Then and now

Basic Military Training: Every man has gone through it, be it ten years ago or just a few months back. in2it.sg finds out what two men think about their BMT and just how much it has changed in just a short span of a few years.

Kavinesh, 27, did his BMT in Pulau Tekong in 2003. He reminisces fondly about his section mates, claiming that they made his BMT life go easier. "They are fun-loving and social people"he says. However, what made his 3 months slightly tough was the presence of a certain BMT instructor. "He really had zero tolerance for complacency," Kavinesh declares, "He was short and fat, which only made him more annoying. And he was just really hard core compared to the rest."

On the other hand, we have Chun Wing, 22, who enlisted in 2010. He also did his BMT in Pulau Tekong. He said that although initially BMT life was tough, the friends he made helped it go a little smoother. Chun Wing also had the support of authoritative figures, as he says, “"My Platoon Commander (PC) made it all do-able."

Both men said that their biggest challenge in BMT was fighting the fitness battle. Chun Wing said physical fitness was his hurdle. "Back then, I was very unfit. But after some training, I could handle most things."

 
Kavinesh claims that combat fitness was the killer. "You realize that nothing is compared to BMT. You have your Standard Obstacle Course (SOC) to pass, field drills, route marches, and all the time you're doing that, you have your Full Battle Order (FBO) on." He also remembered the standard army philosophy of 'not leaving anyone behind'when some of his section mates would be afraid to fall out even if they really needed to, as they did not want the others to hold a grudge against them.

 
How would they compare their BMT experience to ten years ago? "All I know is that they get paid $100 more"Kavinesh says with a laugh. “"And I suppose they have a lot more welfare now. The training seems less tough as well. I think they are becoming more like nurses than soldiers," he added, telling us that passing the SOC is now not a standard requirement; and the present recruits have specially designed accessory packs and combat rations.

Chun Wing, however, says that there is not much difference. He also admits the increase of welfare among Gen Y soldiers, and says that this makes it easier. Chun Wing confesses that he has heard many horror stories about the older days. "Like, people die every day or something. But now it's better," he relents, subdued.

Article by Sarah Ko