For those enlisting for NS (especially at Tekong), here is a list of additional things that you will most likely need for the first two weeks of BMT but is not stated (based on my experience). The first two weeks is also known as confinement weeks as trainees are not allowed to go home, unless there’s a public holiday.
First day of enlistment:
These items are not mentioned in the packing list they provide to you for reporting on your first day, so you will be much more prepared bringing these with you.
- At least $10 worth of $1 coins for vending machines (you'll need that cold 100-plus after strenuous activities)
- A pair of scissors
- $20 for e-mart (some items are cash-only), and $10 for canteen breaks (if you are lucky)
- Pens for taking notes (notebook provided)
- Permanent fade-proof black marker (to label your stuff with because everyone has the same items)
- About 3 plastic bags for dirty laundry and misc. use (otherwise you're going to dump two weeks-old smelly clothing straight into your bag)
- Enough underwear for two weeks (depending on your usage)
- Clothes hangers (at least 5 should be sufficient)
- All-in-one body soap & shampoo (so you don’t have to bring them separately)
- Facial wash (you definitely should wash your face often or you'll get outbreaks due to sweat, dirty environment, and dust in the air)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (you can use the one they issue to you, but I do not recommend that as you already have to pack that for outfield use)
Optional:
- Extra rolls of toilet paper
- Fully-charged large capacity powerbank (>30,000mAh)
- Battery-operated shaver and spare batteries
- Febreeze anti-bacterial/odour spray for clothes (for those who are lazy to wash clothes in camp. Sold in NTUC - get the anti-bacterial one, I think it’s purple in colour)
- Washing powder and brush (for washing clothes in case you manage to use up all your clean sets)
– Alternatively you can just use febreeze, hang up to air, and reuse your clothes. Then bringing them home to wash at the end of the week.
– Tip: Try not to wash your army stuff with other clothes at home; they really turn the water brown due to the dirt, grime, and dust they collect. The velcro on the uniform may even damage sensitive fabrics like dryfit/microfibre.
After first book-out:
You can bring in the items below after booking out the first time. Most of them can be bought at beach road or other army supplies market (links at bottom of post). You can get them in advance, but bringing too many items on the first day is not recommended as you already got A LOT of stuff to carry up the stairs to your bunk (you are going to be issued with about 30kg worth of clothing + equipment in a large duffel bag, and instructors generally won't like you dragging it up the stairs). Update: Some of these are now issused in BMT during enlistment – check first before buying.
- Plastic ziplock bags for packing personal equipment for your field pack. (Note the number and sizes they ask you to get. Those thin ones for packing food are not acceptable; get these from beach road)
- Thick trash bag x2 (to line the inside of your field pack so your stuff don’t get wet)
- 2x large can of prickly heat powder
- At least two rolls of black tape and one roll of colour tape (colour depending on your platoon)
- Slippers
- Waterproof watch
- Nail clippers (do cut your nails before you enlist though)
- Spare pair of specs for those who wears them
Optional:
- Swimming goggles (if you cannot swim 50 metres without it)
- More clothes hangers, clothes pegs
- Wet tissues (Recommended item: removes camo easily, bring for outfield trainings. Watsons usually sell a pack of three smaller packs with 10 wet tissues each. I brought in three of these mega packs and they were just enough for use throughout BMT)
- Reading material, UNO card game (for free time. No poker cards allowed)
- Pain relieving spray (in case you are prone to muscle aches and sprains from strenuous activities. I never needed to use such an item)
- Some plasters
- Battery-operated radio
- More coins for vending machines
- Snacks (cup noodles, biscuits, etc. Only dry food allowed)
- Thirsty Hippo (or similar brands. Recommended item: removes smell and bad odour from your locker)
- Spare lock and two keys (a lock will be provided on enlistment, but get another in case you lose the one given)
After BMT:
Gray-area items depending on company
(ASK for permission if you want to bring them in, do not bring into camp at any time during BMT):
- MP3 player
- Handphone charger
Links: