900,000TH RECRUIT PASSES THROUGH BMT

Basic Military Training (BMT) is something that most Singaporean males would be familiar with - weeks of military training which culminates in a 24km route march and a graduation parade. After that, one emerges as a trained soldier of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

On 8 Apr, the 900,000th enlistee since National Service (NS) began in 1967 passed through that de facto rite of passage. This year also marks the 45th anniversary of NS. While much of the training methods and equipment have evolved, the purpose of NS - training male Singaporeans to defend the country - remains the same.

"NS has definitely evolved to become better since my days and it reflects the unity of our people and the strength of the Singapore spirit," said Mr Albel Singh, the first enlistee into NS in 1967. He recalled how his family worried for him as he embarked on NS. On visiting day, my mother remarked how thin I had become!" said Mr Singh.

Forty-five years on, NS has become a topic of discussion during family gatherings as more Singaporeans step through BMT and experience NS. "My father shared many of his NS experiences with me and I would talk about my BMT with my family on the weekends, this common topic is something that has brought me closer to my father and my family," said Recruit (REC) Muhammad Ashraf Bin Yusoff from Gryphon Company.

His father has noticed a change in his son following the weeks of BMT. "I've seen my son grow from a raw young man into a more disciplined person. He's also more confident now," said Mr Yusoff Bin Mohamed Noor, an engineer.

On his time in BMT, REC Ashraf said: "It's been the most memorable time in my entire life. I've learnt things which I would not have anywhere else, made good friends, and even got to know myself better. I can say with conviction that the friends I've made here are like brothers to me now, from being total strangers when our BMT first started."

This bond was also something which another father-and-son pair remembered of their NS experience. "The times we spent together as young men during our NS days have forged life-long friendships," said Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (Volunteer) Chia Seng Jiang, who enlisted in 1979 and still meets his NS mates regularly today. He is father to REC James Chia from Ulysses Company.

Said REC Chia: "From the start of BMT, our platoon sergeant told us that we have to be a family and push each other. Through these nine weeks, we've really bonded together and it's really like being in a family now."

Apart from the bonds made during NS, the family noticed some changes in their son. "My son has definitely toughened up and he's more determined now. At least he wakes up on time now without us checking on him!" laughed LTC (Vol) Chia who is a director at the National Parks Board.

On the lessons he learnt in BMT, REC Chia said: "I've realised that all we have in Singapore is not to be taken for granted and to be able to step up as a protector of our way of life and culture, is really a privilege... It has also taught me the meaning of taking personal responsibility."

As he recalled a weekend duty he had to perform because of a mistake he made, he said: "My father told me to accept the punishment, not to be discouraged and to continue to do my best."

REC R Saravanan from Whiskey Company agreed: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the people you meet and learning how to communicate with others, which has taught me a lot about myself. After these weeks of training together, I realise that all Singaporeans have a lot more in common than what I had initially realised."

Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh, who had marched with the recruits through the night, said: "Having 900,000 enlistees perform NS over the last 45 years is significant in the history of NS... Completing BMT is a defining moment, bringing together recruits of different walks of life together with a shared commitment and experience."

"The recruits of today serve NS just as the first batch of enlistees did 45 years ago - with honour and commitment to the defence of Singapore."

More than 3,000 recruits from 17 companies graduated on 8 Apr. Dr Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency reviewed the parade. In her speech, she noted that the recruits displayed a high level of enthusiasm and energy which would serve them well as they progressed through NS.

Since October 2010, recruits have gone on that overnight march through eastern Singapore before ending at the Marina Bay Floating Platform for their graduation parade. Previously, the marches were conducted on Pulau Tekong where the Basic Military Training Centre resides.