Army recruits ‘barred’ from McDonald’s at White Sand? SAF Basic Military Training Centre says…

TikToker questions validity of claim

In another post on Nov 27, where nisonchanmalichan asked netizens if this was true, JN888 claimed that the instruction was given to their twin sons during their first book-out.

The post had gained over 85,500 views and 2,000 likes at press time.

In the comments, one netizen also said they had experienced the same thing, while others said they doubted the information was true, speculating that the instruction was misinterpreted.

“But why should they be discouraged from getting food with their fellow bunkmates and friends in the first place? I think that’s the question,” one netizen said.

TikToker says guideline is understandable

Hours later, the TikToker posted a third video, saying he had sought clarification from someone credible within the system, and adding that he could understand why such a guideline might be given to the recruits.

“It is true that the recruits are told to go home after book-out, and this is really to safeguard the image of the recruits of having their faces splashed all over social media, unforgivingly.”

In response to Stomp’s queries, the TikToker declined to comment. Stomp has also reached out to JN888 for comment.

Some recruits report similar instructions

A 23-year-old who finished NS in 2024 and only wished to be known as Mr Tan, told Stomp that the instruction was more of an informal guideline than a ban.

“We were given this guideline at the start of BMT when we first booked in. It was just given as a precaution to not loiter about in uniform and to go straight home after booking out,” said the undergraduate.

A 21-year-old full-time national serviceman said that recruits are also advised to change into their civilian clothes when booking in and out of camp, to reduce complaints from the public about their behaviour.

Another NSF noted that he had not been advised by superiors to avoid specific locations. The 21-year-old clarified that recruits are picked up by shuttle buses from different locations in the east, suggesting that those living around Pasir Ris were more likely to receive this guideline.

Others said they had heard of the informal advisory, but were not explicitly told that certain locations were off-limits.

Public scrutiny of recruits may feel excessive

NSMen whom Stomp spoke to agreed that public scrutiny of their actions is sometimes harsher than necessary, recalling instances where complaints were filed about their behaviour.

“I do feel that sometimes some unspoken rules can be taken too far, like how NSF sitting down on trains is often frowned upon,” Mr Tan said, acknowledging that basic guidelines on how to behave when wearing the uniform are understandable.

“We never know what they went through on that day, so I do feel leniency can be given.”

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