Combat life is simpler, particularly if posted to the company
line. The unit will be training for REDCON status (twice during NS,
& also every reservist ICT in the future), so the field
training is usually structured around passing the proficiency tests
-- first at the company & then the battalion level. They'll
take a few months to achieve, or kena re-test. Thereafter, the unit
becomes ops-ready & will rotate with other active units to do
weekly standby. There are also chances to go overseas, or train
locally alongside other foreign armed forces. Sometimes a unit gets
arrowed to do other non-military stuff too, like NDP or
blind-clearance in the Live Firing Area.
Some BMT activities like IPPT, SOC, ATF (range shooting), BCCT (if
applicable), guard duty, area cleaning etc. will continue with the
unit. But no more stand-by-beds, unless it's a tekan session. IMO
You can really become self-independent in unit life, in everything
from buying a pail to do your own laundry (instead of bringing home
ala BMT); to bartering with your Encik on when best to clear your
off-in-lieus; to booking out regularly during nights-off to "wind
down" (so much so I didn't mind burning holidays or Saturdays --
but not Sundays -- doing guard duty).
If you're with a frontline unit, you'd better get along with your
buddies too. As I told my old mono-intake batch, most of you guys
are going to be together for the next 10-plus years including
reservist -- unless you're posted out due to studies (NS-disruption
or reposting to IHL unit), medical downgrading (only the most
serious cases) or overseas-based work (reservist deferment or
holding list). So get used to each other.
