A Conscript Military Force as a Credible Defense System for a Small Nation: The Case of Singapore and Taiwan
Abstract
The conscript system is currently used by a large number of countries, including the majority of small nations. This study examines the appropriateness and effectiveness of a conscript military Forces (Foreign) as a credible defense system for small countries. This study analyzes the factors which caused Singapore and Taiwan to have a conscript systems. The factors include geography, threat assessment, defense policy, historical circumstances, population/society, and economic considerations. The analysis of the effectiveness of the conscript system covers four military criteria and four non-military criteria which relate to the operational readiness of the armed forces and the contribution of the military system to internal national objectives. The study shows that given the inherent factors and constraints, the conscript system is suitable in providing Singapore and Taiwan with the type of military force required for their defense needs. The conscript system has been effective in contributing to the military efficiency of the armed forces as well as in supporting other non-military national internal objectives. The study provides insights into the rationale for a small country's adoption of a conscript system and the effectiveness of the system. It also provides a conceptual framework that will facilitate analysis of the choice and effectiveness of a conscript system. (swd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199851
Entities
People
- Daniel O. Hwee
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College