 34 cadets were selected from Mangalore group to attend the Pre-RDC at Bangalore. I was selected as the Best Cadet from the Army Wings(SW). I felt elated and thrilled to have been chosen as the Best Cadet . I got the opportunity to learn firing, drill, group discussion, DST (Drill Selection Test), Cultural activities etc. Experience in this camp was really tremendous.
Together they were 34 cadets including 6 BC's (Best Cadets) leaving to Bangalore on 13th November, 2021. The Pre- RDC camp in Bangalore began on 14 November and 12 Cadets from Mangalore groups were selected for the Pre-RDC(2).
I have completed  four camps in Alvas, Moodbidri  and 1camp in Yelahanka Bangalore, with a total of five camps attended. NCC has taught me leadership, time management and team work. The life as a Cadet is one of the best experiences one can ever have as it teaches them life as it is and shows how it is to be an officer in the Indian Armed Force management. The feeling of satisfaction one gets after giving hundred percent is the best feeling ever.

By Chelsea Zena Pinto | Chowki Ward