Your new SOP item

Every modern soldier now needs one - a notebook computer. Modern recruit of the Singapore Armed Forces undergoing basic military training (BMT) now gets one, along with his green fatigues, helmet and boots.

At the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC), recruits go online to learn how to assemble and handle their rifle, throw a grenade, carry out first aid and clear battle obstacles before going outfield to get hands-on experience.

About 2,600 enlistees were issued laptop computers in last December at the start of their BMT. The recruits returned the devices to the training centres after they graduated last week.

The online tutorials have replaced some lectures in the training shed or classroom, used now instead for discussions of current affairs and national education. Soldiers learn the how-tos of the practical skills in their bunks through BMTC's online platform Learnet. Questions can be directed to their commanders through a live messaging system.

Aside from familiarising themselves with military skills, recruits have to post their thoughts and reflections about their BMT experience at least once a week.

Learnet lets recruits carry out 'self-learning' of lessons such as weapon handling, individual field craft, first aid and training safety. It complements existing training methods like field training and classroom-based lectures conducted by BMTC. The Learnet system provides the recruits easy access to learning resources, and is part of the improvements made to the BMT system to enhance the recruit's overall training experience.

Equipping men with laptops is part of the SAF's modernisation drive to harness technology in the training of today's cohort. SAF had to engage troops intellectually and emotionally as they are now more educated, intelligent and inquisitive. This is an important part of the third-generation SAF where they focus on training thinking soldiers.

In the initial weeks, some had even figured out a way to get in touch with friends on the mainland through e-mail and social networking sites. But the social networking sites and e-mail were later blocked.

Can laptop shoot or stab? But giving it a good throw at the enemy can give them baluku I guess. Also, I wonder how much if someone were to sign 1206 for this lappy?