 "Lalu Yadav's Grandson, Aditya has begun military training in Singapore. Image: X/@RohiniAcharya2")
Aditya, the grandson of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, has started his Basic Military Training (BMT) in Singapore. This scheme, which falls under the mandatory National Service (NS) requirement, prepares cadets for their future.
The two-year training programme aims to build discipline, resilience and leadership skills in citizens of Singapore.
Aditya’s mother, Rohini, who is the daughter of the RJD supremo, shared the news on social media. Rohini, in her post, called Aditya “fearless, disciplined and determined.”
“Today, my heart is filled with pride. After completing his Pre-University studies, our eldest son Aditya has gone for a two-year Basic Military Training at just 18 years of age,” she wrote on X.
“Aditya, you are brave, courageous, and disciplined. Go and do wonders. Always remember, warriors are forged in life’s toughest battles. All our love and encouragement will always be with you.”
Rohini has been living in Singapore for several years with her husband, Samaresh Singh, according to media reports.
But who is Aditya? What do we know about him?
Who is Aditya? What is BMT?
Aditya is the oldest child of Rohini and Samaresh, who is the son of former Income Tax commissioner-rank officer Rao Ranvijay Singh. Aditya has two younger siblings, according to NDTV. He finished his pre-university education before beginning his BMT.
Basic Military Training is the first phase of training for Singapore citizens. It is an ‘initiation’ into army life and a ‘rite of passage’ mandated for every full-time National Serviceman (NSF), according to the official government website.
By joining this, a citizen fulfils the nation’s legally mandated National Service (NS), which requires all male citizens and second-generation permanent residents to complete two years of full-time service upon reaching adulthood.
The type and duration of required training depend on the Physical Employment Standard (PES) and Pre-Enlistee Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) results, according to the official website.
Two months prior to enlistment, the individual receives an Enlistment Notice. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and Singapore Police Force (SPF) are the three forces where individuals can be enlisted for National Service.
Those deemed fit for combat are trained in various ways, including strength training, route marches, battle inoculation course, introductory train-fire course, grenade throwing, urban operations, field camp, individual field craft, swimming, and more, as per the official website.
The official government website also noted that this training is beyond boosting ‘soldiering skills’ for the recruits. It is also aimed at encouraging young people to enter the military way of life, where they learn the realities of working and living within a disciplined organisation.
What happens after BMT?
Once training is complete, candidates are assigned based on their commanders’ performance evaluations. Vocational training in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is divided into three groups: combat, combat support, and combat service support, according to a CNBCTV-18 report.
Once selected as officer cadets, they are sent to Officer Cadet School (OCS). During that process, recruits must complete a 38-week training programme to qualify for the SAF officer role. Some recruits are assigned to the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), where they complete around 22 weeks of training to become Army Warrant Officer Specialists (WOSpecs), the report noted.
Other specialisations for BMT trainees include Transportation Specialist Cadet Courses (TSCC), Supply Specialist Cadet Courses (SSCC), or Administration Specialist Cadet Courses (ASCC) at various institutions.
Why did Acharya’s post spark a buzz?
The Acharya’s post has gone viral and has become a topic of discussion for many online. Several thought it belonged to the Indian Army, but a post has confirmed it is for the Singapore Army. However, a fact-check shows that Aditya is not voluntarily joining the Singapore Army as a foreign recruit.
With inputs from agencies.