PERMULAAN INTAKE 32

One day and one destination. 6 July 1977, Pre-Officer Cadet Training Unit (Pre-OCTU) at Sebatang Karang camp in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. One hundred twenty-five gentlemen, total strangers coming from every nook and corner of the country with different backgrounds and personalities. But one aim – to be in the service, the Malaysian Armed Forces. To serve, to protect and to fight for the beloved Nation. The day might just be like any other day. But not for us, the Intake 32 of the Sebatang Karah Pre-OCTU. Most of us were school leavers at probably 18 or 19 years old, though some appeared matured and seasoned – probably relatively older working men who wanted to change their destiny. With no inkling of what laid ahead of us at Sebatang Karah, we left home and loved ones to begin the journey of our life. What we had then were only hope, proud and determinations backed by love and prayers from those we left behind. “Sebatang Karah, as much as you’ve been ready for us, we are ready for you. So, here we come!. Each of us turned up in our best possible appearance, making our personal fashion statement. Either we wore our best shirt and pants or new pair specially bought for the 

occasion. Our hair was styled to the latest fashion and our shoes were shined to give the glare. We were all frenzied in bright 70’s colours and Saturday Night Fever styles. Carrying bags strictly packed with checked-list items, we hopped on three-tonne trucks to Sebatang Karah Camp. The route from Seremban Railway Station slowly changed from busy city scenes to a typical military camp setting. There were soldiers and military vehicles sharing the same road while the boxy monotonous military buildings became more dense as the 

journey closed in towards Port Dickson. The life that awaited the hopefuls us finally laid wide before our eyes. Still we knew, the real thing was yet to come.Our hearts were filled with hopes and aspiration though our faces showed otherwise. All mixed up with anxiety, xcitement, eagerness and uncertainty, these soon-to-be cadets bombarded accompanying staff with rains of questions. As gentlemen as they were, the staff were cordial and receptive to our antics and questions. Some chatted and giggled with mates perhaps from same selection centres, school mates or kampong mates. While some just stared at the back of the truck in anticipation of “what’s next?”. 

Our journey was formulated by the Malaysian Armed Forces in its quest to train and produce 
military leaders for the Armed Forces. Regrets? Never. Proud, yes. Honoured, thrilled and contented were words not enough to picture and express how that very day changed the whole journey of our life. Our military life. 30 glorious years in the service. This was how it all began. The story of Intake 32 … from just a humble beginning to a glorious day today.