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A NEW BEGINNING
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FIFTEEN
Many of the new officers were not adept at dancing, nor had the year just spent in SAFTI
been conducive to relationships with girls for the majority. Bringing a partner to a benchmark
event like their Commissioning Ball was potentially fraught with serious implications, so
quite a number came stag, or brought along someone convenient who did not necessarily
dance or make other claims on them. Some used the services of their close barrack mates
to arrange dates for them. Although there were many wallflowers hanging around that night,
there was enthusiastic dancing all the same and the function went on until 0200 hrs the
following morning. The highlight of the event, however, was the formal presentation of
various official awards won by individuals during the course, which had not been included in
the preceding commissioning functions.
And that was that. The First Batch of SAFTI was let loose on the SAF.
MAJ Ricketts and 2LT Subandie with their wives at the Commissioning Ball.