COMMUNITY
Learning more about NS
23 Nov 2025
Over 200 women experienced a glimpse of National Service (NS) training at the Women’s Boot Camp, held from 21 to 23 November.
Participants ages 13 to 59 experiencing elements of NS training, such as clearing the SOC rubble station.
On 21 Nov, over 200 women from all walks of life “enlisted” into Maju Camp for the sixth iteration of the Women’s Boot Camp.
This marks the largest number of participants to date!
Over the course of three days, the ladies, aged between 13 and 59, got a glimpse of the training that National Servicemen go through.
They underwent a series of modified key training activities such as the Standard Obstacle Course (SOC), Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21 Tactical Engagement System Firing and simulated firing at the Individual Marksmanship Trainer (IMT).
This initiative was organised by the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence and supported by the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps.
Participants “reporting for duty” at the registration counters in Maju Camp on 21 Nov.
The ladies began their journey with “in-processing” at Maju Camp on 21 Nov.
Each of them was issued an assault pack containing a helmet, water bottle, t-shirts and other essentials that they would be using over the three days.
Welcome to Women’s Boot Camp 2025! Participants all fired up and ready to take on the weekend’s challenges.
Instructors briefing a platoon ahead of their experiential ride on board the Army’s PRV.
The participants boarding the PRV in an orderly fashion as instructors keep a close watch for their safety.
After breakfast on 22 Nov, the participants travelled to Nee Soon Camp for the day’s “training”.
They started their morning with an experiential ride on board the Army’s Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV). They also learnt how the vehicle’s enhanced mobility, protection and firepower capabilities enabled soldiers to operate confidently.
How do soldiers navigate in the dark? Participants trying their hands at locating six items in low light conditions using night vision equipment.
An instructor guiding a participant as she takes aim and prepares to fire the SAR 21 at the IMT.
Night mode on: Participants also experienced firing in the dark while assuming the prone position.
They had the rare opportunity of “firing” a Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21 at the IMT – a range simulator that all soldiers must undergo training at before they can quality for live firing exercises.
Here, they learnt how to handle and shoot the SAR 21, and familiarised themselves with the different range procedures and commands.
Red alert! Participants performing combat medical aid on a dummy under simulated battlefield conditions.
Participants practising one of the casualty evacuation techniques they learnt – lifting and dragging a casualty without a stretcher.
At the Medical Centre, the ladies picked up lifesaving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and combat buddy aid.
They also learnt how to perform combat medical aid and evacuate an injured buddy under simulated battlefield conditions.
A participant practising resuscitation drills on a dummy.
The ladies learning how to apply a tourniquet, a medical device that is wrapped tightly around a limb to apply pressure and stop the flow of blood. They also practised administering first aid dressing during combat buddy aid exercises.
Ms Khadijah Binte Mohamed Fawzi appreciated the camaraderie she experienced at the boot camp.
Ms Khadijah Binte Mohamed Fawzi was happy to be participating alongside other likeminded women.
Said the 31-year-old lecturer in an institute of higher learning: “Every single experience that was planned out for this Women’s Boot Camp would not have been as enjoyable if not for the people.
“Now I understand what NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen) mean by brotherhood – because I found my sisterhood here!”
Drink up! Participants kickstarted Day Two with a water parade and warm-up exercises to get ready for the outdoor activities.
Day Two of Boot Camp started with a lesson in camouflage application. The participants did warm-up exercises and underwent the famous water parade before beginning the day’s outdoor activities.
(Wo)man down: Participants watching a demonstration of the man-down drill, a safety drill to practice evacuating a casualty during an emergency.
Participants cheering as their buddy successfully completes the low rope station.
The participants cheered each other on as they tackled the different obstacles in the SOC. Instructors were on hand to support them and make sure they were undergoing the obstacles safely.
Easy does it: A participant making a clean jump through a window at the SOC.
Ms Ng (left) signed up for the boot camp together with her daughter Charlotte.
Ms Jolene Ng participated in the boot camp with her youngest daughter, Charlotte Lim.
“I’m proud of myself for completing the low rope during the SOC as it is quite a difficult exercise. I was also happy to see that everyone tried – I think that’s the most important part,” the 47-year-old homemaker shared.
Participants engaging in a two-sided simulated battle using the SAR 21, with the goal of capturing the opposing team’s jerry can.
We did it! The team-based scenario allowed the participants to experience the teamwork that is key to a successful military mission.
Charlotte (left) receiving the certificate of participation from Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo, who was Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony on 23 Nov.
At 13 years old, Charlotte is this year’s youngest participant!
"Despite being the youngest, I don’t feel that different from everyone else. I’m glad I got to learn more about NS and understand that women can also play a part in contributing to our defence,” she shared.
Congratulations for completing Women’s Boot Camp 2025! Participants tossing their caps at the closing ceremony, marking the end of three successful days.
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