Basic military training (BMT) has been suspended from Tuesday, April 7 to May 4.

This unprecedented step taken by the Singapore Armed Forces is in line with the government's "circuit breaker" measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

3,400 NSFs affected

Some 3,400 full-time national servicemen recruits will be affected, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Monday, April 6.

However, they have been directed to strictly observe national guidelines while at home.

This includes the rule that they are only supposed to go out for essential activities.

The recruits will be provided with "home-based instructional material" on basic skills and fitness development, Mindef added.

ORD as per normal

The BMT suspension period will not affect the recruits' full-time national service (NS) and their operationally ready date.

The recruits will complete their BMT after the Covid-19 outbreak subsides.

They will also continue to be eligible for NS allowance and medical benefits during this period.

Other units to continue

Mindef said the SAF has "concluded that there would be little impact on operations as active units would be able to provide cover" after reviewing the impact of suspension.

Other SAF training schools, such as the Officer Cadet School and Specialist Cadet School, will continue with enhanced safety measures previously announced, it said.

These are units are needed to maintain its operational readines.

Activities involving operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) such as in-camp training and the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) have already been deferred until May 4, Mindef announced on April 3.

Guests were also not invited to Pulau Tekong during direct enlistment exercises a week ago.

Parents had to drop off their enlisting children at Selarang Camp instead.

Strictest measures to date

PM Lee announced drastic “circuit breaker” measures on April 3 that would see schools and non-essential workplaces shut.

They are the strictest measures to date to keep people at home and break the chain of transmission, including closing most workplaces.

These measures take place from April 7 and will last for a month.

The latest measures announced by Mindef follow this announcement.

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