COMMUNITY

First enlistees of 2025

08 Jan 2025

Welcome to BMT: Join the new year’s first batch of enlistees as they begin their NS journey at Pulau Tekong!

Story by Donahue Foo

Photos by Loh Yu Ze

The moment a recruit steps onto Pulau Tekong marks the beginning of his National Service (NS) journey.

It’s a day filled with anticipation and anxiety, as he meets his buddy for the next nine weeks, takes the Oath of Allegiance, and receives his first instructions as a member of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

We follow the 01/2025 cohort on this pivotal day as they embark on their Basic Military Training (BMT).

The SAF Ferry Terminal serves as the gateway to this transformative journey, where recruits board the boat that takes them to Pulau Tekong.

Their loved ones are with them to support the start of their nine-week journey into military life.

Recruits and their families getting their first glimpse of the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) from the ferry.

0830H: Arrival of enlistees & families

Enlistees arriving at the Pulau Tekong Ferry Terminal. They then separate from their families to get registered, and are given their first command: to tuck in their shirts. This simple act introduces them to the regimentation that will become a hallmark of their training.

Upon entering BMTC, enlistees receive their SAF 11Bs – military identification cards – and a registration paper. A few moments later, they practise the Oath of Allegiance and the National Anthem, ending with their first enthusiastic response of “Yes, Encik!”

0930H: Family tours

While recruits continue their in-processing, their families embark on a guided tour of BMTC to gain insight into the lives their sons will lead over the next nine weeks. They are pictured above visiting a company line, where they learn about the SAF uniform and field equipment that recruits will use.

An instructor briefing parents about the bunks where their sons will live, sharing insights about the regimentation and discipline instilled in recruits during their stay.

Family members also explore the NS Gallery, which showcases the evolution of NS through uniforms, mess kits, and interactive exhibits featuring videos and stories from past enlistees.

1030H: Oath of Allegiance ceremony

“I will preserve and protect the honour and independence of the Republic of Singapore. With my life!”

These powerful words resonate throughout the auditorium as recruits recite the Oath of Allegiance in unison. Under the watchful eyes of their proud parents, they pledge their commitment to defend the nation.

1130H: Farewell lunch

Parents join their sons for lunch at the Pulau Tekong cookhouse, experiencing the same meals that will fuel the recruits during their training.

This marks the final family meal before the recruits’ mandatory two-week stay-in period, which is designed to help them acclimatise to military life.

Recruit (REC) Eugene Ang (left), 18, said: "It is a rite of passage for Singaporean males…I would like to get through it and go with the flow." His mother, Ms Lim Bee Lan (right, next to Mr Ang Kok Kiat), 50, added: “I felt quite sad yesterday and had worries, but after the briefing by the Commanding Officer, I felt more secure that my son is in good hands."

Amid heartfelt goodbyes, words of encouragement fill the air as parents bid farewell to their sons. Enlistees, lined up at the parade square, wave goodbye before heading to their company lines to begin training.

1300H: Equipment check

At the central store, recruits collect and verify the equipment in their field packs and duffel bags under their instructors’ supervision. This process ensures that they receive the correct gear and allows for any discrepancies to be addressed immediately.

In addition to their field equipment, recruits are issued Polar Pacer watches, designed to track their heart rates and monitor fitness progress throughout their training. Afterwards, they return to their bunks to check the fit of their uniforms and boots, make their beds, and organise their living spaces.

1500H: A fresh cut

Recruits who haven’t shaved their hair yet visiting the Pulau Tekong “barbershop” for a mandatory cut. The uniform hairstyle is maintained for hygiene and training purposes, symbolising a transition from civilian to military life.

With their freshly shaved heads and uniforms in hand, recruits embark on the next chapter of their NS journey.

The coming weeks will see them undergo physical training, handle their rifles and learn fundamental soldiering skills – laying the foundation for their roles as defenders of the nation.

Happy, sad or all fired up? These newly enlisted NSFs tell us how they feel on their first day at BMTC…through emojis!

Tags:

Got a great story to share?
Send it our way — we might feature it!

Share Your Story

ALSO READ IN COMMUNITY

Every Singaporean Son IV: Meet our Specialist Cadets

09 Feb 26

Who are the sons (and daughters) hoping to earn their chevrons? Watch the latest season of Every Singaporean Son, as they enter Specialist Cadet School on their way to becoming leaders in the SAF.

S’pore Airshow 2026 takes flight

05 Feb 2026

The Singapore Airshow marks its 10th edition and 20 years of contribution to the global aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

How to survive an NS relationship

03 Feb 2026

Do NS relationships really last? Is getting your girlfriend “stolen” when you’re in Basic Military Training just a myth? Here’s some advice from Singaporeans!

RSAF returns with dazzling aerial display at S’pore Airshow 2026

31 Jan 2026

Visitors to this year’s Singapore Airshow can look forward to 17 thrilling manoeuvres performed by the RSAF’s F-16C fighter jet and AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, and a static display of 10 different assets.