What is National Service? National Service is where all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents who have reached the age of 18 to enroll in the military and they serve a compulsory two-year period as Full Time National Servicemen. During that period of time, they will both be pushed physically and mentally and through vigorous training, ensuring that they are fit enough to defend the country during hostilities. After National Service, they are also expected to return once a year for training, in order to keep them in shape and be ready to act emergencies and protect Singapore. For many men, this involves going through pain and suffering; therefore these two words can send shivers down their spines and affect their mindset.
Even so, there are many advantages of National Service. One of them is being able to protect Singapore in times of need. Singapore is a very small country compared to many other nations, even a State in USA is larger in comparison with Singapore, thus we naturally have a smaller population and cannot be defended by only those who enroll in National Service. Having compulsory National Service, each and every single able-bodied man in Singapore will have to undergo this. This will ensure that Singapore has a strong and efficient army, which is able to deter any invaders and be prepared for any emergencies. And it is a fact that through two years worth of push-ups, running, intense training and harsh conditions that one’s mental and physical strength will improve by a large margin. With a strong will and mental strength, National Servicemen will be able to strive harder and not give up when meeting difficult situations. Furthermore, National Service will allow them to experience hardships, such as washing their clothes, polishing their boots, cleaning their guns and bunks and in some cases, sweeping the parade square. Through this, they will be able to cherish what they have and will fight more fiercely in defending their own country and loved ones. It will also change them from “pampered boys” in their families to “independent men” in the society. The best perks in serving National Service is that everybody will be treated as equals. No matter how rich you are, or what background you are from, you would still be treated like other people as there is no biased treatment. Thus, discrimination and prejudice does not become an issue anymore and National Service will be a place where everyone will bond with each other, make new friends from other races and through all of it, they will be able to understand one another. This will result in racial harmony and peace between races, vital in ensuring stability of Singapore.
Now, we have come to the negative sides of National Service. When you are serving National Service, you are committing two years of your life into the army, with weekends the only time able to spend time with your family. Also, who knows what you can do with these two years of your life? It could be used to pursue your education or your dreams, even to take up a job. Less time is able to be spent with your friends and family, have less time to enjoy the comforts and relaxation of home and follow strict rules and regulations in the army, which can be difficult and mentally straining. Furthermore, the mindset of being commanded around and being shouted vulgarities at by commanders will also add to the mental strain. That explains why most men are reluctant to go for National Service!
Personally, I feel that National Service is important and will be looking forward to it. National Service is a good place for us to be fit and strong, it will also train us mentally and to be more independent. Although I do not really like hardships and rigorous trainings, the perk for National Service for me is that it will allow us to make new people and friends. This is the only chance in life which I will be able to meet people from other races and understand their culture better. It will also allow us know our true self, understand our mistakes and behavior. Most importantly, as Singapore citizens, I feel that it is my duty to protect and defend Singapore when in need. Therefore I am excited for National Service, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, even though there are physical and mental strains.
So how can the prospect of two years of “hell” be more appealing? Firstly, the most important factor is due to the lack of females. More females can be introduced into the army, such as the medical field. This will make more males more willing to take part in National Service due to the abundance of female counterparts. Secondly, they should lessen their overly strict rules and exercises to make army life more enjoyable for men, thus they would not join National Service just because it is compulsory and due to the punishment of three years' imprisonment and a fine of S$10,000. Next, the time frame for National Service can be cut short to about one and a half years, or have more days off to visit friends and families and have time to catch up on their studies, to ensure they do not fall behind once their National Service is over. Also, this will cut short the time wasted and more time to spend on studies, so that they are able to find good and suitable jobs for themselves. Last but not least, the salary for National Servicemen can be increased and other perks, such as a good bathing time or extra serving for food, to encourage men to look forward to National Service and strive to do better and make it look more attractive.
No matter how good or bad National Service is, advantages or disadvantages of National Service, one thing is for sure: it is not meant and will never heaven. It is to train men in order to defend their nation well in times of crisis and hostilities. Just as long as you feel positive about it, you will have a good time and the time there will be appealing, if you feel negative, you will feel like it is “hell”. National Service is compulsory, whether you like it or not. When you are 18 years old, you will be sent for National Service. No complains can be made. Therefore changing your mindset will ensure whether you have an enjoyable time, or a place as worse as “hell”.
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