Ethnic makeup of army
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What is the ethnic makeup in the army?What is the percentage of the different ethnic groups serving in the SAF?
btw,with my father being a Malaysian Chinese who migrated to Singapore in the 1980's,will if affect my unit postings?does your race affect where you are posted,as I'm a mixed blooder Chindian(Chinese Indian,with a dash of Portueguese)?
I'm a PES A,only son,Silver for NAPFA,opted for Commandos or Guards.I don't think that being an only son would affect me greatly,as Gedanken was an only child,but he served in the Cdos.btw,he has decided to totally leave these forums.a sad loss. -
Why do you want to know so much about our ethnic makeup?A simple glance at our population demography and ethnic percentage will tell you that the ratio will be similarly reflected in the SAF, as its a microcosm of the country as a whole...
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I really wonder what's the reason behind your frequent race related threads.
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Zz....potential trouble maker rofl..
isd gonna knock on ur door soon rofl -
This is unofficial.
Based on what I know SG citizens who have relations in neighbouring countries are normally not deployed in the armed forces. This is not a question of their loyalty to the country. It is to prevent the situation of "brother fighting against brothers" if conflict were to arise.
To me it doesnt matter where you serve. It can be in the armed forces, police or civil defence you are still doing your part for your country.
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Originally posted by tspg:
Totally UNTRUE! My father's a M'sian & I did my NS in the army. During my BMT, one of our instructors was a M'sian (S'pore PR). At my unit, my PS was an Indonesian (S'pore PR). Who says if you have relations in neighbouring countries u are not deployed in SAF?
[b]This is unofficial.
Based on what I know SG citizens who have relations in neighbouring countries are normally not deployed in the armed forces. This is not a question of their loyalty to the country. It is to prevent the situation of "brother fighting against brothers" if conflict were to arise.
To me it doesnt matter where you serve. It can be in the armed forces, police or civil defence you are still doing your part for your country.
[/b]
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I know of Malaysians by birth who are in Engineers, Guards.They are frontline forces, and most of these rumours are just rumours.Let's realise that people do not come easily in this day and age, and if you're suitably educated and fit, you will be more likely be placed in a post where they can squeeze your potential.If there is any differentiation, its more on the educational level.
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Check out this month's issue of Pioneer magazine. There's a Malay MO with the rank of MAJ. Thought I'd just point that out first in case some joker goes around with another infamous "why no Malays in this vocation" crap.
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Not everyone of course. Its a general guidline. Depends on where you are posted to and the level of security clearance required.Originally posted by esesce:Totally UNTRUE! My father's a M'sian & I did my NS in the army. During my BMT, one of our instructors was a M'sian (S'pore PR). At my unit, my PS was an Indonesian (S'pore PR). Who says if you have relations in neighbouring countries u are not deployed in SAF? -
I dun think the topic starter is trying to fan any racial sentiments here. He just young and uncertain about his future. Having a bit of an identity crisis. Be a bit more accommodating lah.Originally posted by esesce:I really wonder what's the reason behind your frequent race related threads. -
Its just that if you'd notice, quite a few of his posts are about race & we're just wondering why he keeps harping on race as well as allegations that Malays are not allowed in so & so unit.Originally posted by tspg:I dun think the topic starter is trying to fan any racial sentiments here. He just young and uncertain about his future. Having a bit of an identity crisis. Be a bit more accommodating lah. -
I know. I have seen his other postings. I know a racist when I see one. His feelings and concerns are similar to that felt by many minorities although they may not voice them out.Originally posted by esesce:Its just that if you'd notice, quite a few of his posts are about race & we're just wondering why he keeps harping on race as well as allegations that Malays are not allowed in so & so unit.
I have close friends from other races. I feel that the majority shd be more sensitive to how they feel. An open and frank discusion on racial issues will help clear misunderstandings and misconceptions. -
thank you for that tspg.As part of a minority and as part of the majority,I can bridge the gaps to an extent.
however,as one person articulated,yes,I am young.I am interested in knowing what opprtunities lie in store for me in my homeland.As a member of the minority and majority who grew up here,I have a vested interest in what happens to members of my communities.
Many minorities feel unsure of their places in what is a predominantly Chinese nation.For example,many similarly feel that the government is rather too pro-Chinese on some issues,such as the SAP schools.
If we are nurturing an elite to engage China,why not nurture elites to engage Thailand,Indonesia and Malaysia as well as India,Pakistan,Iran and other South Asian powerhouses?
My perception is that the governemt is rather too pro-China,and that we should not invest so much in that nation.I am wary of it.furthermore,is it my imagination or is it easier for Chinese to become citizens or PRs?
Minorities want to know what their place is in our society,what their role is and what the future holds for us. -
I worry more that you'll end up rationalizing about perceived racial slights if you don't end up with the combat formation you want.
Not to worry, the NSF drill instructors should knock some sense into ya ~lol~ -
This reminds me of this joker in our platoon who would always use race as an excuse. If he kena extra, he says its due to racism. If he kena scolded, he says its due to his race. Bloody wanker!!Originally posted by Moxie:I worry more that you'll end up rationalizing about perceived racial slights if you don't end up with the combat formation you want.
Not to worry, the NSF drill instructors should knock some sense into ya ~lol~ -
Why should I try to keng just because I don't end up in the combat formation of my choice?If I don't get it,then its my loss,but that's the way life is.Just try and do the best in the vocation they decide to put me in.I just don't want to end up a clerk stuck in an air conditioned office pushing paper all day.
As for racism,it happens.from personal experience,racism is rare in Sg but it occurs.happens in any country. -
You'd do better to appreciate the work that everyone does.Do not slight clerks just because they fall short of your garang ways.You will regret when you piss off the clerks in the unit you end up in the future.If the unit is a car, the clerks are the gears that move the unit.You need to serve NS first and I 'm pretty sure you might take back half of what you espouse today.No offence, i'm beginning to see a trend in your post.You seem to feel the need to get into CDO or GDS just to make yourself believe that your race will not be a hindrance in this nation.I hope you really learn to humble and wise up, it's for your own good.Originally posted by Sardaukar:Why should I try to keng just because I don't end up in the combat formation of my choice?If I don't get it,then its my loss,but that's the way life is.Just try and do the best in the vocation they decide to put me in.I just don't want to end up a clerk stuck in an air conditioned office pushing paper all day.
As for racism,it happens.from personal experience,racism is rare in Sg but it occurs.happens in any country.
Many people adopt this really seow on attitude and they get burnt in the SAF.Be cool , think on your feet, avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself until you have learnt to navigate the system and the culture.What you know now is mere hearsay, you need to be on the ground, doing your guard duties on the weekends, watching your friends book out, head 2 cm off the floor and your limbs feel like breaking, the sensation of being given 7 extras when you know the mistake you are punished for was not committed by you.You have a long way to go..Live well.
Btw, are you Manthor on Asia Pacific Defence Forum? -
Everyone has their part to play as cliche as it may sound. Yes, even a "lobo" driver & storeman are important. Even if one gets posted to a non-combat vocation, he can still play his part IF he wants to. One does not need to be a SOF trooper in order to contribute.
There are 2 types of ppl who usually get marked during NS. Those who try too hard to siam & those who try to hard. Going in with the intention to be "siao on" is the surest way to get yourself in sh*t.
I'd say let nature take its course. If you get into a unit that you wanted, good for you. But if you don't, you can still contribute. Just don't be like some wankers & start playing the race card by saying "Oh I never get so & so unit 'cos SAF is racist". That's a whole lot of crap!!
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To Sardaukar,
I may be able to comment on some of the issues you raise because I am from an SAP schoool. The purpose of setting up SAP schools by the govt was to preserve the traditions of such schools and to build up a core group of younger Singaporens with an in depth understanding of the Chinese culture to engage an emerging China.
Being immerse in the Chinese culture does not make one a chauvinist. In my school there are efforts to let us interact and understand the culture of other races. I have friend from other races in my neighbourhood, in tertiary institutions, in the army and in working life.
Being the most westernised of all the races in Singapore, the Chinese are at the highest risk of losing their culture identity and hence the efforts to help SAP schools. The govt has also help other races through organisation such as Sinda and Muis.
As for creating links with other ASEAN countries, there are several scholarship programmes that invite the brightest from these countries to study here. They will serve as a bridge to understanding between Singapore and other countries in future. As for our officers who are deployed to other countries they are given intensive cultural immersion programmes in the country they are deployed to.
The immgration Issue.
The primary concern in deciding whether a person is granted citizenship is his/her ability to contribute to Singapore. A world class researcher from any race from any country would be welcome in Singapore.
The race does play a part in botherline cases. A person who is of ethnic descent from the major races in Singapore will stand a higher chance than someone who is Vietnamese or Filipino. Such a policy is maintain the balance and stability of the ethnic make-up in Singapore. Such a policy is not unique to Singapore but other countries as well. -
Had this same problem at Uni in UK, S African used "racism" banner (this was before N Mandela become free) at every possible opportunity, he was hopeless in everything he did all the time trying to use Apatheid as a sympathy card to open all doors. He was largely ignored when S Africa become free, no more song to sing.Originally posted by esesce:This reminds me of this joker in our platoon who would always use race as an excuse. If he kena extra, he says its due to racism. If he kena scolded, he says its due to his race. Bloody wanker!!
Same with another chap who was wheel chair bound, until my housemate (an English Girl) told him off for using such disadvantage as crutches or in form of emontional blackmail. -
"Just try and do the best in the vocation they decide to put me in."
Bravo then. I don't think racial prejudice's that relevant in the SAF anymore, even as I realize you'll probably be a 1st-generation, local-born enlistee from your family. But your peers are part of the current 3G crop, so if anything it's their parents' batches (those who served in the mid '70's to early '80s) that faced most mistrust over their own forefathers' chauvinist/communist ties. I dare say you'll lagi confirm pass if if you've gone thru the local education.
I'm sure they still do discreet background checking for sensitive vocations, but IMHO it's not really very different from those in the civilian world (eg. SIA). Screening & blacklisting, however, are different things & I'm fairly certain there's no bureaucratic leviathan overseeing this area. The SAF, even NSF itself, is just too multi-layered a system.
If the CDO take you on, then good luck. I'm not sure they conduct BMTs seasonally (every 3 months) like Tekong, though - so what if your enlistment timing is all "wrong" for them?
The bulk of combat units are also filled by mono-intake people, so on paper a Telong/SBMT "outsider" can only be posted in via 2 ways: relevant vocation-training by the pertinent formation (inc. after going thru OCS or SISPEC) or more general vocation-training by service formations. It won't be as if you can, say, aim for 3rd Guards on your initial reporting day, unless you've signed on or something. Instead, your only input resources - as far as influencing your hoped-for posting goes - are during the PC interviews, & of course your course results, which'll entail your DIs' feedback.
With the latter, I actually had 1st-hand experience after being attached to Arty Training Cadre, due to my extra half-year. My recruit battery had a few pai kia's, inc. 2 gangsters (inc. one bodily tattooed who came under my section) whom the instructors were informally told to mix together with care. I dunno if the word came down from ISD or whatever, but they turned out to be normal peng.
What's more didactic was that my BC, & indirectly my CO, depended heavily on the DIs' recommendations on who to retain as gunners after BMT. I have to confess that not all of us were 100% honorable in our judgement calls, even as we reached no consensus on whether posting out (to storemen-type appointments) represents a "reward" & retaining an underachiever is a "punishment". But generally we tried to be fair, & every evaluation was performance-rated with no racial shenanigans.
I dunno if the Tekong BMT culture is similar & here's guessing these are gonna be the overall nature of appraisals you'll go through, & it'll be the same with the follow-ons at SISPEC or OCS.