Why NS? Country Above Self? Sacrifice Self for Sacred Duty?

yangmm90 SG

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?

merkava4 SG

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.

merkava4 SG

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.

henta!bøii96 SG

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..

Chiaboonkoon SG

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.

Mopujuhoha SG

http://www.theaaronloy.com/get-the-new-no-4-uniform-for-free-reservist-nsmen/

Flying grenade SG

http://iprep.ns.sg/

StandardBoy SG

The 1960s

airelog234 SG

-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 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.

airelog234 SG

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.

JaChoJin SG

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.

Storming the hideout

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.

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.

Third Generation SAF

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.

Total Defence graphic

Eylxsqlo SG

Interesting Facts - Did you know?