Minister for Defence Visits The SAF Basic Military Training Centre

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing interacting with recruits during their outfield training.

Mr Chan handling a tactical surveillance drone (Vesper) during his visit to the recruits' outfield training.

Mr Chan viewing a suite of drone displays at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC).

Mr Chan speaking to a physiotherapist at the Tekong Physiotherapy Centre.

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) at Pulau Tekong this afternoon. During the visit, he was briefed on how Basic Military Training has been enhanced through the adoption of data-driven, science-based training approaches to strengthen the physical fitness and mental resilience of recruits.

To understand how fitness training in the Army has evolved, Mr Chan observed a metabolic circuit that incorporated heart rate zone training principles. During the session, recruits made use of fitness wearables to monitor their own physiological metrics, to achieve fitness outcomes based on their individual abilities.

Next, Mr Chan visited the Tekong Physiotherapy Centre, where physiotherapists briefed him on the various injury management and injury prevention measures implemented in BMTC, and across our Army. He also spoke with counsellors to better understand how they supported the recruits with adjustment to life in the military, and how recruits are equipped with various psychological techniques to better handle pressures and maintain focus as they perform their tasks.

Mr Chan also observed how recruits were taught basic drone flying skills and ended his visit at a field camp, during which he witnessed recruits practising various basic tactical movement drills, and a continuation of their drone training. Mr Chan took the opportunity to interact with the recruits and instructors and later said, “From Day One, the SAF has always used technology to complement our fighting capabilities at the individual level, and at the unit level. The latest that we have unveiled to you is the training of the soldiers – every one of them being able to use the drone technology; both to use the drone technology, and also to counter the drones technology that might be applied on us. We have evolved the way we apply technology, but there are some things that will never change and must never change in the armed forces, and that is the will to fight, the inner spirit, the gumption, the resilience that our soldiers must be equipped.”

Mr Chan was accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Army Major General Cai Dexian and other senior MINDEF/SAF officers.