National Service (NS) was introduced in 1967, shortly after
Singapore’s independence, to defend our nation. Since then, 700 000
sons of Singapore have served their NS.
Every son is important to Singapore. NS will transform our boys
into men, a path trodden by many sons of Singapore and more to
come. Your son is no different. Your son’s potential will be put to
test in a challenging environment that will strengthen his mental
and physical abilities. Living together with peers from different
ethnicity and backgrounds, he will also appreciate the importance
of teamwork and unity.
NS, is the responsibility of every male Singapore citizen and
permanent resident (PR) when they reach the age of 18. This is
compulsory, governed under the Enlistment Act.
If your son is a male Singapore citizen or a PR, he is liable
for NS when he reaches 16½ years old. He is to enlist at the first
opportunity upon reaching 18 years old.
Your son will serve in one of the 3 Uniformed Services:
NS requires 2 years in active service as a Full-Time National
Serviceman (NSF). After the 2 years of NS, your son will serve as
an Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) up to the age of
40. Officers or those with special skills may serve until the age
of 50.
Follow these links to learn more about NS:
NS isn’t just about serving the nation—NS benefits you as
well.
Firstly and obviously, your physical fitness will
improve. You will be stronger and
tougher. You may even look better!
NS training doesn’t just toughen up your body; it
toughens your mind too. You will become
more confident and capable.
NS brings together people from all walks of life—different
races, different religions, some rich, some poor, some educated,
and some not so educated—you will also learn to live and work
closely with those who are different from you.
At the end of it all, you will notice changes in you. You will
become more mature and independent—no longer the
boy you once were.
You will become a man.
NS was introduced in 1967, just 2 years after Singapore’s
independence to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.
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.
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.
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.
NS is a crucial phase in your son’s life. He will be moving from
a cosy home environment to one that requires him to be independent,
disciplined and fit.
These are big changes for your son and you can do your part by
supporting him during NS. The support and encouragement that you
provide will help make his transition from a boy to man an easy and
enjoyable one.
Here are a few simple things you can do as a parent:
