Finding their bearings amid choppy seas

https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/2bfc39f6-5a2f-47ef-976a-5d3ce9be7f25/02jan25_news1_photo14e2aefa3-4169-4d43-b841-672fea8c9730.jpg?sfvrsn=c6e1e9d_1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/02jan25_news1
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/02jan25_news1
UNOFFICIAL LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR ENLISTMENT
02 Jan 2025 | COMMUNITY

UNOFFICIAL LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR ENLISTMENT

We all know the essentials to pack for BMT – NRIC, basic toiletries and extra underwear. But what other items help ease you into your confinement period? We’ve compiled an unofficial list here.

//STORY BY NICOLE YONG /GRAPHICS BY KUAH ZHI MING

Ah, enlistment – a rite of passage for every Singaporean boy.

For many enlistees, the first two weeks of confinement in Basic Military Training (BMT) is the biggest hurdle. They must adjust to a new routine away from home, family and friends.

Change isn’t always easy. But it’s important to know how to make things easier.

We asked ex-recruits what they recommend bringing to Pulau Tekong, to ensure that new recruits have a smooth-sailing transition to life at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC). 

1) Power bank

Some ex-recruits pointed out that they weren’t allowed to use the power sockets at Pulau Tekong to charge their personal devices.

We recommend bringing a power bank with at least 20,000mAh to power you through the two-week confinement period.

Doesn’t sound like a lot if you’re doom-scrolling through TikTok, but look on the bright side! You’ll probably be so tired from training that you’d rather be resting at night, so it’s definitely more than enough. 

2) Magic eraser

Keeping a clean living area is of utmost importance at BMTC. It upholds discipline and, of course, keeps the recruits hygienic and healthy. (Trust us: You’ll appreciate clean bunks even more after going to field camp)

A magic eraser can do wonders when it comes to area cleaning, effectively removing stains and dust from any surface, no matter if it’s the cupboard or window.

Pro tip: Help a brother out by bringing extra to share. 

3) Wet wipes

Once you start using wet wipes, you’ll understand why your mother always brings a packet with her everywhere she goes. They’re especially useful when you don’t have easy access to water.

Wipe off camo cream? Wet wipes. Clean your helmet? Wet wipes.

And no, it’s not the same as wetting a piece of toilet paper, okay? Those break apart way too easily. 

4) 3-in-1 shampoo

Forget long showers and 12-step hair care routines – these are lost luxuries at BMTC (Pulau Tekong is not a chalet!). Here’s where a 3-in-1 shampoo comes in handy.

This single bottle will keep your body, face and head (remember, you have no hair now) clean and camo-free. Not only will it lighten your backpack load, but you’ll be able to nail a 30-second shower session if you’re in a rush. 

5) Photo of loved ones

Don’t underestimate the effects of homesickness.

To remember who you’re fighting for, it won’t hurt to carry physical photos of your family or girlfriend.

For the #foreveralone recruits, you can consider a picture of your anime waifu instead. We listen, we don’t judge. 

6) Fabric spray

It’s no secret that BMT can be strenuous. This means you’ll inevitably be surrounded by the nasty scent of sweat clinging to your body and clothes.

For the sake of yourself and the people around you: Wash. Your. Clothes.

On days when the pungent odour just doesn’t seem to go away, a clean-smelling fabric spray for your clothes and bed sheets might just do the trick. 

7) Cooling powder

Feeling sticky and uncomfortable? Unfortunately, sweating is not an option when you live in Singapore.

Bring along a canister of cooling powder or wipes, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. These products are designed to lower your body temperature and soothe itchy pits instantly. Shiok.

8) Air freshener

You don’t want to open your cupboard every day and get a whiff of something that might make you feel faint. (Yes, we notice a pattern in the recommended items too, but let’s face it, you need what you need)

That’s where an air freshener comes in – to constantly keep your cupboard smelling like a garden of flowers.

9) Spectacle hooks

Spectacle hooks are a lifesaver – literally.

Imagine getting lost in a jungle just because your glasses slipped off your face and disappeared. You can’t afford a Velma-from-Scooby-Doo moment.

No matter if you’re exercising or on a route march, these small but mighty hooks will ensure that your spectacles stay securely on your face. 

10) Snacks

Snacks are cheap thrills that will get you through the tough days, or even help to break the ice between you and your bunk mates. There’s nothing like bonding over snacks and chit-chat!

To make sure that you don’t spill crumbs everywhere, it’s safer to bring healthy goodies like nuts and raisins. Plus, you won’t feel extra guilty for snacking at night after a long day of training. #Gains

Suggested Reading
SAFVC turns 10, promotes senior volunteers to SV4
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

Marking a decade of duty, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a special parade featuring some of its first as well as latest batch of volunteers.

FROM COMMANDO TO NAVAL OFFICER
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

A Commando NSF turned Naval Officer, 2LT Arjan Singh made the transition from jungle to sea when he signed up with the Navy.

My Dad and I, marching together for S’pore
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

It’s not often you’ll find a father-and-son pair marching together at the National Day Parade (NDP), much less in the same Guard of Honour (GOH) contingent!

Cover story
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NDP 2025 PARADE & CEREMONY
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

This year’s NDP Parade & Ceremony segment will feature crowd favourites and a few new surprises!

Feature
S’PORE & INDONESIA CONCLUDE COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

She used to serve on the About 160 personnel from the SAF and TNI took part in a bilateral counter-terrorism field training exercise, held from 2 to 4 Jun off the waters of Batam, Indonesia.

Feature
AIRFIELD, ANYWHERE
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

She used to serve on the Military helicopters taking off and landing at a golf course? Find out how the RSAF turned Sembawang Country Club into a temporary outfield deployment area.

GOING ALONE IS NOT THE ANSWER TO INSECURITY – MR CHAN
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

“Going alone is not the answer to insecurity”, emphasised Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), held from 30 May to 1 Jun. This was one of his main points at his speech at the sixth plenary session on 1 Jun.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR NS
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

From upgrading his PES to extending his NS service to supporting his NSman employees, CPT (NS) Chong Wee Yeat goes the extra mile for NS.

MR CHAN VIEWS OPS READINESS TRAINING IN FIRST VISIT TO SAF UNITS AS DEFENCE MINISTER
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

During his first visit as Minister of Defence, Mr Chan observed training conducted by high readiness units across the Services, as well as an ongoing RSAF exercise.

Feature
NDP 2025 PROMISES BIGGER, BETTER BIRTHDAY BASH FOR SG60
COMMUNITY
02 Jan 2025

She used to serve on the This year’s National Day celebrations extend from the Padang to Marina Bay and the heartlands, with crowd favourites like the Mobile Column and new highlights like the Jump of Unity by the Red Lions and naval divers.