MORE SCHOOLS, ENHANCED BMT EXPERIENCE

With the addition of two new Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) schools, recruits can expect a more holistic learning experience.

Nine weeks. That is how long BMTC usually has to prepare recruits for military life. And everything possible is done to ensure that they receive the best training possible within that period.

In an effort to further improve on this crucial first experience, the number of schools has been doubled and the number of instructors and facilities increased.

The establishment of the two new BMTC schools 3 and 4, in December 2009 and June this year respectively, complements the slew of changes made to the BMT programmes in December last year following a periodic review.

Today, each of the four BMTC schools manages seven companies. Previously, 13 companies came under the management of BMTC School 1, while another 11 were under School 2.

Explaining the rationale for the expansion, Commander BMTC Colonel (COL) Simon Lim said: "We have moved from two to four schools, with seven companies under each school headquarters. This allows for better supervision, and with more commanders on the ground, they are also able to share their military experience, thereby enhancing the recruits' learning experience and training."

Each bunk now boasts a charging and storage rack for the recruits ultra-mobile personal computers, which allow them to access LearnNet and the internet.

Assistance from the experts

BMTC has also established a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to better train recruits in military skills during BMT. These SMEs are Full-Time National Servicemen (NSFs) holding the rank of 3SG who specialise in a particular combat skill related to BMT.

Each SME team comprises 16 Specialists, led by a master trainer who is a 1st warrant officer. They help facilitate the training of different skill sets such as weapon handling and marksmanship, hand-grenade throwing and individual field craft.

With additional help rendered by the Regular instructors and SME teams, the ratio of commanders or trainers to recruits is now smaller.

"We are able to make ourselves available to the recruits more often, such as during field camp and at our daily training. There is definitely a lot more engagement on the ground by the key appointment holders," noted 3SG Cheng.

Closer bonds forged

With the restructuring of BMTC into four schools, each school is able to "devote more time and effort

to closer supervision and engagement, reviewing performances and improving training quality", said Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Jasni Bin Jamaludin, Commanding Officer of BMTC School 4. And with fewer companies under the command of each school, comes a stronger sense of identity.

"There is a greater sense of belonging. We've become a more close-knit family and you get to know everyone in the company better," said CPT Gan Yee Hui who is the OC of Raven Company at BMTC School 3.

Entailing the collective effort of Headquarters 9th Division/Infantry and the Army's General Staff, the BMTC schools expansion, which took some two to three years from conceptualisation to execution, was driven towards one goal - to enhance the BMT experience of recruits.

"As commanders, we place great emphasis on the overall experience that the recruits undergo, so as far as possible, we try to give them a holistic BMT experience," said CPT Gan.

Quick Facts

BMTC School 3

Inaugurated on 12 Dec 09

• Located at Ladang (Western area of Pulau Tekong)
• Shares a medical centre and a swimming complex with BMTC Schools 1 and 2
• Has bunks which have wireless Internet hotspots as well as racks for storing recruits ultra- mobile personal computers

BMTC School 4

Inaugurated on 4 Jun 10

• Located at Rocky Hill, the former School of Infantry Specialists grounds
• Has its own swimming complex and medical centre which are newly built
• Has refurbished gyms, Standard Obstacle Course grounds and running tracks