BMT Sketchbook

Like generations of Singaporean men, I did BMT, although I didn’t do it once, but twice. These pages capture the details of experiences and moments of life on Tekong, from meeting section mates for the first time, outfield exercises, admin bunk life, grenade throwing, SOC, firing range and so on. Recorded are wacky old Encik sayings and personal thoughts and views. My entries are sometimes angsty, sometimes confused, but mostly the stuff you will connect with. Asher Ong enlisted for National Service in 2021. While in BMT he kept sketchbooks recording daily activity and training. These sketchbooks were featured in various media and went viral while he was still a recruit. After OCS, where he continued to record camp life in sketchbooks, he served in the 21st Battalion, Singapore Artillery. Asher is currently pursuing an architectural degree in the Architecture Association, London.