I'm wondering if you've been through NS? I agree that
operational readiness can't be achieved by splashing water on them
but a measured degree of restraint should be followed too. Quoting
from what you mentioned, clearly the instructors with all their
experiences should be well aware of what they can and cannot do to
the trainees and therefore it is clear that the instructors had way
too much testoterone pumped into their heads at that moment of
folly.
Most of the other guys in here agreed that tough and realistic
training should continue, but extensive safety measures should be
in place during such trainings and IT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED by the
instructors. I agree that NS will definitely have its fair share of
fatalities due to the nature of work, but then again, accidents
which resulted from the deviation of agreed and safety guidelines
shouldn't be the case.
And as you said, thousands have passed without incidents, but if
these unsafe practices are to go unrectified, how will you feel if
you are the one drinking water through your nose? Or in the future,
your son?? 
