PILOTING WITH HEART AND DRIVE

Captain (CPT) Nair Vivek does what he terms as "meaningful flying", which means flying with a purpose to help people in need.

That was what the 27-year-old Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot, who flies the Chinook helicopter in 127 Squadron, described as the biggest perk in his job. One of the squadron's main roles is performing long range search and rescue missions.

Relating a memorable experience when he was deployed to Phitsanulok, Thailand, in 2006 for flood relief operations, he said: "I was a junior officer then, but I had to coordinate many things on the ground and work with officers, non-officers and the Royal Thai Air Force liaisons to facilitate the bringing in of supplies to the flood-stricken area."

"When we came back, I felt really proud knowing that I represented my country in doing something good."

To CPT Vivek, a career as a pilot was a natural choice, having been with the Singapore Youth Flying Club throughout his secondary school and junior college days. But what led him to join the RSAF as a pilot in 2002 after his GCE 'A' levels was the desire to keep fit and to lead as a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer, he told cyberpioneer.

"I wanted to remain as healthy as possible, and in the military, being fit and healthy is something that is required of you."

"I also had the desire to lead, and I knew that as an officer, I would get a lot of exposure and opportunities to lead," he added.

In retrospect, CPT Vivek gushed about the many opportunities he had been given, such as training in Australia and the United States, and overseas exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger in Thailand and Exercise Wallaby in Australia."

The experience of flying in different skies and landscapes, and interacting with people of different cultures is something you don't normally get fresh out of junior college. But in the RSAF, the opportunities are aplenty; it's only natural that as you go through the course of your career, you will be exposed to a lot of things," he said.

While being a pilot has its advantages, CPT Vivek also acknowledged the challenges involved.

"It's mentally challenging and you always have to react to real-life situations. For example, when the weather changes, or when the landing area has too many obstructions, you have to think out of the box and make quick decisions, because you don't have much fuel and time when people on the ground are waiting for you."

He continued: "As an officer, there are also more responsibilities to bear, having to lead men. But I must say that because of such responsibilities, I've matured and learnt at a faster rate than my peers who work outside of the SAF."

"In addition, with all the training overseas and interacting with different nationalities, my PR (public relations) skills are a lot better, and these are things you don't get out of the classroom."

Despite being seven years on the job, two things keep CPT Vivek passionate about what he does - his past and his future.

"I always look back at the reason why I joined the RSAF, so that I'm clear about my purpose...What drives me is also knowing that there is a lot more ahead for me. From taking command of a small group of flight crew, which is what I'm doing now, who knows in the future, I might be commanding a whole squadron or even an air base!" he said with a smile.

"So just thinking about all the possibilities ahead keeps me going now."

To find out more about careers in the SAF and the Ministry of Defence, head down to the Armed Forces Career Experience at Marina Square Central Atrium (level 2) from 25 to 28 Feb, 1030am to 830pm.

Besides military professionals who will be on hand to share about their career experiences, highlights at the exhibition include performances by the SAF Music and Drama Company, the Military Police Command and personnel from the Army Fitness Centre.

25 Feb 10 - A specialised career at sea with the perks of home

26 Feb 10 - Adventures in the Army

01 Mar 10 - A glimpse of the SAF at ACE 2010