Reflections of BMT

Reflections on BMT

Enlisting on 13^th January 2007, a new phase of life was beginning. My insipid role in the merit-driven democracy of Singapore had advanced a level. My pink IC was traded for the green 11B and taking the oath was certainly most memorable on that day.

2 weeks of orientation was highly appreciated as it allowed me to slowly adjust to military life.

Initially, I was perplexed at the choice to either push for the best or slack all they way. It is never good to be stuck in between and the resultant path of BMT has nonetheless gone both ways in a fickle indecisive manner.

The commanders constantly reinstate the fact that they want to see effort. However is effort really possible 100% of the time? In my opinion, it is definitely not possible; we are only humans. Perhaps one lesson learnt through BMT is that effort is needed for most if not everything – from falling in to forming up and even the various rigorous activities present – which is something I’ve yet to achieve, yet approaching there is much better than not so.

Activities which were fun definitely had more effort and enthusiasm put forth. IMT and range were extremely fun though the IAs experienced were irritating. My physical state had declined significantly after not doing physical training for close to 6 months and thus IPPT had lead to consistent failure which was demoralising. Yet with motivation from section mates, I was able to pass the re-IPPT.

The greatest blessing of BMT was perhaps the people who I encountered. My section mates are great with the talking cock sessions and outings. The commanders are good in the aspect that they discipline with reasonable demands though sadly that is not the case for a certain sadistic PTI. Camaraderie present was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of BMT life experienced thus far; the greatest manifestation of it at company level was probably games day.

Outfield was another interesting aspect of BMT; IFC, field camp and SIT TEST all teaching me how to be tactical about being out in the field. Digging your own shit hole was an interesting experience. Fire and Movement was fun and the BIC at the end of field camp was something to be remembered and a highlight to come for BAC. Not littering in outfield is importantly tactically (both in war and to avoid punishment) and keeping everything neatly packed inside a field pack were certain basic necessities learned which I found fundamental to outfield.

Dressing properly and smartly is something learned and something I am still trying to achieve as I was a highly unorganised untidy person before I enlisted. I didn’t place a high emphasis on how I carried my exterior looks but from BMT, I learned that looks do matter. Would one give his utmost attention and respect to a commander who dresses sloppy? Probably not I should think. More importantly, carrying yourself well makes you feel good which really makes things more easy going because you feel good about yourself.

The carrot and stick, boon and bane, reward and punishment are perhaps the most fundamental aspects of discipline in the army. Yet the most important discipline is perhaps self-discipline and at times with punishment the main control, it is definitely difficult to instill that in me. On the other hand, when reasonable discipline was re-enforced with reasoning and honestly, it somehow allowed me to see the fallible flaw of my thinking and attitude, thus instilling self-discipline. With unreasonable punishments which are absolutely unnecessary, nothing gets into your head as one is either too pissed or too shut off to think properly.

Sometimes commanders give you the impression that they think that you are trying to slack which maybe true at time yet when it isn’t it is extremely demoralising which I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has gotten that feeling. They say commanders know what recruits do, but in retrospect isn’t every individual is different?

Perhaps the most enriching aspect of BMT thus far is that is has allowed me to appreciate the things around me more, be it the computer, television or a hot shower. Some aspects of life can only been seen once a different perspective has been taken and perhaps only a different style of living (BMT) are able to highlight them.

The physical and mental aspects were pretty though at the start with such a dilapidated state of body and mind subjected to rigid no-nonsense regimentation. I can’t say they aren’t challenging presently as they are in one way or another. The SOC half run-down was shag enough and I know that the upcoming full run-down will probably push me further. Yet if you don’t feel any strain or suffering, you know that you aren’t improving be it physically or mentally. I just hope I’ve grown stronger to cope with the next phase of NS.