If there's one commonality that Singaporean males share, it's the army talk. Wherever we go and whatever we do, talk about army will find it's way into the center-fold. No matter what we talk about, there would inevitably be a link of some sort to army. The 2 years and 4 months (now 2 years or less) have really changed our mentalities and shaped our lives to a certain extent. In my opinion, I would say in a significant way. Most females usually cringe when males start their army talk but they have no idea how significant it is. However, most of them also accept that it is part and parcel of the Singapore male.
When two Singaporean males (attending university) chance upon a first-time meeting, apart from the usual "which university and degree you're doing", a common question would be "which unit were you from in army". When such common knowledge is shared and especially when they are from similar or known places, they would then start talking like they've known each other for years. Who they know, what they did, and so on. They might even know most of each other's friends and olleagues alike. I guess that would be one of the reasons why many would say army is an enriching experience.
I would not be surprised however, if it were one of the Lee Dynasty's plans to bond Singaporeans, to instill a sense of nationalism in citizens. With the current mentality of the government where it 'values' overseas Singaporeans and is quite active in enticing them for a homecoming, measures in army to promote much more bonding would surely be in place. Measures such as a reduction in the length of service as well as a 5-day work week (which I brought up to the Chief of Army as well as the Commanding Officer of BMTC2) attempt to show the citizens that they are aware of their needs, while the heightened safety regulations in place calms the worries of the current over-protective (understatement) parents of their precious babies.
Males nowadays are getting softer. Bullshit tags like the 'Sensative New Age Guy' have no place in society and they are simply a politically correct term for 'pussies'. All the skiving and all the dodging of hardship in the army doesn't make it any better. Of course, someone has to take up the position of clerks and drivers (not that there's anything bad with that) but to deliberately get yourself out of service is unacceptable. This action not only underlines someone's integrity but also his character. Don't you feel embarrassed that more and more females are taking up jobs in the army. There's even a certain few who elect to go through tough training, and yet remain feminine. If they can do it, why can't you?
So my advice to young teenagers all worried or overly enthusiastic about army is that this will be the most memorable 2 years of your lives. Make the best out of it even though it may not always be a smooth ride. I definitely went through most of the harshest training available for NSFs (National Service Full-time or rather those conscripted). Furthermore, those who are undertaking leadership roles in NCC (National Cadet Corps) should understand that harsh treatment of others is not the way, and somehow such things will only come back to get them 'karmatically'. What goes around, comes around. I could go on about it even more, but I will not. These things should be explored personally.
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