SAF to suspend Basic Military Training from 7 April to 4 May circuit breaker period
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be suspending Basic Military Training (BMT) from 7 April until 4 May 2020 in line with the nationwide COVID-19 circuit breaker period.
With the increase in transmission of local cases, the SAF reviewed the impact of suspension, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday (6 April).
The SAF concluded that there would be little impact on operations as active units would be able to provide cover. The recruits can complete their BMT after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided.
A total of 3,400 full-time National Servicemen recruits have been directed to strictly observe the guidelines of the CBP while at home, and only to go out for essential activities. The recruits will be provided with home-based instructional material on basic skills and fitness development.
The BMT suspension period will count towards the recruits’ full-time National Service (NS), and their Operationally Ready Date will not be affected. The recruits will continue to be eligible for NS allowance and medical benefits during the suspension.
Other SAF training schools which are needed to maintain SAF’s operational readiness, such as Officer Cadet School and Specialist Cadet School, will continue with the enhanced safety measures previously announced.
Suspension of Police Officers Basic Course
In a similar move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Monday that it will be suspending the Police Officers Basic Course (POBC) and the Basic Rescue Training (BRT) for all full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), at the Home Team Academy (HTA) and the National Service Training Institute (NSTI) respectively, over the circuit breaker period.
About 1,600 full-time NSF trainees from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will be required to stay at home, except for essential activities, in accordance with national safe distancing measures. They must remain contactable at all times during the period.
The suspension period will count towards the trainees’ full-time National Service (NS), and their Operationally Ready Date will not be affected. The trainees will continue to be eligible for NS allowance and medical benefits during the period of suspension. SPF and SCDF will manage any operational impact arising from the suspension of basic training.
Other training activities for NSFs, such as the Officer Cadet Training for SPF and SCDF trainees will continue with enhanced precautionary measures. Such training is essential to enable the Home Team to continue its responsibilities of keeping Singapore safe and secure.
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