Parents urge SAF to address recruits’ mental health concerns following death of NSF on Pulau Tekong last week

One mother said her son experienced a breakdown during BMT.

She repeatedly contacted commanders at Tekong before obtaining a doctor’s memo that eventually led to his medical reclassification, commonly known as being “down-PESed”.

She urged parents to believe their children when they seek assistance, stressing that “counselling alone may not be enough for everyone”.

Another parent alleged that recruits feared punishment for raising concerns and questioned MINDEF’s transparency, calling for greater accountability over servicemen’s safety.

Parents with sons currently stationed at Tekong also encouraged recruits to look after one another.

One parent said they had reminded their son to communicate with his bunkmates, offer mutual support and remain alert to anyone showing signs of depression.

Another urged commanders not to push recruits excessively, particularly during hazy conditions, citing concerns about a son with a history of asthma.

A parent who learnt of the incident through their son’s text message questioned whether the buddy system had been adequately enforced and urged commanders to monitor recruits who appeared isolated.

Calls grow for greater psychological support and changes to NS training

Beyond immediate counselling, parents raised concerns about whether existing training arrangements adequately accommodate recruits adjusting to military life.

Some proposed shortening NS from two years to between six and nine months, permitting recruits to return home every weekend or making enlistment voluntary.

Some also questioned NSF allowances compared with the remuneration received by ministers and Members of Parliament.

One parent described receiving an unexpected telephone call from his recently enlisted son, who wanted to reassure his family that he was safe.

He highlighted the psychological adjustments involved in transitioning from civilian life to military service, including regimentation, reduced personal freedom, physical demands and homesickness.

Rejecting the suggestion that younger generations were inherently less resilient, he argued that circumstances and sources of stress had changed over time.

“Being ‘built for it’ isn’t something we’re born with,” the parent wrote, emphasising the importance of preparation, support and individual circumstances.

Redditors encourage distressed recruits to seek help and peer support

The concerns extended to Reddit, where users discussed practical ways to support young men undergoing military training.

A Redditor, whose comment on MINDEF’s Facebook page was subsequently shared on Reddit, acknowledged parents’ anxieties and noted that recruits accustomed to different lifestyles might struggle to adapt to physical training, communal living and military routines.

He described sending his son encouraging messages several times daily.

Another Redditor advised distressed recruits to approach their sergeants or platoon commanders, document their concerns and seek medical or psychological assistance.

The user also recommended contacting the SAF hotline, which they described as being managed by counsellors independent of recruits’ units.

Other Redditors emphasised that mental health difficulties should not automatically be attributed to inadequate parental preparation or personal weakness.

They highlighted how military regimentation could aggravate psychological distress, particularly among recruits without supportive home environments.

Netizens propose pre-enlistment camps and improved mental health screening

Some netizens suggested introducing optional three-day, two-night orientation camps to familiarise prospective recruits with military routines, discipline and communal living before enlistment.

Others proposed pre-enlistment workshops in secondary schools and expanding participation in uniformed groups, including the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC).

Suggestions also included reviewing medical assessments to better account for recruits’ mental health histories and assigning suitable vocations, including non-uniformed roles where appropriate.

One netizen proposed involving parents in medical assessments, allowing them to communicate concerns and better recognise early signs of psychological distress.

Others noted that the SAF already offers a two-month Physical Training Phase (PTP) for recruits who do not meet the required fitness standards before BMT.

Several also emphasised the importance of friendships, peer support and commanders remaining attentive to behavioural changes among recruits.

“Togetherness is key,” one netizen wrote, encouraging servicemen to support those experiencing isolation or emotional difficulties.

TOC has written to MINDEF and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing seeking comments on parents’ concerns and clarification on whether psychological support is being provided to recruits from the same camp and others affected by the incident.