After your BMT Passing Out Parade (POP), you receive a posting that starts the next phase of NS. The broad routes are Officer Cadet School (OCS), Specialist Cadet School (SCS) or training for a vocation before joining a unit.
Your posting order is the source of truth. It tells you where to report, when to report and what to bring.
The routes after BMT
Officer Cadet School
OCS trains officers. The course lasts about 38 weeks and leads to a commission, normally at the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT).
If you have already received the posting, read the OCS guide and survival tips. If you are still trying to qualify, read how command school selection works.
Specialist Cadet School
SCS trains Army specialists. The course moves through Foundation, Professional and Combined Arms terms and normally leads to the rank of Third Sergeant (3SG).
Read the complete SCS guide and survival tips.
Vocation training
Most recruits move into a vocation course or unit training. Broadly, SAF vocations fall under combat, combat support and combat service support.
Start with the vocations guide, then read the guide matching your posting:
- Infantry, Guards or Armour
- Signals, Combat Engineer or Medic
- Transport, Logistics or Island Defence
Some combat service support roles have their own specialist routes. Being posted outside OCS or the standard SCS pipeline does not mean there is no path to becoming a commander.
What decides your posting?
CMPB lists these broad factors:
- Organisational requirements
- Military performance
- Commanders' recommendations
- Education qualifications
- Medical fitness or suitability
You can indicate interests, but there is no public formula that lets anyone reliably calculate an OCS, SCS or vocation posting.
Posting orders
Read every line of the order before reporting. Check:
- Unit, school or camp
- Reporting date and time
- Dress and haircut requirements
- Items to bring
- Whether transport or special instructions are provided
Do not replace current instructions with an old Reddit comment or a friend's packing list. Ask the contact listed on the order if something important is unclear.
Block leave after POP
Batches commonly receive block leave between POP and their next posting. The exact dates and leave accounting can change, so use the dates given by your commanders and posting order.
Use the break to recover, replace consumables, organise issued kit and read about your confirmed posting. Avoid buying specialised gear before you know what your new course permits.
OCS, SCS or man: which is better?
There is no universally best posting.
- OCS means a longer course, greater responsibility and officer duties.
- SCS means specialist training and direct small-team leadership.
- A man posting can mean a shorter training path and less command responsibility, depending on vocation.
Rank and allowance matter, but so do course length, stress, vocation, unit culture and what you want from NS.
If the posting surprises you
It is normal to know little about a course before receiving it. Start with the official instructions and learn the structure before relying on company or wing rumours.
If you have a medical issue that affects training, report it honestly through the medical centre and chain of command. For an existing injury or possible OOC, see the OOC and down-PES guide.