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| National Servicemen cleaning their living quarters together |
The Fall of Singapore (and eventual Japanese Occupation) left a deep fracture into the hearts and minds of the early Singapore leadership. While they may differ in certain issues, the initial leadership of Singapore felt that it was ultimately the responsibility of Singaporeans to defend Singapore.
Led by the first Prime Minister of Singapore (Mr Lee Kuan Yew), conscription into military and civil services was introduced as "National Service" in 1967, two years after Singapore's independence from Malaysia. All-abled bodied men aged 18 and above were eligible to be conscripted.
This was also a response to the British announcement to withdraw its soldiers from all its former colonies in 1960s. To give Singaporeans time to build a competent force, Mr Lee negotiated a delay with the British. Instead of withdrawing in 1960s, the British only started their moving their soldiers away from Singapore in 1971. The final batch of British soldiers left in 1976. As a measure of goodwill, the British left behind the some equipment, including the IJN Wakataka. The British also provided some training for the Singapore Air Force.
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| National Servicemen preparing for a parade |
Inspired by the Israelis in their performances in the 1948 War of Independence, the first batch of National Servicemen were trained by Israelis.
To arm Singaporeans, the Sheng-Li Holding Company (now ST Engineering) started weapon manufacturing for the military in 1967.
Such early emphasis on National Service it part of the iconic Singapore experience. Today, Singapore boasts of having one of the best militaries in Southeast Asia.
All this to ensure that Singapore will never fall that easily again.
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