FIRST BMT GRADUATION PARADE IN HEART OF SINGAPORE

On the night of 1 Oct, some 3,000 recruits descended on mainland Singapore to commence their 24km route march through the eastern part of the island to their Graduation Parade the next morning at the Marina Bay Floating Platform in the heart of the city.

The long march is a familiar de facto rite of passage for most male Singaporeans, marking the transition from fresh recruit to a trained soldier of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). But this is the first time that recruits have marched past various sites linked to the nation's successes, such as Changi International Airport and the Marina Bay area. Previously, these route marches were conducted in Pulau Tekong, where the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) is located.

Explaining the intent behind the move, Commander BMTC Colonel (COL) Simon Lim said: "It is to celebrate the success of the recruits in completing their BMT in a more meaningful manner. As they march past iconic landmarks in mainland Singapore, the recruits are reminded of what they are really training to protect."

This message was not lost on the recruits as they marched past familiar locations such as East Coast Park (ECP). "Memories of happy times spent here with family and friends came to mind as I walked through ECP," said Recruit (REC) Karthik Rajanindran from Taurus Company.

"It was then that I realised this was what we had been training to protect: our families, loved ones and the country we grew up in," he added. "If we don't do our part to defend them, who will?"

While this route march was a brand new experience for the recruits, it was something they were well prepared for. They had been training progressively for the 24km route, starting with shorter distances to build up their endurance.

"Prior to each route march, our instructors made sure that we were properly hydrated," said REC Ong Ming Hui from Cougar Company. Obese when he enlisted, REC Ong went on to achieve a Gold award in the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), a standard fitness test which all SAF soldiers have to take.

Describing the moment when his Officer Commanding pinned the Gold IPPT badge on his uniform as the defining moment of his BMT stint, REC Ong said: "At the beginning of BMT, I never thought I would get even a Silver award but my Platoon Sergeant told me I had to believe in myself, that I could do it. I am glad my efforts have paid off."

For REC Muhammad Hafiz Bin Rahmat, BMT was a time for reflection. "BMT has made me a more focused person. Looking back at my school days, I could have done better academically had I had more self-discipline," he said.

"After BMT, I feel that I have become a better person and can achieve so much more," said REC Hafiz who has developed a keen interest to continue serving the country in his own way.

For their efforts, REC Hafiz and Karthik were identified as Best Recruits of their respective companies. At their Graduation Parade, they were joined by families and friends at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. Apart from being a more accessible location, the venue also enabled more family members and friends to share in the celebration.

In total, 13 companies graduated on 2 Oct, after completing the 24km route march. Reviewing the Graduation Parade was Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael Palmer, who is also a Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency.