I agree with you [email protected] up to a certain extend. But I would
not say that SG is 100% undefendable.
Everyone knows that when it comes to war, land and resources are
very important. That's part of the reason why SAF's defence
strategy is somewhat "offensive". If you've to NS, have you even
wondered why we are train in jungle warfare whereas There's only
about 15% forest left in SG. I won't emphasis on how the strategy
goes about cause there's no need to say here. If you really
interested, check out Jane's military magazine. But basically if
the enemy step on our soil or bomb our HDB, we practically
considered lost. Our air defence is also based that strategy,
that's why we have the AWACS (aka hawkeye) to keep a look out (also
look out for our neighbors too).
Theory wise, this sounded like a foolproof strategy but it's always
easier said than done. The main weakness of SAF, like what you
said, as that we are not combat-proven. None of our soldiers had
actually gone to war before. The closest thing to combat we've ever
gotten to is being UN observers.
Of course I'm not saying we should send someone to war, but having
these experience will prove useful.
I know that this loyalty problem is quite serious. Although I say
before I won't desert SG. I also dunno if I will really report back
to camp if there's a need. I'm not very brave....but if my buddies
go, I will join them. [email protected], if your buddies also go, will you
join them to fight or will you stay with your family and wait for
death/escape?
I'm not saying I like being a soldier (who likes?) but if there's a
need, I think i'll appreciate what i was forced to learn in
NS.
I think this loyalty problem is due to the fact that we are too
well off. There's no violence and unrest in SG and people take that
for granted.
I also think it's due to influence among parents/relative and
friends. In the olden days, being a soldier is a dirty and
"low-class" job. Our country has no trend of war so there's no
respect by the public for a job of defending our country.
Many people are think NS is a waste of their youth and delayed
their education. they think that it's waste to defend something
that cannot be defended. I do agree that too.
But for me NS is not totally wasted, I dare to say I've met some of
the best friends in the army. I've changed alot too. I think NS is
also a good form of building up a character. It also trains up your
mental endurance and instill a bit of self-dicipline on you. Of
course, not everyone have that good experience. I basically feel
that it's up to you to determind your NS life. If you are the cao
keng/quiet/anti-social and rebelious type who ust dunwant to
do/bother anything....chances are you NS will suck. But if you have
a positive attitude (not garang,fit or siao on, just positive can
already) your NS should be okay.
opps...out of point....okay back to topic.... :p
Many people are also ignorant of the capabilities of the SAF...even
for those who have been through NS. There a popular thinking among
Singaporeans:
"NS what for? We'll also loose anyway. The enemy just have to drop
one atomic bomb and SG is flatten"
This question has been raise to one of my CO in my NS times. He
then said, "The above sentence is correct in a sense but who's
going to drop the atomic bomb at us? SAF not setup to defend
against Nuclear attack. SAF is setup to defend against conventional
and chemical attacks."
[email protected], you said that "these" countries can defeat SG easily,
what I think is "these" countries might defeat SG, but it'll
definately not be thateasy. OF course, it's not going to be easy
for us too.
In case you want to flame me, I'm not some high-ranking regular
officer trying to brainwash you. I'm just a bloody "nuah" and
"ciao-keng" ORDed civilian voicing my opinion.
I respect you views....but i just wish you have a little "faith" in
your country...it's no that bad although it has many flaws in the
GOV and stuff.
