National Service

While the rest of the children are so eager to grow up, Singaporean boys aren't. By saying this you know the side i am on. While it is indeed unfair to say so, i am certain there is the other fifth of a million boys who share the same sentiments. I for one, dread National Service. I ain't unfit. So are many of those who go overseas to skip National Service. But it is two wasted years of your life, you could see it that way. Hence, it is not surprising that throughout the years National Service was implemented, a significant number of people dodged national service.

For the many of us who dread it, we know one day we have to face it. The problem is with those who are persistent with their belief that NS is harmful and are already deciding which country to migrate to. The irony of this is many of the dodgers are in fact highly educated people. While the government tries so desperately to retain these local talent, National Service appears to be the stumbling block. A few years ago the government realized that relying only on foreign talent is not the way to go. Yet, the continuous reinforcing of the need to go National Service seems to be encouraging our young talents to continue their studies elsewhere. This problem of dodging has pushed the government to mete out even stiffer punishments, unwary that this might possibly backfire.

If going to jail is not a deterrence strong enough, what suits then? For a scholar, going to jail would mean a completely ruined future. The increase in intensity of the punishments hence serves no purpose at all. In fact, it deters those who are considering of coming back after spending years studying abroad. Perhaps, the only reason for such an action is to justify for those who endured the brutal training. But, is this what we want? Driving away talents and give an account to those who stayed?

Yes, I agree unreservedly that the rationale for this whole system is such that we have an army strong enough to prevent a possible invasion. However, if this were to stay, the government can get set to bid goodbye to more of our young citizens. I do not see a possible attack in the years to come, but if there were to be one, we can be sure we will not be fighting alone. While it is ridiculous to remove National Service entirely, an approach to reduce the number of dodging cases is to cut down its duration. I believe a full year of National Service is sufficient to provide a decent army, while instilling loyalty to the homeland. Only then, together with a lighter punishment, will we see a more productive system breeding strong, smart young men.