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[someproguy-blog]

My BMT Experience 2017

I enlisted on 3 January 2017 to serve my NS, into Falcon Company of School 1. I was so nervous the night before that I couldn't sleep. Before I left my home, knowing that I won't be back for 17 days during the Confinement Period, I took one last glance at my surroundings, appreciating it, knowing that I will miss home dearly. Confinement Period is the period of time after enlistment, until the Friday whereby two weekends have passed. After which, you will have your first bookout :) We took the shuttle bus from Pasir Ris Bus Interchange (PRBI) to Singapore Armed Forces Ferry Terminal (SAFFT), which took about 15 minutes. Then, we took a 10 minutes ride on the Penguin ferry to Tekong Island. (Tip: If you are boarding the Island Jade ferry, luck is with you ;) ) At Tekong, we parted ways with our parents. Our parents were introduced to our bunks and were briefed about our NS equipment, mainly the Full Battle Order (FBO). FBO consists of Individual Lightweight Body Vest (ILBV), helmet, as well as the field pack and SAR21 rifle. We were brought to a separate area with many chairs, where we were ordered to sit straight and keep still. An Indian man in uniform came, holding a drill cane with a fierce look. He introduced himself as the Company Sergeant Major, and briefed us about the Oath Taking Ceremony in the auditorium in the witness of our parents. That was also the first time we hear him say 'fuck', with many more to come. We were ushered into the auditorium, sitting at the front rows while parents would have free seating at the back rows. Commanding Officer of School 1 gave us a welcome speech and a short brief to our parents, and led us in taking our Oath. The Oath goes as such: I, having entered the service of the Republic of Singapore under the Enlistment Act, do solemnly and sincerely swear that, I will always bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Singapore I will be ready at the order of the Government, to rise up to the defence of the Republic of Singapore I will obey the laws of the Republic of Singapore and the orders of my commanders I will carry out my duties with integrity, courage, and commitment at all times I will preserve and protect the honour and independence of the Republic of Singapore WITH MY LIFE! And we were told earlier by the CSM that the last line needs to be shouted with gusto. We did so, and I heard someone from the audience gasp. They all applaused. Then we, the recruits, were instructed to take leave, and stand in two rows facing each other with a gap in between. The parents will walk through the gap when they exit the auditorium, and when we see our parents, we may exit the file and follow them to the cookhouse for 'food-tasting'. I totally had no appetite to eat. At the cookhouse, we had to queue in a line, and take our utensils and tray. Then we move along the queue. The first station was rice. I asked for less rice. Second was fried chicken and some chilli source. Third was some brocoli if I remember correctly. Fourth was the soup, then fifth is self-collection of drinks. After exiting the queue, there was an auntie serving cola ice-cream. I politely declined, knowing that I had no appetite. Me and my family ate together at a table towards the back of the canteen, which is convenient as the utensils returning area is also located there. I didn't know what to say, but enjoyed what seemed like my 'final' meal with my parents. Announcements kept playing over the speakers, directing Vegetarian and Muslim people to their separate food collection points. Finally, the announcement came for recruits (us) to fall in on the parade square. I took a picture with my family (which didn't look good because of my nervous look), and we bid farewell. I promised my Mum to call her every night. When all the recruits gathered in 3 rows, a commander told us to make our 'last wave', and I swear everyone started waving enthusiastically to the bunch of parents crowding behind the railing. Then the commanders told us to follow them, and we did. We were still waving while briskly walking off. I fought back tears in my eyes.