A total of 2,480 conscripts enlisting for Basic Military Training in Singapore in May 2020 need not show up physically due to a longer Covid-19 circuit breaker period.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) announced on April 22 it is extending its suspension of BMT.

"They will stay at home until the BMT suspension is lifted, and informed of their new reporting date," said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

These pre-enlistees will still be administratively enlisted on their scheduled dates.

BMT for recruits were suspended earlier in April.

Activities for its operationally ready national servicemen were deferred.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on April 21 that the circuit breaker period will be extended by four weeks.

SAF will follow suit and extend its suspension of activities until June 1.

The BMT suspension has affected about 6,250 recruits.

Their operationally ready date will not be affected, as their training will be adjusted.

Training that is critical for the SAF to build up sufficient operational units to respond to threats to Singapore will still continue.

SPF and SCDF suspend enlistment as well

Training for all full-time national serviceman (NSF) trainees from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will also be suspended, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on the same day.

About 680 NSF trainees from SPF and SCDF who are supposed to enlist in May will be affected.

This will not affect their operationally ready date, and they will stay home and be informed of their new reporting date for basic training.

Officer cadet training for SPF and SCDF NSF trainees, as well as essential in-camp training for operationally ready national servicemen, will still continue though.

Top photo via The Singapore Army