FASTING BUT TRAINING

The sun is blazing on the soldiers and the haze is not helping the situation. To compound matters, Recruit (REC) Muhammad Ridhwan Bin Said had not had a bite or drink since 4 am in the morning.

REC Ridhwan, like many other Muslims around the world, is fasting during the month of Ramadan, when able-bodied Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.

"Training goes on as per normal," said the recruit, who is undergoing his Basic Military Training (BMT) at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC).

"It's quite difficult and tough but all of us are coping very well."

The commanders at BMTC understand the difficulties of undergoing rigorous training during the fasting month. Hence, to ensure that training goes on smoothly, BMTC has made some minor adjustments.

Breakfast is prepared in the wee hours of the morning and Muslim soldiers are given a larger portion of food. Dates, which are an essential part of their diet, are also provided.

Muslim soldiers are also allowed to book in a little later than their peers on Sundays so that they can buka puasa (break fast) with their family.

Lieutenant (LTA) Sivanandan Thilak, Officer-in-Command (OC) of Falcon Company at BMTC, said: "For training, we try to push the most strenuous activity to the last two periods of the day."

"For instance, we organise our Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) training between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm, so that the soldiers know that they just have to push themselves for this period then it will be time for breaking fast."

"We do not minimise their training, but we do try to reschedule our activities," he said. For example, swimming lessons are conducted after the Muslim soldiers have broken fast.

Into his third batch of trainees, Third Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Nizar Bin Sazali is no stranger to undergoing tough training while he is fasting.

"I understand it's strenuous but I'll always encourage my boys to do their best," 3SG Nizar said. "But I also remind them to know their limits."

Muslims will celebrate Hari Raya Puasa next Tuesday, 24 Oct, and these soldiers are looking forward to spending the day with their family.

This is a huge motivating factor for them.



Said REC Ridhwan with a smile: "Field camp is tough but we keep reminding one another that the break is coming. Just work hard for a few more days and then we can enjoy ourselves!"