COMMUNITY

First day as a soldier

09 Jan 2026

A new beginning in BMT: Follow the new year's first batch of enlistees as they start their NS journey at Pulau Tekong!

Story by Lee Kah Kit

Photos by Kenneth Lin & Ian Lim

Amid unfamiliar faces and a new environment, a recruit’s journey into National Service (NS) begins the moment he arrives on Pulau Tekong.

Accompanied by their loved ones, these fresh enlistees get their first taste of life in the military – from meeting their buddy to taking the Oath of Allegiance as a member of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Join the 01/2026 intake as they navigate their first day as a soldier and begin their Basic Military Training (BMT) journey together.

0800H: Arriving at SAF Ferry Terminal

Enlistees begin their journey by registering and boarding the ferry from the SAF Ferry Terminal that will take them to the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) at Pulau Tekong.

Flanked by their loved ones, the enlistees embark on their nine-week journey into BMT life.

0830H: Reaching Pulau Tekong

The enlistees arrive at the Pulau Tekong Ferry Terminal, where their journey begins in earnest.

After parting ways with their families, they go through registration before receiving their very first instruction – to tuck in their shirts. Small as it may seem, the moment gives an early glimpse into the discipline that will define their training ahead.

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 the enlistees proceed with in-processing, their families take part in a guided visit around BMTC, offering them a closer look at what the next nine weeks will be like for their sons.

During a stop at the company line, parents are introduced to the SAF uniform and field equipment that recruits will be training with.

Recruits these days are trained in basic drone skills as well as how to counter such technology.

An instructor speaks with parents about the equipment used and bunks their sons will be staying in, helping them better understand the structure, routines and discipline that shape daily life for recruits during their stay at BMTC.

Family members also explore the NS Gallery, which showcases the evolution of NS through uniforms, mess kits, and interactive exhibits that feature 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!” With their parents looking on, recruits make a shared promise to serve and safeguard the nation as they recite the Oath of Allegiance in the auditorium.

1130H: Farewell lunch

Recruits and their parents share a meal at the cookhouse, getting a taste of the food that will sustain the recruits throughout their training period.

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.

Loved ones offer their final words of support and say their goodbyes.

From the parade square, the recruits wave back before moving off to their respective company lines.

1300H: Equipment check

At the central store, recruits check and confirm the items in their field packs and duffel bags under the guidance of their commanders. This ensures all issued equipment is correct, and any missing or incorrect items can be rectified on the spot.

1430H: Barber time

Goodbye hair! The classic “botak” head is the defining look for all recruits during BMT.

In the weeks ahead, these recruits will be pushed through physical conditioning, introduced to their rifles, and taught essential soldiering skills — building the groundwork for their responsibilities as protectors of the nation.

Tags: