Recruit, Fall In! Read This If You've Been Called To Register For NS

National Service (NS) is a rite of passage for every Singaporean Son. And a popular NS song aptly sums up the NS experience: "Training to be soldiers. Fight for our land. Once in our lives. Two years of our time."

ICYMI, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) put up a notice recently, calling all able-bodied Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) born between 1 Oct 2007 and 1 Jan 2008 (inclusive of both dates) to register for NS.

Registration will be open from 31 Jul 2024 to 20 Aug 2024, and there are two ways to register:

• Online
• In person at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) Podium (3 Depot Road, Singapore 109680)

Take note: While registering for NS, you'll also have to book an appointment date for a compulsory medical screening (unless otherwise informed by the relevant authorities):

• Choose a date between 1 Oct 2024 and 4 Nov 2024 (both dates inclusive) for your medical examination
• Head to CMPB for your medical examination on the selected date between 8am and 1pm

Feeling antsy about NS? Don't worry lah, we gotchu. Here are some useful reads for you to prep yourself mentally (and physically) before you enlist and become a chao recruit.

IMAGE: SIM DING EN

1. Know all the pro tips beforehand

For those who enjoy a good book, why not glean useful insights from an essential guide to surviving Basic Military Training (BMT)? Written by Matthew Chew and Nicholas U Jin, and published by Epigram Books, this is a bible for recruits. Dive into sections like "Before BMT: What You Need To Know", "The Essentials: Things To Take", and "From Ah Boys To MC King: Whom You’ll Meet".

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: Recruit! Read This: "Fall In! The Unofficial Guide To Surviving BMT"

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2. Become a lobang king

Your enlistment letter will include a list of mandatory items to bring, such as your NRIC, enlistment letter, a bit of cash, an inexpensive watch, and swimming goggles, among other things. TBH, you don’t need to pack anything else since the army will provide you with everything from clothes to shavers. However, if you want to make your BMT experience smoother (and be a lobang king), there's an unofficial list of personal items you’ll definitely want to pack.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: 10 Essentials To Take For A Smoother BMT Experience

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3. Unleash your inner Ninja Warrior

You don't have to be as fit as the dudes on Netflix's "Physical 100" to complete the Standard Obstacle Course (SOC). Of course, you need to be relatively fit, but there are tips and tricks to help you out at each of the 12 SOC stations.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: NS101: Every Station Of The SOC Explained - With Tips

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4. Just keep swimming...

Cannot swim? Afraid of getting into the water? No fear, because your commanders will give their all to teach you how. And don't worry, even if you die-die cannot swim by the end of BMT, you will still get to POP, and ORD at the end of NS lah.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: NS101: What You Need To Know About Swimming During BMT

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5. What's next after NS?

After you ORD, resources provided by MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will help you transition back to civilian life, and enter the next phase of adulting. From funding for self-advancement courses to accreditation for skills acquired during BMT, you'll be well-prepared for work and school.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: Here's How NS Prepares You For Life After 'OWADIO!'

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6. Field camp will be life-changing for most

During BMT, the field camp will definitely be one of the highlights of your NS journey. Chances are, even the toughest guy will shed a tear or two during field camp, and most will finish it with at least a few invaluable takeaways. Take it from our writer, who underwent his field camp in 2012, but still recalls several life-changing lessons from it.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: Life Lessons Every Recruit Will Learn From Field Camp

And on a lighter note...

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7. Here's a card game to get you up to speed on BMT

Launched via Kickstarter in 2021, "Chao Recruit!" is a multiplayer card game that sees players trying to complete BMT by gaining the most XP (experience), and becoming the most, well, chao recruit. But the bigger goal is to celebrate NS, to bridge the gap between those who’ve experienced NS and those who haven’t, and to demystify NS culture in a fun way. Version 2.0 (featuring upgraded graphics and packaging) was launched on 1 Jul 2024.

👉 Check this out on Wonderwall.sg: Upgraded ‘Chao Recruit!’ Card Game Goes For (IPPT) Gold

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