I attended the first Basic Military Training (BMT) Graduation with my parents at Marina Bay Platform in 2010. My youngest brother was the first batch to graduate at Marina Bay Platform. It was a tiring day for my youngest brother as he had to match 24km from Changi Coast Road to Marina Bay platform starting at about 7pm till morning. Many parents, siblings and girlfriends awaited at the Marina Bay Platform for the recruits to arrive.
I was glad to witness my youngest brother graduation in this beautiful landscape with the stunning Marina Bay Sand as the backdrop. Weather was good too and it was the first time the nation can witness BMT graduation at such an iconic place.
In Singapore,all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents have to serve two years of compulsory national service. Once they reach 18 years old or complete their tertiary education (polytechnic/Institute Technical Education) or Junior college education, they have to serve the nation. Bearing in mind Singapore has no natural resource and with unfriendly neighbors surrounding us and who have no qualms to threaten to cut off water supply or dismiss us as little red dot, it is important we have the capability to protect ourselves. Don't forget the British deserted us when Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942, leaving Singapore residents to fend for themselves resulting in 50000 Chinese sacrifices in Sook Ching exercise.
From Wikipedia
National Service in Singapore, (commonly known as NS), is a statutory requirement[1] for all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents to undergo a period of compulsory service in the uniformed services. Depending on physical and medical fitness, they serve a two-year period as Full Time National Service (NSFs), either in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). A 2-month reduction in full-time National Service is given for pre-enlistees who are able to pass their National Physical Fitness Award(NAPFA) at the silver or gold standard.[2]
First published on 17 May 2013
In Singapore,all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents have to serve two years of compulsory national service. Once they reach 18 years old or complete their tertiary education (polytechnic/Institute Technical Education) or Junior college education, they have to serve the nation. Bearing in mind Singapore has no natural resource and with unfriendly neighbors surrounding us and who have no qualms to threaten to cut off water supply or dismiss us as little red dot, it is important we have the capability to protect ourselves. Don't forget the British deserted us when Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942, leaving Singapore residents to fend for themselves resulting in 50000 Chinese sacrifices in Sook Ching exercise.
From Wikipedia
National Service in Singapore, (commonly known as NS), is a statutory requirement[1] for all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents to undergo a period of compulsory service in the uniformed services. Depending on physical and medical fitness, they serve a two-year period as Full Time National Service (NSFs), either in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). A 2-month reduction in full-time National Service is given for pre-enlistees who are able to pass their National Physical Fitness Award(NAPFA) at the silver or gold standard.[2]
BMT Graduation At Marina Bay( From Mindef website)
The Basic Military Training (BMT) graduation parade is a major milestone for all recruits. It is the culmination of weeks of intensive and rigorous military training, signifying the transformation of raw recruits into fighting soldiers. Traditionally, such parades are held in camps. In a stark departure from this, 3,200 recruits from 13 companies of the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) will graduate on 2 October with the Singapore skyline as a backdrop. For the first time ever, the BMT graduation parade will be held on the floating platform at the Marina Bay.
Besides experiencing a new venue, this batch of graduating recruits will also claim another first. Their final challenge before graduating, the iconic 24-kilometre route march will not be through the jungles of Pulau Tekong. Instead, the recruits will march from the SAF Ferry Terminal in Changi Coast Road, and along the eastern coastline before ending at Marina Bay. The route is lined with historic sites like Changi Beach where numerous Singaporeans perished during World War Two.
COL Simon Lim, Commander BMTC explained the new approach, �Our intent to shift the parade from Pualu Tekong to the mainland at Marina Bay is to deliver to our recruits and parents a positive and memorable experience. As part of their defining moment, these recruits will march 24 kilometres tirelessly across half the island to reach the very heart of our city. Enroute they will be walking pass many of our Singapore's famous landmarks and be in touch with Singaporeans, reinforcing their purpose for defending this country and our way of life.�
First published on 17 May 2013
The first BMT graduation in 2010 at Marina Bay Platform.
Young BMT recruits marching in! I was proud of my brother.
End of the graduation
One of my favourite local songs. Really catchy melody. You can learn Singlish.
EmoticonEmoticon