Well, i went into NS in the early 90s and there was complaining
back then. I am sure pple complained back in the 80s and 70s as
well. i would put money down on seeing kids complain abt NS 20years
from now. The fact of the matter is that people will always
complain, especially when they are forced to do something, whether
good or bad.
Anyway, a lot of pple complain abt NS because it is percieved to be
the cool thing to do. See what happens if somebody said "Yes, i am
looking forward to NS" and how his frens would react. On the other
hand, most guys who come thru NS would agree (grudgingly) that it
was interesting and that they had their fair bit to look back at
with some fondness. Of course, there will be those bitter people
who leave with a bad taste in their mouth.
Personally, i think i enjoyed my NS days, but only after i ROD'd
and thought back about the times i had. However, its a bit
difficult to enjoy it when u are going thru it.
For those who are going to go into NS, just remember, take it one
day at a time. U go in thinking u are wasting your time, u will end
up feeling that u are wasting your time. Just go in, and keep an
open mind, and be positive. A positive attitude is everything,
especially during NS, and even so during life. If its one thing NS
taught me, it's the importance of a positive attitude. Sometimes,
it will be the only thing that's keeping u going.
Sometimes, its also the luck of the draw, cos its also the officers
or NCO's or pple in the unit who can make your NS interesting or
just painful. I was from a log unit, so i didn't have to run around
in the jungles, but i appreciate the fact that i had a good crew
and good higher-ups (ok, most of them!) watching out for us.
I wouldn't sign-on as a regular, and i am not crazy about the army,
but i appreciate what its taught me, and the experiences i had in
there. besides, NS stories are also a great way to break the ice
when u meet other singaporeans!
just my 2 cents worth.
