Hi All,
Am new here, so I will require your kind understanding if this issue has been covered previously in this forum. First off, let me say that I am a Singaporean, and I have finished up my full-time NS some time back.
I was wondering what are people's views here on national Service in Singapore? Specifically, if you are a PR, would you want to go through NS? Would you want your son to go through the 2-year programme, as well as the reservist obligation it entails? Of course, this question would really only be relevant to those who would want a Singapore citizenship.
I am asking because I have come across PRs who have considered taken up citizenship in Singapore, but decided not to, citing NS as the major obstacle. On the other hand, I have encountered non-Singaporeans who voluntarily go through NS. Case in point, my BMT Company actually had a blonde-haired Danish guy. I also know for a fact that there are guys from other Asian and non-Asian countries who have passed through the NS system. However, they seem to be a minority.
The issue is, of course, a personal one. I am not demanding that all PRs must serve time in NS, or anything. Rather, I was wondering if you could share your views on NS here.... would it be a big obstacle if you wanted (hypothetically) to become a Singapore citizen?