Showing posts with label National Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Service. Show all posts

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Commemorating 50 years of National Service through art

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/commemorating-50-years-national-service-through-art
By The New Paper, 25 June 2017 at 08:06 am


Over the years, many generations of Singaporean sons have served with pride and honour in defence of their country. In time to come, their sons, and the sons of their sons, will continue in this fine tradition.
PHOTO: Over the years, many generations of Singaporean sons have served with pride and honour in defence of their country. In time to come, their sons, and the sons of their sons, will continue in this fine tradition. The development of art in Singapore has also gone through a similar journey. Together, generations of servicemen and artists have each contributed, in their own ways, to the continued growth and success of our nation. [2]
Picture posted by SingPost
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDJpJYm_bCwfWVBFKDQtsc_5oiMETtKoPyhFUJlO-rS6GAv8gkc_Lxu5vJylse317vWB98_8MSElZVbNq6FxhTqaTL0J-iA-IzZl9Oi7qho9bMRVyNaWAJ4MXbebjVF7Cuns3srxTBSi_/s1600/stamp2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2017/03/13/stamp2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singpost-launches-new-stamp-set-to-celebrate-50-years-of-national-service


While he served as a combat medic during his national service (NS) days, artist Kevin Tan, 54, had always been inspired by the grit of the elite Guards unit, who undergo some of the toughest training in the army.

In May, he channelled his admiration into an acrylic painting he called "Vertical Valour", showing the Guardsmen rappelling from helicopters, contrasted against a blue-coloured night.


Commemorating NS50 Through Art
PHOTO: Commemorating NS50 Through Art
With this year marking 50 years of National Service, Commemorating NS50 Through Art seeks to capture the spirit of National Service, which in many ways, reflects the heart and soul of Singapore.
Painting by artist Kevin Tan, 54 - Elite Guardsmen rappelling from helicopters
Picture posted by Singapore Art Society [2]
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjxUVS-WcBORSCnEgR_ys0n8qrV33fCgHVzuYHOmeJ-rpEDOAqjuO9IfC77HAwMNm0FKqReOuZ7__NBUcraRa8unknSbD_35lySoGXbeRpHRLUO4IEgtJLw7JpCGlP6_TYNs5zjUJ_rIR/s1600/Commemorating+NS50+Through+Art+%2528by+Kevin+Tan%2529.jpg
https://system.arthop.co/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1400/public/Commemorating%20NS50%20Through%20Art%20%28by%20Kevin%20Tan%29.jpg?itok=Bz7_-Bn2
http://arthop.co/events/commemorating-ns50-through-art


Mr Tan is one of 53 artists from the Singapore Art Society who are paying tribute to National Servicemen (NSmen), by depicting their lives, professionalism and dedication through art, as part of celebrations of 50 years of NS (NS50).

Together, they created 138 pieces of art - including oil paintings, bronze sculptures and Chinese calligraphy - to commemorate NS, which started in 1967.


Artist Kevin Tan with his work Vertical Valour, an acrylic painting depicting elite Guardsmen rappelling from helicopters
PHOTO: Artist Kevin Tan with his work Vertical Valour, an acrylic painting depicting elite Guardsmen rappelling from helicopters
PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HbZbQA0D5oOkyU9kkX9gN9LnIFg1qMIDQxS1_X2KENDJr6zgADCpXtsfS7NwLnBPWP7mRNQaBMwK9jKYNw0fDwuUS0EZQvD0uH1d90a-DnYzyCi2N7-BtAp-NLJ-ozDmouRlOQumYHDT/s1600/kevin_tan_ns50.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/06/25/kevin_tan_ns50.jpg?itok=TKi0-FUL
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/commemorating-50-years-national-service-through-art


On Saturday (June 24), the first of three public exhibitions showcasing 60 of the artworks was launched at the Ion Art Gallery, with Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung officiating the opening.

Mr Ong, who is also Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills), said: "The Singapore Art Society's initiative forms an important part of our cultural heritage and preserves the social memories of our people as a legacy to be handed down from one generation to the next."

Singapore Art Society president Terence Teo, said the art "aims to recognise the hardship and sacrifices by our past and present national servicemen, even in the most mundane of everyday tasks".

As part of the initiative called "Commemorating NS50 Through Art", the society's artists visited more than 20 Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team camps between December last year and this April to draw inspiration.


Just as the honourable duty of defending our nation has passed from one generation to the next, the torch of progress in Singapore art has passed from the 1st generation of pioneer artists to the 2nd and 3rd generation artists, many of whom are represented in this exhibition.
PHOTO: Just as the honourable duty of defending our nation has passed from one generation to the next, the torch of progress in Singapore art has passed from the 1st generation of pioneer artists to the 2nd and 3rd generation artists, many of whom are represented in this exhibition. Commemorating NS50 Through Art is a unique ground-up initiative by local artists from the Singapore Art Society, in tribute to the contributions of our national servicemen, past and present. [2]
Painting by Wang Mo Ping, Oil on Canvas
Picture posted by Singapore Art Society [2]
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcq7JpeIg1KT11g_Sn5sYizKjNRmR4ZXmHv2jip-F-7gkqYUE7qIFv3_roKKfxJzRZNmG51WCaBJVYW3Q-v1I_6Li_N6E2PV7wlOKdspIFBxgHdiQmd4szcebJ-y8NC8QAj7bC_N9R1dO/s1600/Commemorating+NS50+Through+Art+%2528by+Wang+Mo+Ping%2529+oil+on+canvas.jpg
https://system.arthop.co/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_1400/public/Commemorating%20NS50%20Through%20Art%20%28by%20Wang%20Mo%20Ping%29%20oil%20on%20canvas.jpg?itok=b1TW1PQ4
http://arthop.co/events/commemorating-ns50-through-art


Artist Victor Ang, 50, said that the bravery of the NSmen in executing their missions led him to create a Chinese calligraphy using the words, wu wei (fearless).

Instead of a brush, Mr Ang, who was born in the year NS started, used tissue paper and ink to write the words on rice paper.


Artists commemorate 50 years of National Service through paintings and calligraphy
PHOTO: Artists commemorate 50 years of National Service through paintings and calligraphy
Artist Victor Ang, 50, said that the bravery of the NSmen in executing their missions led him to create a Chinese calligraphy using the words, 无畏, Wú wèi (fearless).
Picture posted by The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-GK0rpOQz3oKwv9brncUS_H1XPBpXUzD1QGTQ769Qr9KdzoTCtOMWzglDwsluekW_G6LctszMk6S3FVzl6uXTxoNvDam2DceoHa9nxG2LYOkghdU5eZrbOTNhtQ99-V8to9V5a-BFprY/s1600/sddefault-1.png
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o3BRkl28MPc/sddefault.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/artists-commemorate-50-years-of-national-service-through-paintings-and-calligraphy


He said: "Singapore (also) has nothing to fear, because through NS, the nation is ready."

Designer Ronnie Chng, 38, who visited the exhibition on Saturday (June 24), said: "It brings back the memories of my time serving NS."


NS golden jubilee: Much more to defend today than 50 years ago, says Ng Eng Hen
PHOTO: NS golden jubilee: Much more to defend today than 50 years ago, says Ng Eng Hen
This exhibition intends to showcase how this rich and eclectic tradition expresses the day-to-day lives of our national servicemen through various mediums. Even at a time when digital media are presenting alternative forms of information, visual art remains a compelling means to reach into one’s mind to excite and delight. As Singapore continues to flourish, local visual and art culture will partner this growth to chronicle our remarkable story. This evolution solidifies the bedrock of our culture and maintains art as a subject to be admired, desired and collected. [2]
Picture posted by The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnszh6-IMn927TaG7atWlFmiwAqpQYOFOJhkABS8f01rsFOgoYjws5yDbkhX8-I2tqKLfssGrX-xeD0CRufCrYsFliwNpGIp4M2EnqxuAj082qr7o94fq1LEmWrSLRbLQVkgPBTXKKfEpg/s1600/nspix2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2017/02/07/nspix2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ns-golden-jubilee-much-more-to-defend-today-than-50-years-ago-says-ng-eng-hen
 

The Ion Art Gallery exhibition will be held till June 29 , and is open from 11am to 9pm daily. It will then move to The Arts House Gallery I, from July 2 to 15 (10am to 8pm daily).

The works will also be displayed at the Suntec Convention Centre Linkway 2, 3 and Concourse Area, from July 30 to August 13 (10am to 10pm daily).

By The New Paper, 25 June 2017 at 08:06 am



PHOTO: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive to attend the official Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by Getty Images
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http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/king-willemalexander-and-queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands-arrive-to-picture-id477558490
http://www.gettyimages.com.au/event/official-belgian-federal-government-ceremony-to-commemorate-the-bicentenary-of-the-battle-of-waterloo-560457987#king-willemalexander-and-queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands


Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive for the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
PHOTO: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrive for the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by Getty Images
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNWk_bGOiG2tQqlqZkOOTGPriZKm17-Ehyphenhyphen5R_tL6klz0ZuhJUyJS7PVwilxnQlXvCs_FoSUWVR2cWBVL183NWo_420Th1gBNl6j4GB5bh6Rq5ii2PDjCjD7pxSNh6wC5s18cvHa8dyyfA/s1600/477566174-1.png
http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/dutch-king-willemalexander-and-queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands-arrive-picture-id477566174
http://www.gettyimages.ca/event/belgian-federal-government-ceremony-commemorates-the-bicentenary-of-the-battle-of-waterloo-at-lions-mound-560455617#dutch-king-willemalexander-queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands-and-prince-picture-id477570756


Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
PHOTO: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by hola.com on 08 June 2015
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http://www.hola.com/imagenes/moda/tendencias/2015061879434/looks-estilo-princesas-reinas-semana-68/0-325-613/maxima_holanda_waterloo_1-a.jpg
http://www.hola.com/moda/tendencias/galeria/2015061879434/looks-estilo-princesas-reinas-semana-68/5/


Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.

PHOTO: Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by May on Friday, 19 June 2015 at 10:29 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPXl0SPCJ_ON34XOqBMyiEeMHj3Qguk8lc6FxONQ3YkUjKBawyTtfDdzgId2uUgptaj1BAS8ZoVnvblca1httl23Os05EQ0S257-bM0EnI6JNtFv4pxH8zphG7Gt25hXrzqkXP_7_nyJ-/s1600/477570906-11.png
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http://worldroyalfamily.blogspot.sg/2015/06/belgian-federal-government-ceremony.html


Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
PHOTO: Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by May on Friday, 19 June 2015 at 10:29 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcrtk9AEoynMvW9C9iyvU3Npel42RIB44B2ZiHNti3AT5s0TaTQ9do-ppCWPKYFOwCDvCeazef0aFcQyC2j2HzJZ1-7WPzvhjbq1t3SwDIiDtM_ijAtBaMSkUlttXhqSsR-hz4qvd2nkD/s1600/477570756%255B2%255D-1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjUOayG6gfXyBjLLvUhASUJsxp_kQbU7dVQpv42LeYLPlXxcU5wzUq66K2ApQgIqyM3sspLkrsVLB4ICNdXxdWqVgL8G2Yy3CiwiwGph8SABXtvlW7L7wOX77QiytsnX1aWXc4R3KOzc/s1600/477570756%255B2%255D.jpg
http://worldroyalfamily.blogspot.sg/2015/06/belgian-federal-government-ceremony.html


Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands leave after the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
PHOTO: Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands leave after the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
Picture posted by May on Friday, 19 June 2015 at 10:29 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGdaENxRBJslUrNvER-3M1xQzXTodEhPyb2p1qweuvapBbhabcFt0cjUXIHdm2QLUvuAK54BgXnEhGzIXI37kPfYaO2mam8GnTnLOIGQWUOU5s7OHvI6nZ0o2kvoi8bTrY_zgIGBPsU6l/s1600/477570916%255B1%255D.jpg
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http://worldroyalfamily.blogspot.sg/2015/06/belgian-federal-government-ceremony.html
 

Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium.
PHOTO: Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent attend the Belgian federal government ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 2015 in Waterloo, Belgium. The ceremony is at the start of three days of official events marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo during which around 5000 historical re-enactors from around the world will take part in events culminating in a re-enactment of the allied defeat of Napoleon's army on June 20th. The 1815 battle saw the overthrow of Napoleon Bonaparte and the restoration of Louis XVIII to the French throne.
Picture posted by Getty Images
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https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/fc/a0/fafca023b3298dcbc9f6c8e741e85d06.jpg
http://www.gettyimages.ca/event/belgian-federal-government-ceremony-commemorates-the-bicentenary-of-the-battle-of-waterloo-at-lions-mound-560455617#dutch-king-willemalexander-queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands-and-prince-picture-id477570756



Reference
[1] The New Paper, Commemorating 50 years of National Service through art, posted on 25 June 2017 at 08:06 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/commemorating-50-years-national-service-through-art

[2] Singapore Art Society, Commemorating NS50 Through Art, http://arthop.co/events/commemorating-ns50-through-art

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Friday, April 7, 2017

Fairness, sense of purpose key to maintaining support for NS

Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/fairness-sense-purpose-key-maintaining-support-ns
By Chong Zi Liang, ziliang@sph.com.sg, The Straits Times, Thursday, 6 April 2017


The need for a strong defence was reiterated by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen this year as Singapore marked two important milestones - the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore and 50 years of national service (NS).
PHOTO: The need for a strong defence was reiterated by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen this year as Singapore marked two important milestones - the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore and 50 years of national service (NS).
Photo: The Straits Times
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick7TEu-wOCcVdbFgVPBC3_y0gHq0Dkc2Ey_Uy_Lf_ojiuQN-MBvYi7ALcc6i3LtlY2Fip8pweFZ7Y-scNboSovd-TSGzqtcQgZsdcnwbyxJkFZG9lEAZDqF8A7NqZhbUolYJsuSttUdf0/s1600/20170406_NS.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Apr2017/20170406_NS.jpg?itok=RFpXhVxM&timestamp=1491460336
http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/fairness-sense-purpose-key-maintaining-support-ns


At the entrance to the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Pulau Tekong stands a large map detailing the British defences in Singapore that date back to February 1942 - the month the island was invaded by Japanese forces.

The message to new recruits training to bear arms for Singapore is clear: the suffering endured during World War II reminds Singaporeans that they can rely only on themselves to defend their homeland.

The need for a strong defence was reiterated by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen this year as Singapore marked two important milestones - the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore and 50 years of national service (NS).


Soldiers responding with a rousing cry as their commander rallies them after an activation exercise at Amoy Quee Camp.
PHOTO: Soldiers responding with a rousing cry as their commander rallies them after an activation exercise at Amoy Quee Camp. The writer says he has no doubt that a strong NS system will be necessary for the foreseeable future, adding that the price of freedom continues to be eternal vigilance.
ST FILE PHOTO
Picture posted by Suresh Divyanathan on 14 March 2017 at 5:00 am SGT - Making sure national service works well for S'pore and its soldiers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsYszyQD4IrenhmXRs5iR9oA9xKqQe3lIe8VtoI1NEf-dEwfBevSv2js2josNL6jINpqqsNegRm4wQW9R1IT2Xfyi3wrtr05ZOlZ3FJ1M7CCvkhGKnpr7uiI5sO8mOcVJHDnSJNfWQWlD/s1600/ST_20170314_STNSA_3003060.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/retina_large/public/articles/2017/03/14/ST_20170314_STNSA_3003060.jpg?itok=rWES_jQa
http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/making-sure-national-service-works-well-for-spore-and-its-soldiers


During the anniversary of the British surrender on Feb 15, Dr Ng recounted how the "bitter but valuable lessons" of brutal Japanese rule spurred the pioneer generation of Singaporeans to implement NS to keep the nation independent and safe.

And the country cannot let its guard down, even in times of peace, said Dr Ng, as he launched a year-long series of events to commemorate 50 years of NS - which began formally with the passage of the National Service (Amendment) Act on Mar 14, 1967.

To drive home the point, Dr Ng raised the cautionary tale of Lithuania, which abolished NS to reap the peace dividend derived at the end of the Cold War, only to announce that it was reinstating conscription two years ago due to rising instability in its region.

PERCEPTION OF THREAT
Indeed, external threats faced by a country can be a powerful impetus for NS.

It seems intuitive that the higher the security threat a country faces, the more its citizens will want to defend their homeland.

However, that alone cannot fully predict a country's will to sustain the institution.

In Switzerland, which has long cherished its neutrality in international affairs, voters overwhelmingly rejected three attempts to eliminate NS in a 25-year span.


Around 13,000 young Swedish men and women born from 1999 will be called for enrolment from July 1, with at least 4,000 of them then chosen for compulsory military service starting next year.
PHOTO: Around 13,000 young Swedish men and women born from 1999 will be called for enrolment from July 1, with at least 4,000 of them then chosen for compulsory military service starting next year.
PHOTO: EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY
Picture posted by BLOOMBERG on 3 March 2017at 5:00 am SGT - 'Rattled by Russia, Sweden plans to bring back military draft'
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEeBBHY86YfZ5SoodBl-5ILbfcHtoBoMF1venn9TZGz66wBt1QRz8D6J6ZB__McoyWHxA9pVhJGGqkxtpNqcmO5lWRsOx-iRPX4yA5HfVNmCYtDJAbkgCuvaoHgizORcVVj9rS6WsuEq0/s1600/ST_20170303_WOSWEDEN03_2980341.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/retina_large/public/articles/2017/03/03/ST_20170303_WOSWEDEN03_2980341.jpg?itok=WoUFNdHf
http://www.straitstimes.com/tags/national-service


The last referendum on the issue in 2013 saw 73 per cent of voters choosing to maintain its conscription army.

Closer to home, Taiwan too has tried to do away with NS and transition to a fully regular force.

China claims the island as a renegade province to be reclaimed - by force if necessary - and Taiwan has faced rising cross-strait tensions since the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party took power this year.

Clearly, there are other forces at play besides the threat level in determining the approach to NS that is ultimately chosen.

Defence analyst Ho Shu Huang from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) pointed out that, like Singapore, Switzerland has been consistent in explaining the need for conscription.

"It's become part of the Swiss way of life, a marker of identity," he said.

Proponents of compulsory military service in Switzerland also believe that it plays a crucial role in nation-building, uniting a country with three main language groups.

This holds parallels to how NS cemented Singaporeans' commitment to their nascent nation and has come to be seen as a social leveller and a rite of passage.

Young people from diverse backgrounds are made to train and live together.

Many are toughened by their first extended period away from home and also bond due to their common experience in the barracks.


NS cemented Singaporeans' commitment to their nascent nation and has come to be seen as a social leveller and a rite of passage.
PHOTO: NS cemented Singaporeans' commitment to their nascent nation and has come to be seen as a social leveller and a rite of passage. Young people from diverse backgrounds are made to train and live together.
Picture posted by Businessweek‏ - Executives explain their most awkward team-building experiences
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Qsmj0AwsGe2B0xsPZ_YP2OaQFVkR6w94C6dRTJNSMEyPhAdnGi10W7rmUVQRbCvv8MKb6ijoi-uP1Mt_RmLCNHxRg06ZZvTeaXdyKxQTzGJqBzT9_J5IYU8014JBYVsAsOgY-IjFeHc/s1600/C8sR-EdW0AAKRzB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8sR-EdW0AAKRzB.jpg
https://twitter.com/BW/status/850303331029446659


On NS in Taiwan, Mr Ho said issues over the years, such as the poor quality of equipment issued to soldiers, have affected public sentiment.

Confidence in the military has also been eroded by embarrassing bungles such as the navy's misfiring of an anti-ship missile that killed a fisherman last year.

As a result, young Taiwanese men increasingly do not see NS as a patriotic duty.

Instead, a significant number believe it is a waste of time as the military is not considered a credible deterrent against China.

In Singapore, support for NS is sky-high, with a 2013 Institute of Policy Studies survey reporting that 98 per cent of Singaporeans believe the institution is crucial for national security.

But to maintain the current high level of support, Singapore should examine what factors - besides a drop in threat perception - can undermine this vital institution.

SENSE OF FAIRNESS
As an operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) in the army, foremost in my mind is the sense of fairness in the system.

I do not mind doing my time in the military so long as my fellow male citizens do their part.

It is obvious that the Defence Ministry (Mindef) is well aware of the importance of keeping NS equitable.

The authorities come down hard on draft dodgers to show that people cannot get away with gaming the system.

When swimmer Joseph Schooling won Singapore's first Olympic gold medal, there was a public call for him to be granted a further deferment to his NS obligations.

Singapore citizen and second-generation permanent resident males enlist for NS at age 18.

The time served is typically two years.

Some are allowed to defer their NS, but deferment is granted sparingly.

Singaporeans know that, given how strict NS policy is, a deferment is by no means guaranteed - even under extraordinary circumstances.

However, it cannot be assumed that such a stringent draft is the natural state of affairs.

South Korea, which is still technically at war with its northern neighbour, has several exemptions to NS, such as allowing those with master's degrees in engineering to choose to work for three years at a research institute.

But after realising its military was facing a manpower crunch, it announced last year that it would scrap most NS exemptions.

Meanwhile, compulsory military service in Israel is supposedly more universal than in most other places, as both men and women are conscripted.

But in practice, barely half of all Israeli citizens are drafted and even less are called up for reserve duty, according to a 2010 book titled The New Citizen Armies.

These countries have larger populations to draw from and can therefore adopt a laxer approach.

South Korea's population of 51 million is almost 10 times that of Singapore's.

So while both countries' militaries are made up mostly of conscripts who serve about two years of NS, South Korea has a force of 630,000 active troops while Singapore has about 72,500 active personnel.

Israel also gets a boost from the significant number of people from overseas with Jewish roots who sign up voluntarily to serve with the Israeli Defence Force.

Singapore, with its small population, has no luxury of being lenient with its NS policy.

Every soldier, sailor, and airman is precious.

However, while everyone goes through the same two years of NS, some serve in more physically demanding and challenging roles than others.

Perhaps the authorities should be cautious about the possibility of resentment building up due to a perceived inequality in sacrifice and contribution by those who take on tougher vocations.

In the case of Israel, it has been reported that those who are frequently summoned for reserve duty are usually the best trained and most battle-tested troops.

These soldiers thus harbour "an understandable feeling that they now constitute a dwindling (shrinking) band of suckers" as some fellow citizens do not pull their weight in defending the country, according to the 2008 book Israel And Its Army.

Mr Ho does not sense that the same negative sentiments are present here, as most NSmen serve reservist stints and there is the impression that everyone puts in the same time commitment.

Said the defence analyst: "Again, this is an example of parity in the distribution of the burden which is so important."

And even though some vocations are seen as more prestigious than others, Mr Ho added: "I don't think anyone's made to feel bad about how they served national service."

Certainly, when I was serving full-time NS more than 10 years ago, there was casual talk about how those in support or logistics roles had it better than those in combat roles.

But in my experience, no one dwelled on those feelings.

There was a far greater sense of injustice over matters such as getting more cleaning duties or guard duties than the neighbouring platoon.

And whatever sense of superiority we had diminished during reservist trainings as we came back as more mature adults, understanding that all roles play a part in keeping the military ticking.

MEANING OF SERVICE
Even so, Mindef has moved to reduce the luck of the draw when it comes to vocations by allowing those who enlist from November this year to indicate their preferences in vocations.

This will no doubt help give full-time national servicemen (NSFs) and NSmen a more meaningful experience in the military and maximise their contributions.

It will also decrease cynicism that some feel towards serving NS because they are not gainfully employed during their two years in uniform.

I see NS as a sacrifice to be shouldered. I believe that men like me will continue to serve NS even if there are unpleasant elements to it.

Perhaps one day it will be seen as a privilege to serve NS. We are not there yet, but I believe we are headed in the right direction.

NS is a fundamental element to Singapore's ability to defend itself.

And so it is imperative that Mindef continues to keep an eye out for issues that might shake the nation's commitment to this institution.


NS is a fundamental element to Singapore's ability to defend itself.
PHOTO: NS is a fundamental element to Singapore's ability to defend itself.
And so it is imperative that Mindef continues to keep an eye out for issues that might shake the nation.
Published on 19 May 19, 2016 - The New Adventures of Army wospecs
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN8xstqMk9h965RXF3lzDFyJnsA_JwtY1fyUnryyJMIKnb8bbYZftqn1DkC0zXhyphenhyphen83COupzLhb6925qx0Qs_uTxO7ULusqMT339IkyTCRj0GnqQz4LqrmoUl-F50-aJpObRQlYryfvaIl/s1600/the-new-adventures-of-army-wospecs-48-638.jpg
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/armywospecsfinal-160519082658/95/the-new-adventures-of-army-wospecs-48-638.jpg?cb=1463646543
https://www.slideshare.net/webfishcrap/the-new-adventures-of-army-wospecs


What if Singapore endures a prolonged economic slump and can no longer support Mindef's budget - the highest among all ministries - or if Singaporeans start believing that the country can make do with a military of career soldiers?

But some may ask why there is a need to think of ways to improve NS, especially when support for it seems rock solid.

On this note, it is worth paying heed to a second lesson to be drawn from the map displayed at BMTC, which shows that all British defences were concentrated in Singapore's south.

There was a blind spot then, as military commanders failed to pay attention to the island's north - which is where the Japanese invaders eventually attacked from.

Singaporeans should similarly think deeply about potential blind spots and hidden issues that can undermine public support for NS.

The 50th year of NS provides an opportune time to start a new conversation on ways to guard against the potential pitfalls facing this national institution.


The NS50 stamp (mint) - $2 denominations
PHOTO: The NS50 stamp (mint) - $2 denominations
SingPost releasde the stamps on Tuesday (March 14) in five denominations: 70¢, 90¢, $1.30 and $2.
PHOTO: SINGPOST
Picture posted by The Straits Times on 13 March 2017 at 12:52 pm SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRj8Wo4B3Gq8n7IgrSa7UIKGQAjpODMnskdfDyWE1Xe78iuyAee1MvGGIpKItFxJ2WiZ3UjUZfpN4AbvZe2magUVmoVE-YXYgeGxT_HHz7tMYGCHeo5-b8UXH0tOgPrR19o4ZEOLjNUiCo/s1600/stamp2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/articles/2017/03/13/stamp2.jpg
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singpost-launches-new-stamp-set-to-celebrate-50-years-of-national-service
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/03/singpost-releases-stamps-marking-ns50.html

By Chong Zi Liang, ziliang@sph.com.sg, The Straits Times, Thursday, 6 April 2017
This article was first published on April 6, 2017.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.


Reference
[1] Chong Zi Liang, The Straits Times, Fairness, sense of purpose key to maintaining support for NS, posted on Thursday, 6 April 2017, http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/fairness-sense-purpose-key-maintaining-support-ns

Link
straitstimes.com - http://www.straitstimes.com/
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