The NS Experience

Wednesday, 28 Nov 12, Aaron-James Teo had a final glimpse of his PINK NRIC before handing it over to the SAF. This marked the start of a 2-year experience as "Every Singaporean Son". For the next few weeks, home will be at the island resort of Pulau Tekong complete with meals provided. It was his "overseas experience". Don in his green camouflage uniform, it was routine to be home for laundry over the weekend and a relatively "different" meal before joining his BRONCO buddies for their NS experience.

The day of POP finally came on Saturday, 13 Apr 13, commencing with a road march from the SAF Ferry Terminal to the Floating Platform at Marina Bay. The march took them through the wee hours of the morning to reach the Singapore skyline as dawn breaks. This is their defining moment for the 12 weeks BMT.... a reminder of the effort that they have each put in along the way, to their destination which is what they are defending.

19 platoons, gather at The Float, Marina Bay for the simple, yet meaningful ceremony as they joined the thousands before them in safeguarding the peace and security of their homeland.... a priceless contribution for the nation.

In similar outlook (all in green), they marched past the grandstand before handing over their rifles for the final form up in their jockey caps to take the SAF pledge, in the presence of their friends, parents & families.

SAF PLEDGE: We, members of the Singapore Armed Forces, do solemnly and sincerely pledge that we will always bear true faith and allegiance to the President and the Republic of Singapore. We will always support and defend the Constitution. We will preserve and protect the honour and independence of our country with our lives. 

Following the National Anthem, they marked the end of their BMT with jockey caps thrown up in the air. (Not sure if any found their way into the waters around the platform !!!). Families immediately made their way to join the newly graduated batch of NS soldiers .... each trying to identify their NS "men", all with similar looking haircut.

Aaron-James TEO was soon found and joined the family with his grandparents, uncle and nephew. (A quick snap shot before someone crossed into the camera path). As the heat of the day starts to pick up, families with their "men in uniform" made their way out of The Float .... for some fresh air and good breakfast.


When the dust of the parade settles, AJ proudly presented his BMT accomplishment ... a plaque for being the PLATOON BEST TRAINEE. He tried, did it and made it. BZ-Well Done !!!

The 4 months of BMT is his first step of donning military uniform and joining the ranks of the SAF. Soon, he will be embarking on his next phase of Military life .... to join the Singapore Navy.... "The Best Little Navy in the World" (by RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, Ex Chief of Navy) ....