The Singapore Armed Forces Basic Military Training Centre (SAF BMTC) introduces civilian enlistees to military life and equip them with basic soldiering skills, discipline and routines, as a foundation for them to cope with more advanced military training subsequently. On completion of Basic Military Skills (BMT), the young men will emerge as confident soldiers, prepared to take on the challenges
of serving in the military. SAF BMTC aims to ease the recruits’ transition from civilian to military lifestyle with a progressive training programme, which includes physical training, weapon-handling, individual field craft, training in a field environment, as well as team-building skills. Reasearch-based principles of fitness training are also incorporated into the way in which these sessions are conducted. The recruits are supported by a professional group of commanders in SAF BMTC, who aims to build a partnership with the recruits through guiding and coaching them along their new and unfamiliar journey that has been well trodden by many young soldiers in the past. Safety is of great importance in military training throughout the SAF. All training sessions, strictly follow a regularly reviewed set of Training Safety Regulations (TSR), taking into consideration improved practices, medical research and benchmarked safety measures. Our commanders are well-versed in these regulations and strictly stand by them. To ensure the safety, physical health and well-being of our recruits, we also have medical services well integrated with the national health system, with military doctors on duty round the clock. The SAF places great emphasis on independence and teamwork in the development of our servicemen. The recruits are introduced to team building exercises to assist them in their progressive adaptation to the SAF. The training standards for BMT are high for national defence, but they are realistic and achievable, with safety as a top priority in our training approach. The successful completion of BMT signifies the start of the recruits’ journey within the SAF, and subsequently a step up for them to make their mark later in life.
