What to bring for enlistment day? Is BMT 7 days a week? Is there WIFI in Tekong? Master Warrant Officer Thanimalai s/o Sockalingam, School Sergeant Major of Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) School 2, answers some of the most-Googled questions about enlistment and BMT.
Local artist Yip Yew Chong breathes life into memories through his nostalgia-themed murals.
In his work, illustrator 2nd Sergeant (2SG) (NS) Lee Xin Li of Pok Pok & Away draws from personal memories and stories of his own National Service (NS) experience to juxtapose nostalgia and imagination.
3SG Asao (right) had lived in Japan since he was two and knew little about Singapore culture, until his BMT buddy 3SG Altoveros introduced him to the local language and way of life.
PIONEER gives you the lowdown on the Ministry of Defence's and Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) latest initiatives to strengthen National Service (NS).
Each year, more than 30 students at Global Indian International School enlist for National Service (NS) after completing their high-school education.
Mrs Michelle Wong, a mediator, 52, shares how she supports and prepares her three sons – aged 22, 20 and 16 – in their National Service (NS) journey. She even took part in the Women’s Boot Camp 2019 to get a glimpse of the NS experience.
Training in Brunei continues to be an important aspect of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) training in building up the confidence of our soldiers, said President Halimah Yacob.
The new Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP) taps science and technology to help every soldier realise his full potential.
As we wrap up our NS55 Family Photo Challenge, take a stroll down memory lane and check out the heartwarming stories shared by NSmen and their loved ones.
Nine-year-old Sunay Mishra gets a taste of naval diving training from his "buddy" 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Andrew Chng, a frogman school instructor.
For the first time, the prestigious SAF Scholarship – second only to the President’s Scholarship – has been awarded to a polytechnic graduate and a student from the School of the Arts (SOTA).
At the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first International Maritime Review last year, Missile Corvette RSS Vengeance was among the fleet of naval ships from around the world.
Propnex CEO COL (Ret) Ismail Gafoor, 57, started his transformative life journey during National Service (NS).
The photographer behind the viral With Our Lives photo series wants to showcase what is truly Singaporean.
Colonel (COL) (NS) See Tow Pak Onn's service has been nothing less than extraordinary. He served as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President from 1993 to 1996, and was the Parade Commander for the 2007 National Day Parade during his 42 years of service.
When he entered Basic Military Training, Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Venkat Subramaniam was 108kg. His fitness was in the dumps and he would fail his Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) with a 2.4km timing of 17min and 50s.
This 27-year-old commando medical officer did Singapore proud by winning a silver medal in 110m hurdles at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam in May – this was Singapore's first medal at the event since 1989.
This Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) medic did not let circumstances get in his way of sporting success.
National bowler Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Alex Chong doesn't give up easily.
We've all met interesting commanders in Basic Military Training (BMT) whom we will remember forever. Find any of these familiar?
2nd Sergeant (2SG) (NS) Kelvin Chong always has someone behind his back. For her support, his wife Alicia Ng was recognised as one of this year's National Service (NS) Advocate Award winners.
They're here to welcome you to the first day of the rest of your life (in National Service or NS).
A childhood infection caused him to lose his right arm. But CPL Tan Kok Yew went against the grain by choosing to enlist, and has emerged an outstanding and respected soldier in his unit.
The recent Trump-Kim Summit, held on 12 Jun, saw security being stepped up around Singapore.
Like many male Singaporeans, he served NS when he was 19. Thirty years later, he continues to defend the nation under the Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service scheme. Meet LTC (NS) Christopher Tan.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has set up a new dedicated training school for service-fit recruits.
For those who are enlisting, this explainer can save your weekends - and "face". It’s no secret that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is full of acronyms. Some are easily deciphered through common sense, while others take longer to decode.
AS WE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF NATIONAL SERVICE (NS), HERE'S A LOOK AT WHAT FIVE OPERATIONALLY READY NATIONAL SERVICEMEN (NSMEN) HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES.
After spending most of his life abroad, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Arthur Chia returns to Singapore to serve his nation.
Basic Military Training, or BMT, is an initiation to the military for new recruits – you stay together in bunk, learn basic soldiering skills and adjust to the regimentation of a strict military lifestyle.
What does it take to create a winning battalion?
NSmen from 488 SAR continue to train amid COVID-19 effectively and safely.
By 2023, national servicemen will be able to access all their National Service (NS)- and training-related activities in a one-stop centre.
This commando NSman started a social enterprise that provides free camera rental and training for migrant workers.
In a company full of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), arranging manpower to cover another man’s job whenever he has to go for his In-Camp Training (ICT) is no easy task.
Returning to serve NS after spending six years abroad, Private (PTE) Muhammad Hadi Bin Abdul Hairy used to wake up in his BMT bunk feeling like he was surrounded by strangers. Now, he counts them as some of his closest friends. Find out how he adapted to military life in the third of PIONEER's "Back to Serve" series.
Most mothers experience National Service (NS) through their sons, but for this mother-son pair, their shared experience sees them both donning green Army fatigues.
Medics from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have been putting their medical training to good use by assisting with home vaccination efforts targeted at the elderly and homebound individuals.
STRICTER SAFE DISTANCING MEASURES, MORE COURSES CONDUCTED ONLINE AND A SHORTENED DIRECT ENLISTMENT PROCESS - THESE ARE PART OF MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT THE BASIC MILITARY TRAINING CENTRE (BMTC) TO MINIMISE THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19).
“His journey in life is starting, and he is looking forward to it. It will not be filled with daily rainbows, and that is not what I wish for him. It is the acceptance by the SAF that has enabled him to correspondingly accept himself and strive on in life."
It was his first outfield exercise and 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Jerrald Capuno Caballa had to resuscitate an unconscious casualty as part of a simulation.
This Guards officer helps his soldiers to become the best version of themselves.
A volunteer soldier who died at the hands of the Japanese during World War II — his sacrifice inspired his grandson, Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Andrew Tay, to continue serving as a citizen soldier today.
It’s like the first school term when you meet new friends, learn new skills and get used to the demands of your teachers (read: sergeants). We share eight tips to help you during Basic Military Training (BMT).
While many may be glad to say goodbye to 2020, there has been some bright spots in this rollercoaster of a year. PIONEER takes a look back at positive and uplifting MINDEF/SAF stories as Singapore soldiers trudge on through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the first of PIONEER's "Back to Serve" series, meet India-born 3SG Thirunavukkarasu Karthikeyan who used to listen to his father's stories about National Service (NS). Now, he is living out his own unique NS story.
1st Sergeant (1SG) (NS) Edmund Khong went from being a recluse with a gaming addiction to the best clown in the world.
Young ACCORD members Samantha Ng, a youth leader, and Fauzi Aziz, local influencer, aim to come up with new ideas to strengthen support for NS and defence.
Being diagnosed with possible muscle dystrophy did not stop this newly-minted specialist from pursuing his passion to becoming a combat-fit soldier.
If a Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) attack happens, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Rammdarshan S/O Ramesh will be ready to swing into action.
To enhance training safety, there will be mandatory inspections of all field training conducted by the Army, Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How said in Parliament on 1 Mar.
3SG (NS) Ryan Tham taught himself to create art out of shoes during his free time in NS.
He received a rude culture shock when enlisting into National Service (NS) in October last year, having never stepped foot in Singapore.
You’d think going to film school would be a no-brainer for Corporal (CPL) (NS) Edward Khoo, the eldest son of renowned Singapore filmmaker Eric Khoo. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A PLATOON SERGEANT? HERE’S A PEEK INTO ONE OF THE TOUGHEST COURSES IN THE SINGAPORE ARMY.
Commando-turned-medical officer Captain (CPT) (NS) (Dr) Ramesh Wijaya shares the life lessons he learnt from being part of this elite force.
Officer Cadet (OCT) Muhammad Idham Bin Husni went from being an overweight recruit to a fit Infantry Officer. What's his fat-to-fit story?
Over a million past and present national servicemen will each receive $100 worth of credits as part of the NS55 Recognition Package.
Rugby player and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medallist LTA (NS) Jonathan Wong Hong Jia opens up about his transition from life in Papua New Guinea to Singapore.
A slew of new initiatives will be introduced to improve the National Service (NS) experience for every serviceman.
Whenever her husband goes for his In-Camp Training, Ms Kym Lee has to reschedule her time and make arrangements to pick her two children up from school, ferry them to various enrichment classes and even coach them on their homework.
The first in his family to be commissioned as an officer, 2LT Haniel Humphrey Muze may soon become the first Singaporean of African descent to earn the khaki beret.
Out on the Singapore Strait, an Accompanying Sea Security Team (ASSeT) from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) boards a merchant vessel to carry out a spot-check.
3rd Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Noorhakim Bin Rozilan shares his journey of going through Basic Military Training (BMT) (twice!) to be fighting fit.
Among the DIS graduands is 3SG Philemon Tei, who had to cope with the loss of a loved one during training but eventually emerged as a Silver Bayonet recipient.
Talk to the winners of one of this year's Best NS Infantry/Guards Units - 786th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (786 SIR) - and one word comes up often: commitment.
From special sound-suppressing rifles to camouflage suits, Koh Yu Xun, 10, learns how to look and shoot like a sniper in the Singapore Army.
Meet the first batch of NSFs trained on the Navy's ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in the last of our series on lesser-known National Service (NS) vocations.
Not your usual In-Camp Training (ICT): Military Expert (ME) 4A (NS) Muhammad Nurhafiz Bin Juma’at, 32, shares his story as a front-liner in the battle against COVID-19. A Nursing Officer in 8th Combat Support Hospital (8 CSH), he was deployed alongside his fellow servicemen to take care of patients at the Singapore Expo Community Care Facility (CCF).
To celebrate the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps' (SAFMC's) 50th anniversary, PIONEER presents its very own MED50 Dictionary to take you through the A to Z of "Seeking Excellence, Saving Lives and Serving the SAF" over five decades.
Master Sergeant (MSG) (NS) Viknesvaran s/o Sativel is passionate about leading and motivating his men whenever he returns for In-Camp Training (ICT).
Young and successful: Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Kenneth Lou, 28, and 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Chew Tee Ming, 30, are the co-founders of Seedly, a leading personal finance portal in Singapore.
COL (Ret) (Dr) Kenneth Mak wears many hats – he's the Director of Medical Services, a trauma surgeon and has served in the SAF as an NSman for 27 years.
Have a great new business idea but don't know where to begin? These young local entrepreneurs tell us what it takes.
3SG Shane Lim, who returned from Australia to Singapore to do his NS, thinks he may have found a new calling in life as a life-saver after serving as a combat medic. Learn more about his experience in the second of PIONEER's "Back to Serve" series.
On this very day 80 years ago, the first bombs were dropped on Singapore, marking the start of almost four years of fear, suffering and oppression for the people of the island.
It's a rite of passage that all new recruits in Basic Military Training (BMT) must go through in their journey to becoming full-fledged soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces.
Long-time NS buddies CPT (NS) Magnus Pang and CPT (NS) Christopher Kwan travelled all the way back from the US for their eighth ICT.
Meet the Chins, a three-generation family of national servicemen.
After losing two of his naval diver batch mates to cancer, 2LT (NS) Rohan Mathew Thomas wants to raise funds for young adults battling the disease by challenging himself to a 6,400km relay run across the US in 49 days.
Meet Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer and youth volunteer Captain (CPT) Ryan Tan.
He was scheduled to attend a two-month training in Switzerland earlier this February. But there was a problem: the dates clashed with his In-Camp Training (ICT).
They say you meet people from all walks of life during National Service (NS). After living together in close quarters, you'll probably remain firm friends forever.
Private (PTE) (NS) Ryan Lian, a new face in the Ah Boys To Men (ABTM) franchise, shares his journey in becoming an actor.
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