LCP Tan Eng Kiat, Nasser in his SCDF uniform (left segment) and uniform for Precision Drill competitions (right segment). This image has been photoshopped to showcase two different uniforms worn by LCP Nasser.
Lance Corporal Tan Eng Kiat, Nasser’s belief in proficiency through practice has taken him from the National Cadet Corps to an international competition, reflecting his passion, discipline and resilience.
Currently serving his National Service as a Driver with the Corporate Services Hub (East) at HQ SCDF, Lance Corporal (LCP) Tan Eng Kiat, Nasser, has spent years honing his skills in precision drills. Since discovering his passion in 2016 as a cadet with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), he has been committed to perfecting this discipline.
Watching the national champion perform a series of stunts during an affirmation ceremony in his early NCC days sparked LCP Nasser’s interest in precision drills. “I was particularly attracted to the vast variety of stunts the performers executed,” he recalls. “It inspired me to learn precision drills as I progressed in NCC.”
That passion and dedication culminated in a defining moment in 2023. LCP Nasser joined The Street Elite, a US-based precision drills club, and represented Singapore at the World Drill Championships in the United States (US). This also marked his first in-person performance on an international stage. “We started by preparing suitable equipment such as our rifles, and spent countless hours planning and perfecting our routines,” he explains. Two weeks before the World Drill Championships, he travelled to the US to train with his team and mentor.
Upon arriving in Florida, his mentor organised practice sessions in neighbourhood parks to hone his drills and bolster his confidence in performing before an audience. “It was a proud moment for my family and friends,” he reflects. “Standing on a global stage to represent Singapore was exhilarating, yet humbling.”
A pivotal moment unfolded during the final round of the competition when his rifle slipped from his grasp and fell onto the ground. Despite this setback, his teammates and the audience cheered him on. “Their encouragements motivated me to pick up my rifle and finish the performance strongly,” he says. “This heartwarming show of support has stayed with me, inspiring me to continue practising and improving my drills.”
LCP Nasser was a proud member of the SCDF marching contingent at the National Day Parade 2024.
His training in precision drills also prepared him for his role in this year’s National Day Parade as part of the SCDF marching contingent. “Precision drill is not just about handling the rifle,” he explains. “The rifle can be seen as an extension of the user’s body, complemented by foot drills.”
LCP Nasser sees precision drills as both an art and a sport, requiring a blend of physical strength and artistic flow. “Every movement is the result of discipline and consistent effort in practising the drills ,” he explains. “As the rifle is not light, it requires strength to control every muscle and maintain my form. But precision drills can also be performed with elegance, flowing smoothly from one technique to another. I hope more people come to appreciate the dedication behind this discipline.”
Looking ahead, LCP Nasser is passionate about spreading the art of precision drills and hopes to mentor his juniors while training for future competitions.
For LCP Nasser, precision drills have become a way to connect with people from all walks of life. “Whether it’s building meaningful friendships with drill practitioners from around the world or learning techniques from one another, the shared passion and relationships formed make this hobby truly special.”
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