Defending Singapore in an Uncertain World: A Force of National Service Conscripts or All-Volunteer Professionals?
Abstract
Singapore's National Service (NS) military draft is heavily scrutinized today, but critics fail to consider still-relevant circumstances that first led to NS, including Singapore s unexpected independence from Malaysia; its loss of defense guarantees along with Britain's withdrawal; and its small ethnic Chinese population in a non-Chinese neighborhood. NS also enabled a military without drawing manpower from the economy. It fostered national and ideological unity for this new migrant nation, being enforced on all echelons of society. NS has been mostly successful, but critics argue an all-volunteer force would cost less, yet offers better readiness; NS overburdens men in their prime; low birth rates favor a smaller all-volunteer force; motivation for NS has diminished due to massive immigration; and technology can mitigate manpower demands. Each argument, however, is unconvincing - one must consider Singapore s unique circumstances and NS's benefits regardless of its shortfalls. An all-volunteer force also does not cost less; conscripts and reserves can be effective soldiers; Singapore is mitigating opportunity costs to conscripts; and technology is not a complete solution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA601105
Entities
People
- Kuok H. Chew
Organizations
- Marine Corps University