All male citizens and permanent residents of Singapore are expected to do two years of National Service (NS), normally beginning at the age of 18. NS is a compulsory military service with the objective of establishing and preserving a formidable defensive force for the nation.
The service can be performed by members of the Singapore Civil Defense Force, Singapore Police Force, or Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) (SCDF). Service members are obligated to take part in regular reservist training up until the age of 40 after completing National Service (NS). Fines or jail time may be imposed for breaking NS requirements.
Male citizens and permanent residents of Singapore are required to complete National Service (NS), which is regarded as a means of defending the nation and preserving national security. Building a powerful defense force capable of defending Singapore's independence and sovereignty is the goal of NS.
Serving in the NS helps young men learn essential lessons and hone their leadership, teamwork, and discipline skills. Additionally, NS helps young Singaporeans develop a feeling of national identification and belonging and promotes national cohesiveness.
The administration wants to make sure that everyone appreciates the value of national security and plays a role in safeguarding the nation through NS.
In Singapore, National Service (NS) was initially implemented in 1967. In response to the security risks and political unrest in Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the NS program was created. Building a powerful and trustworthy military force that could protect the nation and uphold national security was the aim of NS.
16,000 young men who were conscripted for two years of military training made up the first cohort of NS recruits. Since then, NS has developed into a distinguishing feature of Singaporean culture and has been crucial in creating a sense of national identity and togetherness among young males.
A male Singaporean citizen or permanent resident who breaches his National Service (NS) responsibilities may suffer severe repercussions. This involves paying fines, going to jail, and having some rights and privileges curtailed, like applying for specific employment or traveling overseas.
According to the Enlistment Act, any male citizen or permanent resident who is eligible for NS but does not register, enlist, or undergo the appropriate training may be fined up to S$10,000 (Singapore dollars) or sentenced to up to three years in prison.
Some rights and benefits, such as the right to vote, the opportunity to apply for specific employment, or the ability to renew one's passport, may also be withheld from people who have not fulfilled their NS duties. The government takes non-compliance with NS duties very seriously, and those who do so may suffer serious repercussions.
