Could You Share a Funny Incident During Your NDA Training?

Humor in Rigorous NDA Training

Though I don’t have personal experiences, it is well-known among many who have trained at the National Defence Academy (NDA) that humorous stories are a common part of their rigorous training. This camaraderie often emerges from amusing incidents that occur during drills. For instance, some cadets recount stories of mix-ups where someone mistakenly follows an incorrect command, leading to hilarious chain reactions. These moments not only add a touch of levity but also strengthen bonds among the cadets.

Playful Banter and Dreaded 10M Jump

Apart from the structured training, the 10M jump is a highly anticipated event, often overshadowed by fear and anticipation. Known famously as “Academy Waterloo,” this jump is a mandatory test for cadets aiming to advance to the next term. While the fear of the jump is real, it’s also accompanied by playful banter and jokes among the cadets. This camaraderie is what makes the journey through the NDA memorable and enjoyable.

A Wildly Memorable Incident

My Fourth Term’s 10M Jump

During my fourth term, a particularly funny incident occurred related to the 10M jump. Cadets were gathered beside the pool, waiting for their turn to jump. Each term had its own playful dynamics: second-term cadets would go first, followed by third term, and so on. Amidst the banter and jokes, a silly challenge was proposed by our SecCom. Cadets who would declare that ‘Sonam Gupta bewafa hai’ would be rewarded with a treat from the Kilo juice bar. I was among those who took the challenge, but I asked for a raise, considering the risk to be too high. As the challenge grew more intense, the stakes rose to seventeen juices and five burgers.

With each mark crossed as we climbed the stairs to the board—5m, 7.5m, and finally 10m—the fear and nervousness grew stronger. My classmates were there, cheering me on, while inside I was battling the shyness. Once at the edge, after the instructor blew the whistle, I shouted ‘Sonam Gupta bewafa hai’ and refused to jump. As I made my way back to the edge, the classmates were laughing, while I sang the squadron song, cementing my resolve to jump. With a burst of energy, I shouted “JUMP!” and followed it with a triumphant splash into the water.

Needless to say, I was celebrated with creamrolls until the event ended. The following day, the entire battalion was discussing me, and even sergeants gave me a ride, saying, “You! The type who sings, carry on.” The 10M jump, though feared, is also celebrated by cadets for its humbling and amusing moments that stay with them forever.

The 10 meters of the jump is a brisk descent, a mere second long, but it feels like an eternity. The gravity, 9.8 m/s, makes the jump both exhilarating and somewhat terrifying. In that brief moment, all fears seem to dissipate, leaving a lasting memory of the game-shaped excitement and camaraderie.

Conclusion

Whether it’s the challenges of the 10M jump or playful banter during training, the NDA training sets the stage for a lifetime of memories filled with humor and determination. These incidents not only add a touch of humor to the rigorous training but also bind the cadets in a bond stronger than ever.