Beyond ensuring that NS is viewed as positively as possible by society as a whole and preventing unhappiness from forming over perceptions of unfair treatment, the universality principle of NS is also rooted in operational requirements.
While the Singapore Armed Forces is, like many militaries around the world, seeking to modernise by leveraging on new technologies that reduce reliance on manpower, the truth of the matter is that Singapore’s small population means that every serviceman matters. This challenge is further compounded by the country’s dwindling birth rates.
Recent geopolitical developments in Europe and the Middle East are stark reminders that no country can afford to take peace, safety, security and stability for granted. Many countries in Europe are now taking steps to reinstitute or extend military conscription amid fears of the Russia-Ukraine war spreading.
DRAWING THE LINE
Against this backdrop, it’s not hard to see how any special treatment for a specific group of individuals – or even the perception of special treatment – could open a can of worms that would not be easy to address.
Beyond general unhappiness over some receiving preferential treatment, there will likely be questions on why these privileges are not extended to those who excel in other fields such as arts, music, and academics. All these could weaken support for NS.
At the same time, a modified NS experience might also potentially lead to a lose-lose situation, with sub-optimal outcomes for the individual both as an athlete and as a soldier.
