RCC 04/06 - A Corporal's Last Days (Part 1)
Friday, 9th November 2006 to Thursday, 4th January 2007 // 57 days
The Recce Commander Course, or RCC for short, was the final step in our quest of achieving the 3rd Sergeant rank.
Not only did this new rank present more pride, greater authority and an entitlement of additional benefits, but most importantly, a significant increase in our allowances.
I'm not trying to say that full-time servicemen are money-minded, but the meagre amount we receive each month is barely enough to live lavishly, let alone sell our guard duties.
Anyway, besides the incentive of monetary benefits, we strived to pass this course because of the physical and mental challenges it presented to us.
It was precisely by surpassing these challenges that we would earn the title of 'the Elites of the Battalion'.
Furthermore, our role as reconnaissance meant we would be using some of our Army's leading technologies.
Such equipment is rarely seen by servicemen serving in other vocations, and so it was really a privilege to receive such exposure.
An inspiring phrase often used to describe reconnaissance personnels is "First in, Last out", implying the bravery and commitment of Scouts to the cause in the face of adversity.
A more appropriate adage acknowledged even by garang Scouts is the simpler phrase "First to Die".
But do not misconstrue this as sarcasm or cynicism, as the true meaning of the phrase is that us Scouts are ready and willing to lay down our life for our country, even if it means being the first to go.
RCC was conducted in the then School of Military Intelligence (SMI), which is also in the same camp as SISPEC. The bunks there were comfortable as compared to the miserable state of those in 41 SAR.
There were Scout trainees from many other units there as well, including Platoon Commanders, and the total course strength was more than half a century.
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