“POP LOH!”
These words are what many recruits will cry out in relief after enduring two to five months of Tekong hell.
I was no different. Like every Singaporean son, I was enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as a chao recruit in January to begin my Basic Military Training (BMT) in Pulau Tekong.
Overall, Basic Military Training (BMT) was hell for me. It was such a struggle to go through, and I doubt I’ll forget the pain during the two months anytime soon. This is coming from a recruit in a mono-intake, so I believe my experience in BMT was likely harsher than those from other companies.
However, upon reflecting, I don’t think I’ll be too critical of my BMT experience. There were certain things that have kept me alive to last through the two months. BMT has also left behind memorable and enriching experiences, mainly about NS culture and military leadership that I find entertaining to share with you all. In any case, I’m glad it’s all over…
I apologise for the lack of photos because in-camp-photos are prohibited 🙁 .
Let’s begin with the nasty dreadful side of BMT:
1. Culture Shock
The first week was a huge culture shock for me. I had to put up with working and living with people from diverse backgrounds whom I barely know. On one end of the spectrum, there were the elites from top-tier JCs, and on the other end there were ahbengs and angkongs.
Upon meeting them, I could instantly see the differences in the attitudes and behaviour between the two groups. On one hand, there were those who were disciplined and well-mannered. On the other hand, there were the wild, uninhibited ones blasting music and hurling vulgarities of all sorts like nobody’s business.
It was indeed tough to get along initially. Given the fact that I was not particularly sociable too make this even more problematic. I recalled asking for someone’s name expecting a courteous reply only to be brusquely replied back, “Why do you need to know?” I was stunned for a moment. I hadn’t dealt with such an unwelcoming response.
Not to mention how hectic it was already during the first few days. There were plethora of things to learn: folding clothes, tying bootlaces and executing foot drills and commands. On top of that, there were strict timings to meet. For every single thing, we were being rushed for.
At the start, I really found it hard to adapt. I was afraid I won’t be able to blend in with the culture. I wasn’t too comfortable with all the time constraints, boorish vernacular and living with strangers with little privacy. I must say the two-week adjustment period to get used to military life was the hardest part of BMT for me.
2. Tekan like siao
Right off the bat during confinement week, I was already tekan-ed up down left right by commanders of all kinds of ranks. From mishandling my wife (rifle), being too slow and failing to empty my bag properly, I had to face the ground. I suppose I was a vulnerable target as I was the the blur quiet recruit who never seemed to get things right.
The most vivid punishment I could recall till today happened on the last day of confinement. Spirits were high because it was the very first book-out after persevering through two weeks of suffering. Before we could go anywhere first, our bunk had to be inspected by our fearsome Company Sergeant Major (CSM). I was the bunk I/C on that day so I was particularly pedantic, making sure everyone’s locker and living space were up to standard.
Once time was up, we rushed to our positions: I was standing beside the door while the rest stood in front of their lockers. About five minutes later, CSM, accompanied by our Sergeants, made his grand entrance into our bunk. “Room!” I called for everyone to be at attention. The atmosphere instantly tensed up, and there was pin-drop silence. Unexpectedly, CSM shoved his pace stick into my right thigh pocket. Taken aback and blur enough to not understand what was implied, I grasped the stick firmly thinking he wanted me to hold it for him.
“Tsk. Your side pocket unbuttoned la!” He growled.
“Oh… oh ok ok…” I mumbled, swiftly handing back his pace stick and then buttoning up my pants. At that moment, I could already feel my sweat dripping down my sideburns.
CSM scanned through each locker starting from the first bed, then the next one beside. Just when I thought everybody’s lockers were fine, he suddenly stopped moving when he stared at my locker. “Whose locker is this? It looks like a pig sty!”
“It’s… it’s mine…Sergeant Major,” I stammered. I hastily went to check my locker. In disbelief, I saw t-shirts and singlets messily folded and a set of uniform pants lying at the base of the locker (which unfortunately fell from the clothes hangar). This can’t be my locker, so I thought.
I still remember the menacing glare CSM gave me. I swear it was threatening enough to send shivers down my spine and tears in my eyes.
“Oi Recruit Rayson, everyone can do it. Why can’t you? Huh? You special is it?” One of the sergeants turned and scolded me.
“Sorry Sgt… it… it won’t happen again…” I mumbled. I remember on that day, I looked down, too embarrassed to even maintain eye contact.
I must say that was the biggest humiliation of my entire BMT. Sometimes I question myself how I could’ve avoided all this drama if I had checked and sorted out my own problems first. But looking back it’s funny to have this story to share.
3. SAF efficiency
What’s SAF best known for? It’s efficiency.
If I remember part of PT in the army was darting up and down flights of stairs because of last minute instructions. Just when I thought I could finally get some rest time in bunk, it would be irritatingly disrupted by more last minute conducts and reminders.
I’m sure every NSF is familiar with the mantra ‘rush to wait, wait to rush’. There were times our company was rushing here and there only to sit down and wait for an hour afterwards. If that was not bad enough, there were more mindless waiting hours that lasted up to half a day. During these times, I wished I had brought a book.
I still wonder why things couldn’t be done in a different way. I’m sure with proper planning, communication and coordination, there exist win-win situations. But I wouldn’t blame the commanders because they may just be dealing with unclear orders from higher-ups, working with infrastructural limitations or complying with standard operating procedures. Or perhaps it’s just NS culture to make life difficult for everyone.
I won’t be so overzealous how the spare pockets of time could be utilised productively. After all, if we can have some time to chill while “serving” our two years, I won’t complain. I have the time to doze off, stone and interact with my mates. It takes away some of the resentment of being a recruit. I’ll digress here a little bit, this author actually puts up a decent argument for SAF’s inefficiency.
4. Too shag!
During BMT, I was surviving on 5-6 hours of sleep a day, akin to my JC days. Come on, a recruit rarely gets the mandatory 7 hours of uninterrupted rest. There are things to prepare for tomorrow, your loved ones to text to and time to use your phone.
I thought the tiredness would end after book-out because I would be so overwhelmed with excitement to leave camp. Upon reaching home, I barely had enough energy to wash up and would just crash into my bed soon after.
The perpetual tiredness during training and even on weekends made me feel NS was in the way of my personal goals. I really had no time and energy to pursue my interests. Booking in back to Tekong prison always felt like a drag. Seeing the same faces, going through the same routine and eating similar meals again and again made me a little frustrated.
As a result of being restless and lacking rest, I mostly felt I wasn’t in the best of mood and best of shape to do my best. With muscle pains and mental fatigue, I had to dial back on my personal training. Tragically and ironically, I became lazier and more unfit after NS, and my performance in the army and daily tasks consequently took a hit.
It was at this time I really turned to my bunk mates for help. They were great fun to talk to and made the whole journey so much more bearable. Amidst all the hate for BMT, I admit there were plenty of funny stories that make me proud and happy to look back at my BMT life.
1. Friends
If there is one thing I’ll continue keeping in touch with after BMT, they would be my section mates and commander. I cannot appreciate enough the social support and guidance they’ve shown when I was struggling or just screwing up big time.
Although at the beginning we were awkward with one another, it’s nice to see us bond together despite our social backgrounds, after talking shit, messing up shit, and getting through shit together. There were many hilarious moments together from field camp to bunk night life. These are the people that I look forward to seeing when I book-in.
A big thank you to my buddy (legit ocifer material) and section commander for being so friendly and patient in teaching me the drills, or just having casual conversations about life. You all helped me out in so many things when I was just so blur and slow and were awesome company!
2. Balls of steel
Thorughout BMT, I’ll salute my own balls for always doing things that not many recruits dare to do, even when I had done them wrongly.
I would proactively lead timings and cadences during marches, albeit sometimes off-key and off-rhythm. And I even dared to sing parodies of cadences when the commanders are marching with us.
The most notable moment was when I mustered enough courage to greet our platoon commander. I basically messed up everything, from the stomp, salute and turns. I still remembered how the company laughed so hard afterwards. It was downright embarrassing…
From then on, I’ve created a reputation for being a troll, always making poeple laugh for my silly mistakes. I wish I could do things better, but I’m glad I could brighten up the atmosphere a little bit.
3. Great laughs
BMT would not be worthwhile without all the shared laughters and funny moments. These included surprise attacks by rats and birds that caught me off guard and invaded into my personal space. That was when our platoon applied our military skills to keep us safe. Just kidding. We all freaked out but we survived.
Things got better closer to the end of BMT. In fact, life was the best during the last few weeks of BMT when all the key events have been completed. Everybody got used to military culture, and I could feel everyone coming together.
Then, we messed around a lot more: we acted as commanders, casually using military lingo and giving random commands to confuse everyone. We also sang tons of parodies when we were marching. It really helped to enliven everyone’s mood and break up the monotony of army life
It was likewise funny to see how our platoon was gradually decreasing in numbers until the last week of BMT. Initially we had 64 people. By the second last week, we had about 35 left. Yes, almost half a platoon was gone. That’s when I realised people took advantage of COVID-19 to get 3-5 days MC. eh hm… chao keng.
Although we were goofing a lot more, the commanders also showed more mercy. It was a stark contrast to the first month of enlistment where we were dropped almost every single time. I suppose they got tired pumping us like crazy for few months straight. Or maybe we started to know what was expected of us.
The most enjoyable moment was Recruits’ Night that fell on the last week of BMT. Every platoon had put up a skit, even I was involved. We acted out common experiences, dramatised our imitations of our commanders and joked about all the punishments we suffered for the dumb things we did. I think it was then I felt the family spirit.
Though BMT was just short two months, there was much to miss, much to learn and much to improve for the rest of my service.
Insights…
For most parts, I did have trouble socialising. I was the timid introverted one who kept to my quiet corner always busy sorting out stuff. I found it tough to strike conversations with others whom I’m unfamiliar with. It got easier with time, but I’ll definitely like to break out my shell and work on becoming someone more confident and approachable. To be someone who is able to make new friendships and open up meaningful discussions.
Most importantly, I think the military has taught me more about leadership. At first, I had bad impressions of army commanders. I thought all one had to do to be a leader was to simply sign on as a regular or impress superiors and wayang his or her way to command school. So I do question how genuine and capable these leaders are.
After reading up a book on military leadership and observing commanders that I look up to, I realised it’s not about making it into command school or the rank you don. True leaders lead through action and example — they always give their best in their responsibilities. They communicate confidently expecting to be listened. Most of all, they give respect first by showing they care for their men beyond individual interests. I believe only such inspiring leaders can earn the respect of their men and build a united team.
I’m grateful how BMT has shaped me as a person too. Through hardships and strict regimentation, I learnt the value of discipline, perseverance, resilience and the courage to take risks. The spirit of constant learning in the army also humbled me to know that the more you learn, the more you realise how much you don’t know.
BMT will undoubtedly be a joy to think back, with so many lasting friendships and memorable army stories from the bitter to the flavourful ones. While BMT did leave me feeling bad for often being a blur recruit, it was not a bad kind of bad. It was a good kind of bad in making me aware of my shortcomings.
Of course, there were plenty of should haves and could haves on how I could’ve performed better, as with many other things in life. But moving forward from BMT, I’ll aspire to become a better soldier, a better leader and a better person. I believe I’m capable of much more. And I have more to prove to myself in these two years.
Although this article may not be applicable to some, I hope the lessons I took away from the army are still relevant to you. I also hope it has been a pleasant read for you on what army life has been for me, just as I found these stories exciting to share.
For those serving the army (like me) or going to enlist soon, there are going to be times where things get tough and everything just feels sibei sian. I know the feeling and I still feel it till today. But just take one day at a time and take charge of the NS experience you want to have. All the best!
Signing off
01/20 2SIR Alpha
Best companion