Dear AWARE, Lets look at some statements made by you. I wont be antagonistic because Im sure there may be some diatortion of your message or intent... but rather voice as much the rational side as possible. So you disagree with NS being pegged to such rewards. I wont argue that. In fact, it seems to be too fluid now to argue anything. But to argue on the basis that the military doesnt suit everyone is like saying that if and when war strikes our country, you can decide at the time of convenience not to defend it. If this were to happen, young or old, NSman or not, I might expect a certain desire to stand together. Fight together. Win or lose together. Because hopefully, it is a meaningful thing to do. Perhaps I am too idealistic. By extension of your argument, just because something doesnt suit someone, means we forgo it. But that is such a slippery slope. If I did, I would never be able to be a speaker and trainer because it just wasnt in me. If people dont have opportunities to strive, they never grow. NS now offers more and more, such opportunities. Dont worry about how NS life apparently drives a wedge between gender equality. First, when you propagate a pool of disciplined and respectful people who are willing to fight for the country, these are the same morals and discipline that allows the very men whom you say are unequal, to begin to treat others with respect and dignity. This is always work in progress. But in my 21 years across NSF to NSman, I can see progress. Second, I am seriously wondering why you believe that NS sanctions entitlement. I feel sorry for those who read this and I personally know who have gone over and above their call of duty. 17 high key ICTs. 11 years hilding on to an appointment that no one else can do or wants to do. 42 years of NS service. Often these people dont even claim their make up pay, that is substantial. You cant have equality by saying others shouldnt be entitled. Because that itself reeks of an entitlement mentality, doesnt it? You cant argue about something that by so arguing puts you in the same position that you argue against. It wont get you what you want. Third, if you havent been updated about psychological research for monetary drivers for meaningful service, it kills intrinsic motivation and drives UP entitlement mentality. Most NSmen arent hard up about money. To be honest the CPF contribution is but a fraction of what many of them earn outside. It is merely a token. Yet, to suggest that NSmen should be paid decently is tantamount to destroying the very fabric of what holds each unit together: camaraderie. How about this. Find some time to understand the inside-out of the nature of some military operations. Pretend that it is like doing a job rotation, where you are learning something to contribute to this organization called Singapore. In any company, it is easy to say marketing or accounts or operations is not doing their job. It is not so easy to step inside to know and rationalize yourselves because you need to be aware (no pun intended) of how things work and the extent of complexity of the work before you can comment. By the way, I figure one way the housing, education and healthcare benefits were rationalized was because NSmen typically head a household with burdens to bear. This can (I am not saying this is the only way) help families. Including women, i.e. the spouses and their children, wouldnt it? Also, there are opportunities being developed to allow women to volunteer. Since it is new, would you volunteer? Would you encourage members to do that? Until that day comes, perhaps the path to successful equality is not advocacy but inquiry. Just my 2 cents.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 02:53:51 +0000
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