Field camp

What is field camp

Field camp equips you with necessary survival skills in a combat environment. You will live and train 'out field' for 6 days and 5 nights during BMT.

What happens in field camp

Training

During field camp, all training activities will be conducted in the field. This includes:

• Learning to use camouflage to hide from the enemy.
• Communicating in silence using hand signals.
• Moving through jungle both during the day and night, and moving in different formations.
• Attacking an enemy’s position.
• Responding when under attack.
• Digging a shell scrape—a shallow hole in the ground for you to hide in.
• Completing the battle course. Here you’ll go through an attack mission, which allows you to apply the skills you’ve learnt.

Living

Besides the training, you’ll also learn how to live out in the field. This includes:

• Building a basha (tent) and sharing it with your buddy.
• Eating combat rations.
• Keeping (relatively) clean and dry, by having 'powder baths’.

Why do it

Field camp trains you to survive in a field environment. It is a necessary skill and could be challenging especially for those who have been living in creature comforts.

What is it like

The 6 days of field camp are tough, but you will definitely remember these days as they are packed with new and interesting experiences.

Camouflage: You’ll be issued some 'camo cream’ to camouflage your face. Not everyone would admit to it, but this is quite a fun activity. You can even realise your dreams of looking like Rambo.

Mosquitoes: They’ll always be there, buzzing around when you’re training or trying to sleep, and giving you a bite or two in the process. You’ll be issued with insect repellent, so don’t forget to bring it along.

Digging a shell scrape: You’ll sleep in this for one night. Although the shell scrape is not very deep, you’ll soon realise that it is tough work. And don’t expect to remain clean after you sleep in it.

Rain: When it rains, be prepared to get wet and muddy.

Powder bath: Since you won’t be showering during the field camp, you will be taking powder baths for hygiene purpose.

Some tips

It’s most important to be mentally prepared. Here are a few tips that can help.

• Your feet are going to hurt, especially when they're wet. If your feet are wet and it’s not raining at night, take out the boot insoles to let them dry.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Use the insect repellent to minimise insect bites.

Safety concerns

• Whenever there’s any risk of lightning in the area, you’ll be moved to a safe and sheltered area until the lightning risk is over.
• If you fall sick or get injured during field camp, there will be medics to attend to you. If need be, the vehicle on stand by will bring you to the medical centre.

Hard facts & half truths

You may actually see wild boars during field camp. But they won’t bother you as long as you leave them alone.

No, you don’t have to kill and eat snakes to survive. You’ll be eating proper combat rations that can be quite tasty.