Basic Military Training Centre - enlistment

Today, my cousin is officially recruit Yang. Since i have no brothers, i decided to follow my aunt and uncle to Pulau Tekong to have a look at the place. It was really an eye opener.

It's a 4 hour guided tour, where we had the opportunity to have a look at where they train (school 1) their bunks, recreation room and a taste of what they get for meals.

When we first got there, we were immediately whisked onto the air-conditioned ferry which brought us to Pulau Tekong. Upon reaching there, the enlistees had to report while family who accompanied them were invited to board a bus to view the place.

Our first stop: the Bunks. Tidy and spotless, no frills was what i saw in the 10 bed bunk (i think didnt count) furnished with "King Koi mattresses and bedsheets which fit right in just like the civilian ones" were the exact words of the Lt who showed us around.

On our way down from the bunks, we saw some recruits already training. This is the Dec intake, made up of the recruits who were unfit. Thought the Lt was quite cruel, saying it was the obese company but i guess thats the fact. Really haven seen so many big guys of the same size together! they look like bouncer trainees.

Next we proceeded to the medical centre where they told us that it was open 24 hours, 365 days a year (aka 24-7) and that there were trained professionals from 9-5 and that there was land, air and sea transport in case of any medical emergency. Again another assurance for the parents.

Oh yea, they also showed us their "Ali Baba" bag, now converted to a black bag with wheels! (sheesh.. is this the army?) They even told us what was inside the bag, what they brought with them and the menu they provided for outfield. ( i wondered, is this all necessary?)

Next came Lt Col's speech and oath taking. I throughly enjoyed the Lt Col's message cos he was humourous yet direct and very PC (politically correct) answering parents anxious qns without revealing too much. Thumbs up for his PR skills! The oath taking was impactful (of course the poor recruits all the time rehearsing for it while we enjoyed our tour) and i must say they achieved it. they became soldiers.

It ended with the meal tasting, which had power 98 present doing dedications! haha. The food was good, large portions of rice and one HUGE piece of chicken and it was tasty.

That kindda brought us all teh way to 4 where we were ushered out.

There were some taking parents taking photos. i wonder, why they allowed it? shouldnt they disallow it since it is after an army camp?

All in all it was educational and i must say, i salute all my brothers who go through army! Fight on!