The day before enlistment

What you look like the day before enlistment

The day before you enlist is quite a horrible one. We could not believe time flew at this point of time. Suddenly realising that there are still so many things to be done before you enlist is quite common too. Things still not prepared for tomorrow's enlistment. Have not had a proper "goodbye" date with one's girlfriend. Did not spend enough time with family and friends. On top of that, you will find that the entire day will blink in a flash and before you know it, you are on your bed, looking some what like the person in the picture above. Sleepless. The sleep that particular night is also one of the longest you ever experience in your life.

Life being a civilian is awesome. No one controlling you. No one restricting you. Therefore try to finish everything you want to do before you enlist. It feels a lot better this way. Make sure to do all this before you enlist:

• Spend quality time with family
• Hangout with friends like there is no tomorrow
• Cuddle with your girlfriend and tell how much you love her
• Preparing stuff to be brought into camp way before enlistment is better because one will not have the mood to do it nearing that dreadful day
• If one has some kind of business, make sure that you found someone to take care of it in your place 

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Do I need to train myself piror to enlistment?

Some of us may advice others who are about to enlist in a few months time to train themselves up so that they will not have a hard time coping with training in BMT. Back then, I trained every night hoping that I was ready what tough training BMT would throw at me. I was very wrong. What I could say is that the training we go through in BMT is on a whole new level, and no amount of "training by ourselves" could ever prepare us for it (unless you are super fit that is).

Therefore, answering to that question, I would say both "YES" and "NO". It all depends on your personal opinions and stand. Also, do keep in mind that your civilian clock is ticking away.

Reasons to train before enlistment:

• So that one would not have a hard time coping with training in BMT
• Commanders will notice him and there is a higher chance for him to enter command school if one is fit upon enlistment
• Absolutely nothing to do (highly unlikely)

Reasons not to train before enlistment:

• Precious civilian time being wasted
• So much more important things to do before shaving off hair
• One will have lots of training once enlisted
• Enjoy being a civilian while you still can

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Things to bring for enlistment

Make sure you pack necessary things for BMT. It ain't holiday camp.

For those who are going to lose all of their hair soon, asking your friends who were already enlisted or your seniors will be a natural thing. They might tell you to get extra PT kits or admin attires. However, they are not really necessary as they depend on one’s needs.

Below are the things mandatory to bring for enlistment, if you plan to survive the 2 weeks of confinement that is:

·         At least 5 hangers (1 for long-4, 1 for smart-4, 1 for admin attire,1 for PT kit, 1 extra)

·         Clothes peg

·         Prickly powder

·         Washing powder for clothes/detergent

·         Toiletries

·         Snacks

Washing powder/detergent is especially important for the 2 weeks confinement. The only reasons you do not need it is when you do not sweat or intend to stink through confinement. Also, washing powder will come in handy when you intend to wash and scrub the floor during area cleaning. They remove dirt quickly.

Toiletries will be provided in your duffle bag but they are meant for your 10 pack items. So try not to touch those issued toiletries.

Bringing some snacks will cheer you up. Trust me. They are also excellent tools in making new friends. Simply make the first move and offer it to your bunk mates. It is true that sergeants may confiscate your snacks for some reasons but they will not do it during confinement week as it is unexpected and too soon.

Forget about bring Handphone/Ipod charger into camp. They will be confiscated. Reason being charging of devices is a privilege and frankly, being a recruit, privileges are at the minimal. Also, you do not have much time to use your phone/devices. Therefore, battery levels can maintain for some time.

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