Applying for PR and Military Requirement for Male Children

[agoodfella]

Hello,

I am in the process of reviewing the application process for applying for a PR for myself and my family (including a baby boy). Assuming we stay in Sing for the long-haul, I understand that there is a compulsory military requirement for all males (including PR) in Singapore.

My question is twofold:

1) As a US citizen, doesn't this pose some kind of violation of US law, serving in a foreign military
2) If my son gives up his PR at time of military requirement, will this not adversely affect his chances of working in Sing in the future?

I'm wondering how others in my situation have dealt with this situation. Any advice, insight, comments would be helpful.

Thank you!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Hello,

I am in the process of reviewing the application process for applying for a PR for myself and my family (including a baby boy). Assuming we stay in Sing for the long-haul, I understand that there is a compulsory military requirement for all males (including PR) in Singapore.

My question is twofold:

1) As a US citizen, doesn't this pose some kind of violation of US law, serving in a foreign military
2) If my son gives up his PR at time of military requirement, will this not adversely affect his chances of working in Sing in the future?

I'm wondering how others in my situation have dealt with this situation. Any advice, insight, comments would be helpful.

Thank you!

1. No. Unless he serves as an Officer. But he must also register for the US Selective Service as well even though at the moment it is still mothballed

2. Yes. He will be considered a deserter (or at least an undesirable element) and he will never be allowed to work in Singapore in the future. Not sure if he would actually be incarcerated or not though. Be advised that if he did, and later came to Singapore and was picked up, say as he came through immigration, and was locked up, there is absolutely nothing the US Embassy can do as you are in Singapore AND in violation of Singapore laws. Therefore you are subject to the laws of Singapore.

Go to the "Strictly Speaking" Sub-forum and have a read of the many threads there regarding NS and Singapore.

My son is registered with the SS in the US as well as prepared to do his NS here as soon as he finishes at NAFA. Way I see it, I'd rather have him do his NS in a country where his safety is pretty well assured rather than take a chance of going back and ending up in a war we didn't ask for nor want to be in. I've been there and done that already, but I am still a firm believer of mandatory military service to help a young man grow up. But, I don't think a war is a necessary thing to produce a man. (I'm a NAM vet)

So, think very carefully what you do, as your decision now could impact his life in the future to a point where it could affect relationships. What happens when he fall in love with a local girl? What are you going to do when he has to separate due to national service? Education? So many variables. I have had annual discussions every year with my son since he was about 6 or 7. He is prepared to do National Service so it keep all the doors open for him in the future.

sms

[agoodfella]

sundaymorningstaple,

thank you for your detailed and thoughtful response.

i'm glad i posted this and will check out the subforum... lots to think about here. at least my baby boy has some time before this becomes an immediate issue.

my gut tells me i will apply for PR for myself and my wife, but will not for my son.