Recently, I have been losing most of my male-friends to the army.
Just yesterday another batch of them bid farewell to the outside world and went into their new "homeland", Tekong, to spend the next 3 months.
Before enlistment, all of them were whining about how bad it is going to be, how torturous things are inside, and paranoia that goes something like "my friend's friend said that the camp is very 'dirty'... etc..." Also, having meals as if it is their last, trying to enjoy every single day of their freedom and making use of their remaining days to the fullest.
Being aware of the bad circumstances they would face, they mentally prepared themselves, coaxing each other that it is going to be tough, so they would just have to EMBRACE what was to hit them.
Perception of the army, is it that bad?
Take a look at this clip, the local comedy movie, "Army Daze", screened in 1996. Memorable, and it gave an exaggerated view of how typical Singaporeans would handle the first 3 months in Basic Military Training. (I loved the show)
The funny thing about all the 'hoo-haa' about entering the army, all the worries, the paranoia and everything else was that all these might have been for nothing!
Evidently, it could be seen on the faces of all the newly 'P-O-P' (passing out parade) boys/men.
After the army, they just would not stop talking about army.
"hey, which batch were you from?"
"Are you from the commandos?"
"The 24km road march was a killer!"
.
.
.
From what I noticed, army had really provided them with lots of benefits instead.
(no, i'm not speaking for the government)
Just by looking at their physiques, they are already looking much fitter than before!
Like typical Singaporean girls would say, "SO MAN-LY!"
Apart from that, the friends they made in their army companies would also be affectionately recognized as 'brothers' after having to sweat it out together for so long.
There are many other things that they've gained apart from the ones mentioned above, like gaining an unforgetable experience that would most likely be told to generations to come.
The horror that they had been anticipating became something beneficial for them in many ways and i'm sure that they have enjoyed the some parts of the process at some point.
So wait then, why was the initial perception of army even bad in the first place?
Well, you wouldn't know until you've experienced it.
That's something that I guess I won't be finding out.
true true.
ReplyDeletefurthermore they are only a boat ride away from singapore and their phone calls are local charges. so it shouldn't be worst off than when a friend of yours goes overseas for education.
they all always dread going into army but they come out a different person.
more responsibility, more mature and definitely fitter. but whether a not they wil keep fit after they come out is a different thing.
how girls always gather together to talk about the newest hottest fashion is like how guys always gatther to talk about their past army life.
how I've heard so many of my friends comment that they miss army life and how you see how excited they get when they talk about army lives, they can go on and on for hours.
how contridicting and how 2years can change someone.
The government does realize the efforts that Singaporean men provide to the defence of the nation. They currently have plans to allow NSmen to bring in their laptops and Blackberries for their in-camp training as a way for NSmen to stay connected with the outside world. Their wages will also be increased substantially. Singaporean boys, go in and come out as a MAN!
ReplyDeleteAs a guy who has served NS, it is more like bittersweet memory. No, I did not like the idea of being in the army, with all the rigid regulations and exhausting and sometimes monotonous duties. However, it is true that one can forge many lasting friendships while sweating it out together in the army. For me, it was most definitely the friends I in NS that made the 2 years more bearable.
ReplyDeleteOkay I have absolutely no idea on how the experience is like for these poor guys and their unavoidable fate, but i guess its normal for their perceptions to be of the worst; their only source of knowledge regarding NS are from the people who've gone through it!
ReplyDeleteThat being said,
I don't think its a bad thing for them to anticipate the worst out of NS, they'll probably brace themselves for the worst, and when its not as bad, the solace they get is that life there isn't as bad after all :)
And as for the reason why all they can talk about to their friends (after they've been enlisted), its because their life revolves around it, and it's probably the only thing that connects them with their friends after being separated into the different schools/batches/battalion/contingents/what have you!
:)
That the beauty of the army. As a man in Singapore, I have served my fair share of NS and i feel that the following thought processes are shared among most males in Singapore. Before they enter the army, the totally dread it as they see it as the end of their freedom. After they are done with it, they totally miss is as they have gotten too used to the system and comrades. Personally, when i was in the army, i complained like hell everyday but that was something that helped me get thru the process and also at the same time verbalizing the negativity and getting it out of my system. When i completed my national service, i really started to miss all the times in the army and have benefited greatly from it in many ways. From maturity, to work ethic to networking to responsibility and accountability. These are just some of the values that i have taken from my experience in the army.
ReplyDeletebeing in the army, was quite suffering lahh.
ReplyDeletefor me, tons of trainings everyday, endless tekkaning sessions.. blahblahh.. but of cos, got benefits oso de lah, u'll definetely become fitter of cos.. and ur thinkings will become more mature as compared to before.. oso dunno why lahh, mayb u are sick of the instructors scolding u, and treat u like dogs.. so once u are out in the civilian life.. u will find that its much better outide, and problems are like nothing as compared to those in ur army life within the camp..
aiya. army life is a essential bah i guess.. and after all sufferings.. u will enjoy.. :D
Hooya !!
Edwina here! Dont know why cant comment with my wordpress la.
ReplyDeleteI think people have a bad perception in the first place is because of stories they have heard before even going in.
But i actually love how guys can mature so much after going into army... and of course also their nicely form muscles and abs, hahaha! it is good that army is made compulsory for all men! it is more beneficiary for them in terms of looks, thinking and their ability in seeing and handling things.
And as what cloud has said... Go in a boy, come out a man! That's damm true!
hmmm. I agree that the perception that every boys have before enlistment is totally bad.
ReplyDeleteBefore enlistment, you'll hear from your guy friends complaining about the fear as the date is drawing near for them. But, that's just a perception. You'll never know until you experience it. and Hey, you may change your perception once you enter as a NSmen(for most) :)
Over the years, the quality of army life had improved tremendously!(Just ask around those who are in their early 30's) They sure will tell you that theirs are worse x10 than the NSmen now.
Once entered into as a boy, come out as a MAN-LY man. :)
They get to know brothers who sweat it out together, learn alot of skills and things which i think we girls will never get to learn. :) and of course, be fitter and healthier.
Lastly, they'll have something that they can share with their kids next time! A part in life, good or bad memories together that makes one a better MAN in life that can protect their families and fellow singaporeanssss!
You cant always have sweets stuff, bitter ones sometimes! to make one a better MAN! :D
Well, everyone has a bad perception to army because of the 'stories' that has been past down from generations to generation, in actual fact, army these days are so much better, EVERYTHING IS SO MUCH BETTER, camps are like resorts, running tracks by the sea, where can u get that man... Futhermore, time in there are getting ever so short, so even before you know it... you are done... so yeah... the only thing reminds if you really ask me is that u have to change your IC for a green card... thats about it... oh and the botak part... but hey... HAIR DO GROW BACK!~!~ so yeah... with right "stories" being past down, am sure the perception will be much better...
ReplyDeletejjacinda : True, being in the army is definitely not comparable to being overseas for an education. At least the guys in army can come out every weekend, or even daily, depending on their units. Yes! the guys are always talking about army when they get out. But it is good that they've been through that, army makes all of them a better man. :)
ReplyDeleteclouds: Really? the government has plans for that? I still think that it should remain as it is. With the introduction of laptops and blackberries, what will the discipline be like then? The boys would then start to be complacent. After all army is about being disciplined, so they should keep it at this standard. Then they will surely come out as MEN.
ReplyDeletechris: However rigid or strict army can get, its all for the benefit of you! After all you cant deny that children these days are getting more and more spoilt. It would be good for them to understand whats responsiblities, then they would learn to appreciate the things they took for granted! Friends are always the best to have when we're going through a hard time! :)
ReplyDeleteAmelia: You brought a point there. Sometimes it Is good to expect the worse and then find out that it isn't so bad after all. Maybe the scary tales are meant to scare the recruits, making them think it's like hell. Yup, i guess the topic of army will always be revolving around them, and it is definitely a GREAT topic starter!
ReplyDeletethetinklingtinkle: Its always the case! You wont appreciate it until you lose it! Complaining at the start to make life better, but the values and experiences would definitely benefit you in many ways i can imagine. Well its good that army has brought out a better you! In this sense, the government did a good job i guess!
ReplyDeletedA: In your terms i guess army allows you to appreciate the outside world better. Moulds you into an adaptable person. Which is good in many ways, so in future you can overcome many obstacles, just like what you've said. Good training from the army!
ReplyDeleteEdwina: I am agreeing with you to the max! The boys that enter really change physicaly and mentally.That might just be the point where the boys would over take us girls with regards to maturity. Then again, there are the exceptional few! :)
ReplyDeleteNarumi: It is so true that you need to experience bitter things in order to know the sweeter things in life. All these army experiences would allow them to feel that life outside is definitely good. Like dA said, once you've experienced the obstacles in army, the outside world would not be of comparison. without a doubt, these army stories would be told generations to generations!
ReplyDelete[b]rabbit: i guess army has also elvove to give trainees a better time while there in camp. So there's really not much to complain if you're comparing with people from the 80s. Infact the new recruits would have to really appreciate the new and better facilities that the government has given them. Soon, the only thing they can be complaining about the army would be THE BOTAK HAIR! haahah.
ReplyDeleteHARROW PRETTY LADY!
ReplyDeleteI have about 20 days before I enlist into the army. Bad perception? Definitely.
Why?
Current lifestyle: Sleeping at 4am and waking up at 2pm. Playing mahjong almost everyday or heading out to town.
Army lifestyle: Sleeping at 11pm and waking up at 6am. Running practically everyday and only being able to book out on weekends FOR 2 FRIGGIN YEARS.
I honestly rather you shoot me in between the eyes.
justgetdrunk: 20days before army, looks like you're not taking it really well. Thats really a bad perception of the army, i guess you'll only realise the goodness when you emerge out of the entire programme one and a half years later.. Then, we'll discuss on how bad army is! HAHA.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I've "lost" friends to the army too but I guess there are some good changes, not only physically but personality wise as well.
ReplyDeleteAs they always say army is where all the boys become men.
But then again, some boys always stay boys. =/
covermeblack: Yup, some boys truely stay the same way, i guess those would take a longer time to grow out of their boy phase.
ReplyDeletetotally agree with the benefits of army!
ReplyDeleteim always amazed with how army can transform guys for the better(most guys i mean). & deep down my heart, i truly salute them for that; sacrificing 2 yrs of freedom, camping in jungles, home-sick, guard duties etc.
though some girls are defintely tough, but i cant imagine us having to go through the same as the guys, so im thankful to all the ex, current & future army boys out there!
we love singapore :D
In the past, I thought that army was a really scary thing to go through. I was always relieved that I'm born a girl. HAHAH. But now that many of my friends and relatives have been through army life, I think it's not as scary as it seems. My dad always say army boys nowadays have it easy, unlike them in the past. I kinda agree when he started telling his army days stories. HAHHA. But I think all army boys will surely gain something valuable out of their army life all the same.
ReplyDeleteeileen here.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, army turns a boy into a man, irregardless of their different pes. And it is a process, undeniably that their friends and family can observe.
The boys before enlisting goes through all the paranoid thinking that they wouldnt survive well enough be it the amry wages, leaving their family(i reckon more likely to be girlfriends), stepping out of their comfort zone to be exact.
And after the boys enlist, they go insanely into irresistable army topics despite their book outs on weekends. They go on rattling all the companies "charlie, jaguar, leopard" and on and on. This shows their forced commitment towards serving the nation and as time past, these boys turned into a men. Understanding the importance of protecting the nation and their loved ones. And these are undeniably the works of army.
Hua Jie : Yup, i can't imagine myself going through all the tough obstacles they face in the army. It would be too tough for me to handle within one week, talk about two years! pfft! Yup, i guess we have to give it up to these army men!
ReplyDelete@h jo: Haha!! I bet you are still glad that you are born a girl anyway. Even if you are a guy, like your dad said, they have it easier. Things are not as tough as before. So i guess they would be going through a long and strict "normal" camp as compared to the real tough army in the past. Yup and i agree with you that they will definitely gain something valuable, no matter which generation of army they came from.
ReplyDeleteeileen: oh yes! The importance of protecting the nation and loved ones. That is so true. The inital motive of the army, what was thought to be merely a statement, is now actually being put to reality unconsciously. That is after all the job of these army boys! Triats that cannot be erased easily.
ReplyDeletehey! i agree on the part where army guys get fitter MUCH MUCH MORE! haha! its the point of time in their life that they experienced the most pimples too!! :)
ReplyDeletearmy is fun if you happen to meet a nice grp of pp as yr bunk mates. seriously, its like camping for 2yrs in some ulu place! cant imagine gals going into army.. i think you will faint when they ask you to run 10km! lol
i've ORD-ed for 2 years.
ReplyDeleteAnd i must say. i do miss my NS life.
Yes. You do lose your freedom to do whatever you like. But in doing so, you stand to gain so much more.
I'm sure all the guys in complain about the army when they are inside. How they have to suck thumb and do all sort of stuffs for minimal pay, when they could be spending the time of their life outside.
But it is when you ORD, do you realise what you gained in it.
For me, it is definitely the bond i share with my platoon mates. You face each other almost everyday. Sleeping in the same bunk, going through the same rigourous training. You know you're not alone. It is this priceless camaraderie that i treasure the most. =)
Like we said it in the army those days,
'Tough time don't last, tough men do'
Terrell
vanny: LOL! hahaha yes you would definitely have to call an ambulance if i were to run 10km let alone conquering the obstacles in army. It would be lucky if they were to meet great friends, but i guess it would also be tough for people who get discriminated constantly by their bunkmates.
ReplyDeleteThey say that you enter army as boys but leave as men. I believe that the army teaches you discipline and also leaves the mark on our male friends!
ReplyDeleteI'm a girl so I wouldn't know what army life is like, however from what I've heard from my male friends, it's bittersweet. However, they never regretted going for NS and serving their "time".
hmm, probably people always emphasize more on the unpleasant experiences rather than pleasant ones, tt is why all the hoo haas of entering NS.
ReplyDeleteWell, guess NS has done good for most guys but sadly, some of those who are unfortunate suffered by giving their lives away.
terror: I like your phrase, 'tough time dont last, tough men do' yes, it is only after you get out of the entire programme then you will realise that you actually gained quite a bit of things from this whole ordeal. Knowing you're not alone throughout trainings makes it comforting to get the days by. Soon, it would be over before you know it. :)
ReplyDeletePriscilla : Bittersweet is surely the word to use! hahaha so much for the complaining before army! Like what some of my friends said above, you wont know the whats good until you experience what's bitter. I think every guy's bound to have a memorable experience in the army.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: yes its true it is only human to emphasize on the bad things rather than the good. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteOh and yes, thanks for reminding about the lives lost during the programme. those are the really unfortunate cases, which would be sad for his entire family. But if you're meant to go, you're meant to go. I'm sure the army has done changes to prevent such cases from occuring again.
Based on what I've read, I will not rule out the fact that to us girls, the guys will and have benefitted aplenty from being in the army.
ReplyDeleteI know, I know. Guys beg to differ, asking "you know how hard it is? I bet you won't know. Why don't you girls try it yourselves?"
But you see, that's precisely why men and women are wired differently - especially on our physiques, heh. Anyway, I think growing up and seeing my friends entering the army and passing out, and ORD-ing, was quite an interesting process. I feel that whilst many recount their bad experiences, all have something good to share about.
And really, i would say that 90% of these guys really grew up. Mentally and physically, my guy friends have learnt resilience. And I think in terms of life skills, these are important.
All in all, i like a man whom, instead of "humble" whining about how bad the army was, bravely steps out and recounts how he enjoyed his successes and the processes of all the trips, camps, outfield experiences, and what not. That's more MAN la huh? heh
oh ya, forgot to add, guys: those of you who ask us to try going to the army, think before you speak okay.
ReplyDeleteBECAUSE, it's like us girls asking you to try to get pregnant and to give birth to kids.
now, see what i mean by we're REALLY weired differently? haha
amanda: YES! agreed! that men and women are all wired differently! didnt really occur to me about that point until you mentioned it. Doesnt mean we women are weak, and we cant do it. there are many women army officers around!
ReplyDeleteLife skills are definitely learnt when the boys also pick him patience and endurance. hahaha! okay, at least that guy is brave enough to admit that army was GOOOOD.
it would be cool if they were really allowed blackberry in camp! thou laptops's a little over the top.
ReplyDeletesince they are already allowed to bring in cellphones and psp. so why not bb?
shu is in army and sometimes i really die if i cant get in contact with him when i want or need to talk to him so badly! :D
Hi, speaking from an international student point of view, I would not even think about getting PR in SG because of the NS (already very singaporean right??with the shortcuts and all) purely because of the duriation. Whether it's 18 months or 2 years it doesn't matter, I say this because I think it's a bad investment of such long period in (early adulthood) life. I am sure you can talk about getting fit and all but for that just go to the gym 5 times a week for 6 months and there you got your body you always wanted. But your government has whole other ideas so the bondage between soldiers and security you are creating for your country is certainly admirable.
ReplyDeleteI guess the initial perception that army is bad is probably because of all the trainings and the rules that they had to abide to. For example, no camera phones, laptops, only booking out on the weekends etc.
ReplyDeleteHowever, from my point of view, I believe that NS will be one of the most memorable experience that the guys will remember as it is where they will forge friendships that will last. They will also learn from this experience that life will not always be a bed of roses.
Hi Sarah
ReplyDeleteI don't think NS is all that bad. I made quite a few friends and learnt a lot in my time there.
Because NS cannot accomodate to each and every preference of every Singapore man, there will bound to be some that complain endlessly about it.
For those that 'survive' NS, we often talk about the tough times for humor's sake. But more than tough physical challenges, it is a experience that moulds a boy's mindset to be 'manly' and responsible.