Basic Military Training (BMT) marks the
beginning of military life for all Singaporean males at the age of
18. It is the transition from fresh-faced teenager to combat-ready
fit soldier.
They learn basic soldiering skills, which include weapon handling,
individual field craft, bayonet fighting, etc to ensure their
survivability in the battlefield.
Besides the training in basic military skills, Physical Training
(PT) lessons are also conducted to build up the soldiers' physique
and stamina, to instill a firm sense of discipline and teamwork
amongst the soldiers.
In 1995, MINDEF approved a revision in the BMT to ensure that the
best are selected to become officers and specialists, through a
better-structured and more focused training programme.
With the revised BMT system, the new Basic Military Training Centre
(BMTC) was set up as a central institution responsible for most
basic military training. The institute was inaugurated on 26
November 1996 and officially opened as SAF BMTC by DPM and Defence
Minister Dr Tony Tan on 17 Aug 1999).
This improved programme not only ensures that the right personnel
are assigned to the command and combat vocations but also provides
for the training to address the different fitness levels of the
recruits.
It ensures that the recruit who completes his basic military
training at BMTC is suitable for his subsequent deployment and
training for the remaining period of his full-time national
service.
The centralised training for recruits at BMTC in Pulau Tekong also
ensures a more efficient and effective management of basic military
training and sharing of common resources. Time spent travelling
from camp to the training grounds has been reduced as all training
is done within the island itself.
The new SAF BMTC boasts a comprehensive range of training and
general facilities for recruits. These include well-equipped
lecture rooms, training sheds, rifle and grenade ranges, a
sophisticated Marksmanship Trainer, and Obstacle and Battle
Inoculation Courses.
It also has a sports complex with standard 400m running track,
tennis and squash courts. It also has a big parade square with a
2,400-seating capacity, a well-equipped medical centre and an
auditorium.
There is also a SAF E-Mart on the island where recruits can use
their 'credits' to purchase their clothings and other
military-related essentials.
Types of Basic Military Training
PES A/B1 BMT
This 9-week programme trains combat-fit recruits in the basic
military skills to prepare them for advanced vocational training.
The programme includes weapon training with the SAR 21 rifle which
will teach recruits technical handling and marksmanship skills; a
Battle Inoculation Course that simulates a real battlefield; a
Field Camp which develops basic survival skills; progressive
training to complete a 24-km route march which builds combat
fitness and endurance; and hand grenade training.
For those who fail to achieve the NAPFA test silver award, they are
required to undergo an 8-week Physical Training Phase prior to the
Pes A/B1 BMT.
PES BP BMT
Previously, obese enlistees would undergo a 15-week or 26-week BMT
depending on their obesity level. As evidence has shown that obese
recruits are able to achieve optimum fitness levels and weight loss
in about 19 weeks, the new BMT programme for recruits with Body
Mass Index (BMI) scores exceeding 27.0 will be 19 weeks. This BMT
programme is designed to help obese recruits improve their physical
fitness progressively while equipping them with basic soldiering
skills and knowledge. (Effective Feb 10)
PES B2 BMT
Enlistees who were PES C1 previously underwent a 7-week BMT
programme. The new 9-week PES B2 BMT programme will be conducted
for recruits who are medically fit for deployment in selected
combat and combat support vocations, such as signal operators,
combat medics and naval system operators. These recruits will be
given a new medical classification of PES B2, in place of the
existing PES C1 classification. This is to ensure that the medical
classification of our soldiers is consistent with their deployment.
The new 9-week programme will include customised physical training,
as well as basic combat training to prepare them for their combat
and combat support roles. (Effective Jun 10)
PES C BMT
Previously, PES C enlistees underwent a 7-week BMT programme. The
new 9-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES C recruits. This
programme will include light physical training and vocational
training to prepare them for combat service support vocations, such
as service medic, and those related to logistics and
administration. (Effective Jun 10)
PES E BMT
Previously, PES E enlistees underwent a 1-week BMT programme. The
new 4-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES E recruits. This
programme will focus on, vocational training as well as National
Education, SAF core values, regimentation and discipline to prepare
recruits for combat service support vocations. (Effective Jun
10)
