Jason in National Service

Every Singapore Son must serve their National Service (NS) for 2 years and go through 2 months of Basic Military Training (BMT).

Jas was enlisted on 10 August 2013 and like any parents, we were anxious for him but knowing that so many boys have gone though BMT and survived the tough 1st 2 months of BMT, we were more comforted by it.

I also watch the video, Every Singapore Son by MINDEF, so I was able to appreciate what Jas would be going through.
( http://www.mindef.gov.sg/everysingaporeanson/about/ess1.html )

Of course, the local movies like Boys to Men, helped too.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ah_Boys_to_Men )

We are supportive of it and it is best to spend time preparing for it than to loathe over it.

It is a good idea that MINDEF invited the family to send him off at Pulau Tekong when he was enlisted that day. So find the time to send your son off.

Luckily, Jas has his head shaved before to support the cancer campaign, Hair For Hope, so we are not so shocked to see him 'botak' .....

So we saw a transformation of Jas in his new recruit look, the bulky backpack is quite shocking and he was really well equipped by the military...eg toothpaste, floss, etc...

It is best to check with friends whose sons have been through the BMT and find out what additional stuff to bring into Tekong besides the list of items given; eg clothe peg, Febreeze...... etc...

He was kept in Tekong for 2 weeks but could make calls to us on his mobile every night.

After 2 months of BMT, we attended his Passing Out Parade at Sembawang Camp. Unfortunately, it rained and they have to march and stand in the rain.

We are so proud of Jas and his fellow recruits too.

 

Jas has been assigned to be an Aviation Material Specialist (AMS), ie store man and logistic staff. He is attending specialist training at Air Force Training Command (AFTC) at Paya Lebar camp now.

 

As parents, we will be concerned about how our sons can cope with BMT etc.... but just bear in mind that many Singaporean sons have gone through it.

 

So be supportive and help your son prepared for his BMT and we have to do our part too......that is washing his dirty laundry when he books out and get them cleaned and ironed for his book in.

Besides being trained to defend the country, I see some positive changes in him as they are taught to be disciplined and it is definitely a rite of passage from boys to men indeed.