Well, as far as NSFs are concerned, it will be VERY difficult
offering them higher pay. Every year, our defense budget will
increase, despite economic downturns. If the government was to pay
NSFs more, the budget will also increase proportionally. Now
imagine that proportional increment in ur taxes.
In fact, even the US chooses not to commit its military to
peacekeeping duties. They found that their troops were not able to
carry out duties that limit their full combat capabilities. Somalia
was an excellent example of duties that limited their capabilities.
They could not fire unless fired upon, and had to observe a dozen
other rules in their ROE. They perform better knowing that the
enemy IS shooting at them, and that they had the freedom to
retaliate.
Whether our Officers can lead in combat remains to be seen. When we
form our proffessional active deployment force, then we will have
our examples to testify for or against our boys. Come to think of
it, I can almost understand why OCS prefers Poly or A' Grads. They
are probably hoping these people will regurgitate out all they have
learnt in OCS when the "examinations" come. Pray that they don't
regurgitate the wrong stuff.
Seriously, I do not understand why Singaporeans cannot find the
duty and honor in ourselves to serve NS with pride. Israeli
soldiers serve with pride and dedication throughout their term, and
Taiwanese conscripts are considered heros. Why are Singaporean NSFs
considered as National Slaves when our training is relatively mild
compared to countries like Israel?
Russian conscripts have like half our field time, and 1/4 our
resources. Lousy training camps, and yet Russian 90% of most
Russian youths accept their conscription without complaints.
Is it because we are a well educated society that finds National
Service a waste of time when compared to one's education? If that
is the case, then IMHO, until this mindset changes, we will be
getting too educated for our own good.
