Why NS? Country Above Self? Sacrifice Self for Sacred Duty?
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What are some common questions, worries or desire NSFs have?
For me, it was feeling helpless to lose freedom to do what I need or love to do. What about you?
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I can identify with that sense of helplessness, fear of losing freedom - that feeling.. the 2-3 days before my enlistment. That was way back 12 years ago. The feeling like i'm going to prison or something...and BMTC being at Tekong makes it worse.
But even prior to enlistment, I was quite 'siao on' about military matters and I do understand the need for NS. But when it comes down to personal sacrifice, can't help but feel that way.
That anxiety is quickly overcomed, or rather forgotten once you get busy.
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On your opening topic - Why NS?
It is not really a choice of country above self, sacrifice or sacred duty. Those are 'novel' ideas I call it.
NS is for very practical reasons. Singapore just won't be able to stay an independent country with there's no strong SAF.
There are powers at work, rivalry between countries, economic reasons, human greed, racial/religious envy, etc. at work - in the region, between our neighbours, globally.
There's alot going on everyday (in another dimension, if I may call it), that ordinary people are not aware of. People in some specialised units, intelligence units, certain sensitive combat units are well aware of the challenges and risks.
What kept us safe and nobody dare to touch us is because SAF is like an 'insurance' that we will hit them 10x as hard and utterly destroy anyone that tries to undermine our independence as a country.
So no choice - its for practical survival reasons.
If deterrence fail - we must be able to match our 'gurantee' and deliver the goods, a very heavy punch to destroy any aggressor.
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Basically you cant compare civilian life to ns life. Lack of freedom is the biggest worry right now. Even as a commander, you listen to your higher ups and suck thumb. Total control over every shit, and for myself, even my enciks seem to be bigger than my sirs, totally because they have experience. When shit happens, my enciks will nag at my officers, and they couldnt fight back because they have no experience (ie without enciks my BMT would be screwed)
Well now I'm considered a regular (havent commission yet), I signed on without much hesitation because BMT was fun for me... unfortunately I'm not sure whether i will regret my decision (probably will). Hopefully they let me resign once the bond expires... if not, suck thumb. In NS, the only thing you can do is suck thumb. Cant be helped when shit happens. - Biggest worry for me now..
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You are right to question and worry about NS.The PAP will indoctrinate you, your friends and family will also tell you that NS is necessary and we need to protect singapore and all that crap. The bottom line is that you have to ask yourself. Who am I protecting and what am I fighting for?
-Are you going to fight and die for a HDB flat that your parents or you do not own, but are mere tenants?
-Will you fight to protect the 2 million foriegners in singapore earning a living here and going to school here?
You have to sit down and coldly and inpartially ask yourself, what is my stake in the country such that is worth 2 years of my life and years of reservist training after that. If you can answer this questions to your satisfaction, then you should enjoy your time in NS with pride. If not, better try to skyve as much as possible.
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http://www.theaaronloy.com/get-the-new-no-4-uniform-for-free-reservist-nsmen/
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The 1960s
The 1960s: when absurdly wide hems were fashionable and the world madly idolised the Beatles, the 1960s was a turbulent period in the history of Singapore.
Independence in 1965 was achieved in a background of internal turmoil and regional uncertainty. The 1961 Bukit Ho Swee fire savaged the squatter settlements while riots in 1964 and 1969 crippled the country with violence and social upheaval. Externally, the Konfrontasi, the Communist presence in Southeast Asia and the Vietnam War immersed the region in uncertainty.
While the 1960s may be synonymous with strife and poverty, it was also a period of change. The Women's Charter was passed by Parliament in 1961. In the same year, the Economic Development Board was established to boost foreign investment. The Housing Development Board, headed by the late Mr. Lim Kim San, embarked on its quest to provide affordable quality homes to Singaporeans and completed 54,000 flats by 1965. On 17 Aug 67, Singapore's first cohort of full-time national servicemen were enlisted.
At the time of her independence, Singapore's Army comprised only two regular infantry battalions - the First and Second Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR). However, the impending British Withdrawal made the raising of her own army critical. Conscription was deemed the best option due to her limited resources and economic constraints. On the 27 Feb 67, the National Service (Amendment Bill) was first read in Parliament. Pink enlistement reminder cards were sent to Singaporean males who were born between 1 Jan 49 and 30 Jun 49. These young men formed the first generation of National Servicemen who reported for enlistment on 17 Aug 67.
The 1960s were the formative years of independent Singapore. Through the difficulties of the period, Singapore emerged into the 1970s a young, but progressive nation. The stories below describe how life was like for Singapore in those early years.The 1970sThe 1970s was an interesting decade. Disco ruled the day (and night!) and mini skirts were the rage. Movies like Grease and Saturday Night Fever enjoyed immense popularity, while enduring Hollywood films like Jaws and Star Wars also made their debuts. In Singapore, Bruce Lee's Big Boss was a chart-topper. The decade was also a momentous one for a much loved icon of Singapore - Singapore Airlines (SIA) took to the skies for the first time on 2 Oct 1972 following its split from the former Malaysian-Singapore Airlines. Another 'icon', McDonald's, opened the first of many outlets at Liat Towers on 27 Oct 1979.
On the economic and military fronts, it was a decade of building and laying the right foundations. The British Withdrawal threatened to leave a huge gap in our security and economy. While statutory boards like the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) spearheaded the quest for foreign investments and industrial space, the Army was rapidly expanding to provide a credible defence for our newly won sovereignty. Officers now had to serve three years in National Service to utilise their training and knowledge, while other ranks served between two and two and a half years. In 1978, Hokkien was banned as a language of instruction to streamline training.
Throughout the decade the mettle of our fledging Army and our National Servicemen were put to the test. The resolution of terrorist threats in the Laju Incident in '74, the successful handling of the influx of Vietnamese refugees in '75 and the perseverance of Army personnel during the local floods of '78, earned the respect and confidence of Singaporeans.
In the midst of a fluid cultural and social landscape, challenges from within and without were thus present in Singapore during the 1970s. But Singaporeans, both the lay man as well as the soldier, weathered these storms admirably, continually strove for excellence, and laid a solid foundation for a nation that was coming of age.The 1980sThe 80s: When earrings and shoulder-pads were huge, when people were not ashamed to wear acid-washed jeans with acid-washed jackets, when Madonna showed the world it was OK to wear lingerie in public.
The 80s: When the Queen of Caldecott Hill, Zoe Tay, won Star Search, when Michael Chiang's Army Daze actually made National Service look fun, when Joey Wong enchanted Leslie Cheung (and the nation) in A Chinese Ghost Story.
The 80s: When it was cool to be a "Centrepoint Kid", when soft-drinks were still sold in glass bottles, when children first realised they did not want to grow up at the Toys "R" Us in Marine Parade; the decade that Zouk's Mambo Night endlessly relives.
More topically, the 1980s were the years Singapore's economy boomed, with an increasingly educated workforce being employed by high-technology industries like wafer fabrication. Those years also saw the inauguration of Changi Airport (and without the fuss of a naming competition too); Singaporeans began to zoom around the island on MRT trains; racial harmony was promoted through public housing policies; graduate women were encouraged to be mothers.
The SAF, too, continued to play an important role in nation-building, one that was highlighted when Total Defence was introduced in 1984. The SAF's role in rescue operations following the collapse of the Hotel New World and the Cable Car accident showed that the military forces were crucial to the handling of civil crises. The decade also saw the expansion of the Army's capabilities. The first Silent Mobilisation Exercise was conducted for reservists, demonstrating the operational readiness of our NSmen. On the regional front, Singapore had its first bilateral exercises with regional neighbours, Malaysia (Ex SEMANGAT BERSATU 1/89), and Indonesia (Ex SAFKAR INDOPURA 1/89).
The Army was crucial to Singapore;s growth in coherence and confidence as a nation in this decade. Consequently, the Army's own scope expanded, and robustness as a fighting force increased. Upon those foundations laid down by their forebears in the 1960s and 1970s, the Army built skywards. -
Originally posted by Chiaboonkoon:
You are right to question and worry about NS.The PAP will indoctrinate you, your friends and family will also tell you that NS is necessary and we need to protect singapore and all that crap. The bottom line is that you have to ask yourself. Who am I protecting and what am I fighting for?
-Are you going to fight and die for a HDB flat that your parents or you do not own, but are mere tenants?
-Will you fight to protect the 2 million foriegners in singapore earning a living here and going to school here?
You have to sit down and coldly and inpartially ask yourself, what is my stake in the country such that is worth 2 years of my life and years of reservist training after that. If you can answer this questions to your satisfaction, then you should enjoy your time in NS with pride. If not, better try to skyve as much as possible.
you are saying he should only defend singapore if his life in singapoe is worth defending but he has not experience life as an adult yet, hes just a teenager going to NS. although at 18, a person has rights and responsibility but it is still too young to decide whether his life in the future will be good. this point of view for him to feel about NS is not correct for him.
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Originally posted by yangmm90:
What are some common questions, worries or desire NSFs have?
For me, it was feeling helpless to lose freedom to do what I need or love to do. What about you?
singapore needs to be defended, no one will defend singapore except singaporeans. 18 years old is the prime age to perform this tusk. look at it this way, anything that you want to do now can be done 2 years later, anything that you want to do 2 years later can be done 4 years later and so on. when you are older and cant defend singapore anymore, you will feel safe knowing that your son is protecting you while you sleep at night.
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NS was introduced in 1967, just 2 years after Singapore’s independence to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.
We are a 'little red dot'.
With a population of 4.4 million and a land of 699 square km, Singapore is amongst the 20 smallest countries in the world. Singapore is too small to change the world. Instead, we must adapt as the world changes around us.
Importance of NS
We must be able to defend Singapore ourselves. No one else is responsible for our security and we cannot depend on others to come to our defence.
Our defence is predicated on deterrence. That is why we invest heavily and consistently in building up a strong defence force to provide that deterrence.
At the same time, we seek to be friends with as many countries as possible in the region and beyond. By having friends who can help us in our times of need, we enhance our security.
Need for NS
NS is our only viable option to building up a credible defence force to ensure our survival. A conscription force by law which obliges all eligible people to enlist would create a sizeable standing force ready to guarantee our security.
The SAF maintains itself in a high state of operational readiness at all times so that it is able to react swiftly to any threat.
To meet the defence challenges in the 21st century, the SAF is upgrading and transforming itself into a highly sophisticated, well-integrated fighting force.
The Third Generation SAF will be a network-centric organisation. Our forces will be interconnected, equipped with electronic information systems, and be able to fight cooperatively, and in an integrated manner, on land, in the air and on the sea.
Within the nation itself, the SPF upholds the law and maintains order, keeping the streets safe for family and friends.
And in case of any crisis or emergency, such as a major accident or a terrorist attack, the SCDF will be there to rescue and save the lives of fellow citizens.
All together, the SAF, SPF and SCDF play a key role in Singapore’s Total Defence—Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence.
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Interesting Facts - Did you know?
1967 Introduction of Code of Conduct
Dr. Goh Keng Swee promulgated the SAF Code of Conduct consisting of 6 rules at the SAF Code of Conduct ceremony at Pearl's Hill Parade Square.
1968 The first Collar Badges / Dots
It was stated in the Army Board Instructions (15 Jan 68 edition), that collar badges were to be worn according to the servicemen's vocation. The badges were worn in pairs and positioned vertically on each side of the front collar of the No 1, 2 and 3 Dress.
1978 Hokkien banned as language of instruction
Hokkien was commonly used as a language of instruction for trainees. From Oct 78, all instructions are to be passed only in either English, Malay or Mandarin.
1980 First NS Mono-intake
The first mono-intake batch was introduced in 1980 to create greater cohesiveness within the Army companies.
1981 Introduction of SAF 11B
All 11As were phased out by 1983 and new 11Bs were issued to all military personnel.
1982 New No. 3 Uniform
The new No. 3 uniform was introduced over a 2 year period starting on 01 Jul 82 allowing for the utilisation of existing stocks. Together with the new No. 3, the old collar dots were phased out.
1983 Rewarding the Hardworking Private
A new rank was introduced in 1983 - the Private (First Class) - to recognise the good service in the SAF.
1984 Army cookhouse considers private caterers
In Mar 84, civilian caterers were considered to replace the cooks due to the declining number of youths entering national service.
1985 Launch of Army Daze
Michael Chiang's book was Times bookshops' No.1 bestseller for 19 days, between 3500 and 4000 copies were sold.
1985 Camouflage No. 4 Dress
The first camouflage dress was originally introduced in Jun 83. However, due to complaints about colourfastness, a different material was introduced in 1985, which was lighter in weight and had more air flow permeability.1986 Cassette tape " Marching with Pride" goes on sale
In 1986, a cassette tape with all the marches and martial music went on sale.
1986 TV Film "Push on Soldier" aired on Ch 5
This was one of 3 documentaries made to educate the public on the role and readiness of our army. It was a joint production by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation and the Ministry of Defence.1986/87 Most Courteous Unit Telephone Exchange Competition
In Sep 86, Changi Camp Telephone Exchange was awarded the Most Courteous Unit Telephone Exchange award.1989 Last batch of enlistees reported to CMPB, Dempsey road
In 1989, the last batch of enlistees boarded the three-tonner to go to their respective units. After 17 years, CMPB was shifted to Depot Road.
1989 SAF Flag revealed
On 1 Jul 89, the new SAF flag was unveiled. It served to promote pride, maintain morale and generate a sense of loyalty and identity.
1993 No smoking in public for SAF personnel
From May 93, all SAF personnel were banned from smoking in public. From Aug 93 those who failed to abide were fined $50 for the first offence and $100 for subsequent offences.
1994 ROD changes to ORD
From 1 Jul 94, The term "Run-Out-Date" was changed to "Operational Ready National Service Date".
1995 New Physical Training (PT) Kit
The new PT kit was introduced in 1995 to replace the old camouflage version. The new one was lighter and more comfortable.
1996 SAF Core Values
In Sep 86, the idea of a common value system was mooted and introduced to the Officer Corps. Subsequently, in July 96 these evolved into the SAF 7 core values of Loyalty to Country, Leadership, Discipline, Professionalism, Fighting Spirit, Ethics and Care for Soldiers for all SAF servicemen. These values not only define the SAF character, but also serve as an anchor for the SAF serviceman's actions and attitude.
2004 Army Culture and Experience (ACE)
The ACE Movement was started in 2004 and its objective is for Regulars, Active and Operationally Ready National Servicemen alike to feel passionate and committed to what they are doing, feel good about who they are and ultimately feel proud to be part of this Army, Our Army.
2005 Arms Badge
The Arms Badges were unveiled for the various Formations at the Army Commander's Forum (ACF). The Badges reflect the Arms the servicemen is from. The purpose is to instil confidence and pride in the individual Arms and celebrate the tapestry of its culture.