Living in camp

Communal living is part and parcel of military life. You will be learning, working and living with your fellow recruits as a team during your Basic Military Training.

Adjusting to community living

To help you adjust, there will be an orientation programme during your first week of National Service (NS).

Every recruit will also be assigned two new buddies: one chosen by your commanders and the other by yourself. You will look out for and be accountable for each other. This will instil teamwork and the esprit de corps vital to military training and operations.

Here are some tips in general:

• Show consideration for others, obey instructions and observe the military’s rules and regulations.
• Interact with your fellow recruits and get to know them well. People always work better in teams if they have already formed friendships.
• Sometimes professional help may be needed. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has channels for professional counselling, financial assistance and addressing personal grievances should you require them.

Many servicemen find that the friendships they make during NS last for life because of the strong bonds formed through common experiences and daily interactions. So stay positive about this unique experience.

Personal health

Your health is of utmost importance. You will be given sufficient time to rest every day so that you are well prepared for the next day’s training. If you sustain any injuries during training or are feeling unwell, you should inform your instructor immediately and he or she will arrange to send you to the Medical Centre for treatment.

Personal hygiene and appearance

As you are living in the barracks with other soldiers, you will be required to observe good personal hygiene and a neat appearance. Some of the basic regimental requirements include:

• Keeping your hair short, well-groomed and neat
• Maintaining short and clean fingernails
• Shaving daily (no facial hair is allowed)
• Being dressed appropriately at all times in accordance with training or regimental rules

Meals

To ensure you have a nutritious and well-balanced diet, the SAF plans all menus and rations carefully. You will be provided with three meals a day and a night snack if there is night training.

You will be informed of the scheduled meal times when you report to your unit.

Camp cleanliness and maintenance

The cleanliness of your barracks is the responsibility of all who live in it. Your barracks must be kept clean and tidy and you will be expected to do the following:

• Sweep the floors
• Deposit rubbish in the bins
• Clean the walls, windows and furniture
• Keep your personal belongings neatly in the locker provided

Inspections will be carried out to ensure that your barracks, beds and belongings are clean and neat at all times.

To maintain the integrity of your barracks, you are not allowed to change any electrical fittings or barracks fixtures without clear permission from your instructors.

Anyone found guilty of vandalism will face disciplinary action and will have to pay for damages to these items.

In-camp facilities

The SAF camps have a wide range of facilities you can enjoy.

Sports facilities

Most SAF camps have a variety of sports facilities which you can utilise during your free time:

• Football fields
• Basketball courts
• Squash courts
• Gymnasiums
• Running tracks
• Swimming pools

Indoor facilities

Camps also have recreation rooms where you can enjoy the following:

• Billiards
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Television
• Video programmes