RSAF:
The RSAF currently has many vital assets baed on the ground,to my
current knowledge.We suffer a weakness of being vulnerable to
artillery fire from northern sectors.An enemy with artillery or
similar assets based in the north makes it a strategic asset for
use against RSAF ground based assets.
While it is known that there are several backup runways throughout
the island,with hardened shelters and reinforced runways,it would
still remain vulneralbe to bombardment,no matter how
hardened.
Perhaps an investment in STOVL or VTOL assets should be made?This
would allow the RSAF to operate out of less friendly ground
environments.
Furthermore,the role of CAS should be investigated.Perhaps getting
'flying tanks' such as the A-10 Warthog would increase the scope of
operations that the RSAF could undertake?
Out of interest,does the Rafale or EF Typhoon have STVOL
capability?
NS:
To overcome current manpower constraints,perhaps the conscription
of both male and female Singaporeans should be seriously
considered,based of the Israeli system of conscription.More males
could be deployed in active combat vocations,while females could be
deployed in combat support vocations and other vital functions such
as logistics,intelligence and Military Police.
To introduce an adversity quotient in current conscript
batches,conditions in training camps such as Pulau Tekong could be
made less comfortable,combined with removal of any and all
air-conditioning facilities that may be exploited by troops,such as
air-con bunks,a total waste of energy.This would cut waste and save
funds,allowing it to be diverted to other,more vital areas,as well
as contributing to increased physical ruggedness in the troops.Of
course,the situation of making situations less comfortable in the
barracks is an example.There are many other methods/strategies by
which this may be accomplished.
A second suggestion would be more realistic and intense
combat training,such as simulated battlefield conditions,with use
of simulant elements such as animal blood and organs(easily bought
at cheap prices from the abbatoirs)strewn through areas which
troops must access,as well as use of plastic or rubber bullets in
training,to desensitise troops and mentally condition them for
combat situations.This can be done in a variety of ways.What was
states could be used as an example.
A third suggestions is to increase the physical training
standards of the recruits,and extend BMT to a term of 4 months to
allow for harsher physical conditioning.Along with this,more
discretion could be given to trainers and unit commanders as to the
training of their units.Clear safety guidelines could be
provided,within which trainers and commanders would operate as best
as they saw fit."Siong" training should also be encouraged as it
implements mental and physical toughness in recruits.
It should be kept in mind that at no times do I imply a drop in
safety standards and procedures.Medics should be present at all
times to ensure the physical welfare of troops.Should mental
problems among troops crop up,a camp counselor should be
provided,or a trusted CO to report to,though a counselor is the
best course. [/quote
Wah lau eh...NS is only two or 2 1/2 years leh...four months of BMT
ah? 
Don't forget that
you require time to train a soldier in other skills. That's why it
takes so long...by the end of 2 or 2 1/2 years, SAF soldiers have
to have theoretically gained enough well-rounded knowledge and
skills to be ready for war. Its not worth it to extend BMT. And you
think medics would solve the problem of injuries? Its not a
volunteer army leh....
[quote]Elite units:
Elite units refers to those of the Guards,Commandos and
NDU.Such units should all have their own style of 'Hell Week',to
weed out weaker elements within the troops,though this is preferred
for Commandos and NDU,which are actual Special Forces.Guards serve
in the role of elite infantry.
Such units should have the chance of being deployed overseas more
often to active or passive combat zones,to 'blood' them and allow
combat experience to leak into the officer corps. and enlisted
ranks of the SAF.
Such theatrs of operation I suggest are:Iraq,East Timor,Mindanao
and the Balkans where peacekeeping and police duties could be
undertaken.
An unorthodox option would be active deployment in areas such as
South African cities or the Brazilian city of Sau Paulo,where the
authorities would be glad of a helping military hand in dealing
with their crime problems.Such areas are as close to real combat
zones as possble,without as many resulting dangers,though still
lethal.
An upgrade in the equipment used by elite units would also be in
order,such as providing body armour to Guards for use in even
normal operations and day to day usage,in the form of lightweight
flak jackets for everyday duties,and full-scale armour similar to
that used by American forces in current BUA such as in Iraq as of
2004 for peacekeeping duties.
[/b]
With your current eyesight, I don't think its possible. Unless you
go for eye surgery before NS. Like I proposed in a previous
posting, issue prescription combat glasses (like in the U.S.) and
you can get more fit individuals in elite units. The U.S. Rangers
also have speckies now.... 
Wait till you serve NS and tell us again whether your opinion has
changed after your BMT...
