So… I just finished with Ah Boys To Men 2 and I was pleasantly shocked at how good it was. Aside from being blatant propaganda for Singapore’s National Service (NS), it made me think seriously about our men and their compulsory two years of service for our nation.
My dad recounts his days of NS (he was the second batch) as being extremely tough, but it was a time when he had no other option but to pull through. I remember he recounted an occasion when he and his sergeant had to eat the fruit offerings at a cemetery gravestone because they had no food while they were out at field. He didn’t feel guilty, either, or worry that anything supernatural would come after him (his response when I suggested this was: “Aiyah nonsense la!”). Another story involved him waking up (sans tent) with a wild boar sniffing around at his feet. His stories always began with: “The youngsters today are not tough la, Alisa! They don’t know what war really is. War sure all die.”
And he’s probably right. These days, I’ve heard from friends that NS men in the jungle can order food (like MacDonalds) and have it delivered to them. These days, parents have all the power — and they use it to complain about how badly the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is treating their sons. My dad will say that parents these days are as weak as their sons, and that the younger generations in Singapore do not know hardship anymore. (You know, there may be a co-relation between the increased number of deaths in the military and the increased cushy-ness of our lifestyle. I mean, seriously, a housekeeper carrying an NS man’s field pack?)
He speaks from experience. My dad was born after the war, but his parents and siblings were around to see it. The Eurasians were transported to a separate camp, where they had to live. My grandmother was pregnant with one of my aunts when she was in there, and from what I understand, life wasn’t easy. My grandfather told me of the Japanese occupation, of the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers, of the harsh living conditions and the admirable lengths human beings will go though just to survive.
Because of their stories, I realise despite our safe little bubble, war is very real. And because of their stories, I admire the men (and women) who willingly and eagerly serve our country. I know many boys complain about enlisting and while I understand the hesitation, I have hope that they come to realise the importance of what they are called to do. One question in particular jumped out at me during the movie, and it is this: If you don’t serve, who will?
I believe NS changes a person. They come out mentally tougher and stronger after Basic Military Training (BMT). Being pushed to your body’s physical and mental capabilities and still come out alive is bound to have a positive effect on people. I also believe that they come out better men (and women), having learned values that can only be taught under stress and duress. Well, most anyway.
You may have guessed by now that I have a very strong allegiance to Singapore. It’s not about having a strong allegiance to any political party — it is about our country. And I love my country. Many people are quick to tie everything to politics, and jump at chance to pass judgement at the policies we have in place by the ruling party but they miss the point. There is a certain camaraderie that develops amongst the boys who serve NS, and it’s the same camaraderie that binds us all as Singaporeans. I love the safety of being in this land, the structure, the ease in which we live and function… All of the things that many of us take for granted. And it’s this sense of security that we protect by sending our boys to NS, by asking them to do a service to our nation.
My husband serves Singapore full time, as part of the SAF and he does it, I believe, because he has pride in this country. He is hopeful of our future, and goes to work each day knowing he plays a part in safeguarding the present. It’s the same reason why I do to work each day. I am a civil servant, and I joined to make a difference, and to serve my fellow Singaporeans. Not everyone in the civil service has the same mindset, but I believe there are enough like-minded people who are intent on playing a small role to ensure the success of our country. I know many Singaporeans won’t understand this, and I don’t blame anyone for not being able to. It’s much, much easier to sit down complain, but I’d just like to say that it’s a lot harder to get up and start helping, with the hope of a better tomorrow.
So the next time you hear someone complaining about Singapore, or its policies (like NS), challenge them to do something about it. Challenge them to make a difference from the inside out, or else, stop complaining. Because incessant complaining is never of benefit, to anyone, or in any situation.
I cook up a storm in the kitchen and spew words at work. This site is host to all my adventures.
I challenge you to fight for the right of women to do NS.
Talk is cheap.Volunteer yourself first..
6700 second generation PR default blatantly on NS obligation.
Pap dare not do anything. Again talk and propaganda is cheap!
I do not understand your point, my apologies. If you are trying to express that our men should not serve National Service, do you have another constructive alternative to make? Taking into account, of course, Singapore’s strategic location, external threats and bilateral relations with foreign countries.
Some changes can only be made from the outside in. Why should one have to work within the system to achieve change, especially if one perceives the system to be unfair?
The definition of making changes from outside in, unfortunately, means non-constructive critism and insubstantial and incessant complaining for many. Of course, if there’s a better way than those to change the system from outside in, then I’m all for it. My point was simply this: I chose another path that would still allow me to make changes more productively and constructively. That was just my decision and humble opinion. Everyone is entitled to that, at the very least.
Interesting read. I’m sure NS has its purposes but as an instrument to bring about change in character, people going in and coming out a better person, I personally have my doubts.
Many parents I spoke to talk about NS instilling discipline, values and build character but my counter argument has always been ‘do you need to wait 18 years before your son is taught discipline, values, good character, how to boil an egg or cook instant noodles?’
I’m sure this is not where you’re going and I’m taking it to the extreme but I do noticed that the experience of NS is all about the attitude you bring and that itself is a reflection of your character prior to NS. Character shaped by your upbringing, education, social and experiences. People without enthusiasm or ‘bad’ character are likely to be the first people to tell you that NS is a waste of their time the moment they pass out. People who learn something from NS are likely to be those who enter with an open outlook. We all learn skills, maybe temporarily suspend our persona during missions but changing character might be a bit of a generalisation. But I think I know where your argument comes from, not saying your wrong but offering another point of view.
Whether change happens from inside or outside, has been debated in academia and if you spend five million to hire a consultant, I’m guessing the answer will be ‘it depends’. Net result.. we don’t know conclusively.. depends on context.
Camaraderie… you know I actually found the NS labeling as an ingroup outgroup thing during the election very distasteful. Considering the old guard ministers didn’t serve NS but the current ones… let’s give it at that. The old guard had character we all admire.
The last few reservists I attended I had the chance to speak with some high ranking regular and NSman officers coz we had some exercises… and from what they say about the current situation… your dad is right…. sure die one… hahahahahahha!
Happy New Year!