I hate the fact that I'm wasting 2 years of the prime of my youth serving this useless organisation what would bankrupt itself within one month from all the red tape and inefficiency if it wasn't a government organisation.
I hate the fact that my university education has to be put on hold for 2 years while my female friends don't have to go through this nonsense.
I hate the fact that they're paying me at most 1/3 of what I could be earning if I took a temp job in the real world.
I hate the fact that people with brains the size of a pea get to boss me around.
I hate the fact that I have to perform regimental duties, which is basically a complete waste of time and the duty exists for the sake of having us do duties. Pure stupidity.
I hate the fact that I've got 14 months more of this crap to go before I return to the real world.
Come to think of it, an obligatory one or two years of physical labor and forced discipline before going to school could really have saved my life. Once I got out of the service, I probably would have applied more effort to my studies and not totally flunked out.
... Well, that, or I would have become an alcoholic/drug addict, who knows?
Either way, OP shouldn't look on his two years as time wasted. Monks in monastery historically have been compared to the military, maybe you can look at it as a form of extended retreat for personal betterment.
I agree with the OP: the army sucks, I'm glad I escaped conscription,...
On the good side, you get to learn how to shoot and clean a gun and get to meet people you would not have met otherwise. Then again you might also want to consider leaving your country to avoid wasting time and do something useful instead.
>>At least people who go to war end up with interesting stories to tell, and possibly become heroes.
come to canada
Well, guys. The 'combat' experience we get in the army here is crap.
For one, loads of the rifles they supply us with have been around since my grandfather was my age or something. It screws up 80% of the time you try to fire a blank during an exercise.
And when that happens, they just ask you to shout 'bang bang bang' to simulate firing. That's affectionately termed as the 'universal round'...
For non combat soldiers in our beloved consript army who are medically unfit for combat roles, they get shoved into clerical jobs. Now don't think its is a blessing. You're basically an underpaid office boy and the mental stress is sometimes worse than the most gruelling physical training session.
Basically, every male citizen of my country is screwed and robbed of 2 years of the prime of his life.
Anw, I'm done ranting.
Well as I see it, if your government doesn't rob you of two years, you'll rob yourself of those two years. At least I have....
I guess if you're already an energetic, ambitious person, the two years "lost" won't make much of a difference.
But what am I saying? It probably sucks to be you.
So which conscript army is this?
I'm glad that I live in a country where it's easy to avoid conscription...I got out of it
I had a Singap**ean friend who went through that. Showed us pictures of him touting an M16 and looking all tough along with his comrades. It was a little strange since he was an art student.
I felt like he was more mature than the rest of us, and he didn't seem to regret the time he spent in the army too much, although I'm sure he groaned about it. I don't know, I didn't know him too well, maybe he really did hate it.
yup...its sing gah poor...=)
yup...its sing gah poor...=)
>>22
cause you know how that shitty country works.
>>19
one thing how the people there like going in the army is because they can tell you they "WAR STORY" which they like to talk about every fucking day! but after knowing how shitty they country & army works. i happan to pity them. LOL!!!!!
everyone who's gone through army here WILL lapse into endless sharing of army stories...though they're not bona fide war stories.
and most people who've served their 2 years and f-ed off from the organisation will conveniently tend to forget about all the crap that's happened and leave with 'fond memories' and tell future generations that 'it's a good experience'...
>>27... I think the more significant thing is that it tends to SHAPE character.
What country are you conscripting in? I'm curious.
a small country in southeast asia that's made of of mostly chinese with the 'main' minority races being malays and indians.
shhh...what if the men in white come?!
What's is it with all this forced ambiguity concerning the identification of Singapore?
I mean, two years in the damn army sucks, surely, and I wish I never had to go through the insipid chore, but reality strikes yet again, hard, and, well, complaining on a messageboard is hardly going to make any difference, unless the ranting helps with your perceived psychological state or whatever. But it isn't really a valid topic of discussion. That said, I can totally sympathize, OP, especially since I only have about a year to go before the dreaded thing.
Also there's no real point in trying to justify the two year stint with claims of 'character building' - unless you can comfortably call forced submission to dubious immediate authority and contrived camaraderie such. The only real-world gain from joining the army, if you have any decent prospective job or educational opportunities, is the physical training that will no doubt be doled out.
tl;dr Singapore sucks for having compulsory 'National Service' for all male citizens, plus other miscellaneous stuff, but isn't all that bad otherwise.
I love the conscript army!
There's the pleasure!
There's the thrill!
Join the Army Now!
Mother ***gapore Wants You!
fuck this shit! and fuck all you motherfucker who think singapore is not great! is the best motherfucking Bullshit country ever! fuck you all! and may all you yellow and brown shit dead rot and die like the patasite you are!
>>1
I feel ya, man.
Southeast Asia sucks. Especially this country.
Everything here is so nationalistic. The bulk of the population wears the same color every Monday and Friday. The military has been and always be the controlling force of this place. They're worse than Japan with covering shit up. In 1992 there was a bloody coup, in 1976 another one, a "bloodless" one last year, a total of eighteen. Thousands of civilians have died at the hands of this military and it has never been accounted for.
The thing that's fucked up is that every man has to play a part in this army that will never do anything but oppress us. You have four choices in this country:
Everyone here is taught to be the same. They're taught not to think but to memorize. They're taught to pass exams, yes, there are exams to go the next year of elementary school. Every kid at a public school wears the same uniform, has the same haircut, has to go to the national scouts (propaganda). The people here are never taught to accept criticism. They're taught to not accept anything radical. They're told to be proud of their country, what they say is the best country in the world. They will never learn of world history. They will never learn about what the outside world is like. All they will learn is to be one giant hive of a mind.
They hate their neighboring country, saying that this country can produce things that are much better. They scorn all their products, many even refuse to buy their cheaper gasoline when the truth is that they've excelled this country because they had ambition, they've tried to get somewhere. They allowed foreign investment, and now they produce high-tech products like fucking CPU's and even their own cars. This country has done none of that, it is a novelty of a country.
The truth is that this country supported fascist ideals in WWII and they don't want this country to know about it. They were buddies with imperial japan. They were adamantly anti-communist, there was a clear split between communists who had their own army and national organization but the fascist monarchists ran them out. They deny it all they want but it's painfully obvious. There's a ministry of culture for fuck's sake, they ramble on about tradition and how the youth is sinful and how this culture is superior. On alcohol advertisements instead of health warnings there are religious warnings "Alcohol consumption is a violation of the fifth moral precept." On the national ID cards you are required to state your religion.
>>37 Continued
I'm lucky, myself. Not only am I part of the rich middle class or rather bourgeoisie, but I also have citizenship of another country. I've been privileged to live here and observe but not be affected by nationalism. I've always been in an American school, I blew off the reserve forces after going four times, I can speak English so my knowledge is not limited to what the government allows to be published here and translated in this language. I was born with a working brain that wasn't polluted by this country's mentality or any other country's for that matter. When the bloody revolution does finally take place I have the money and the ability to go pretty-much wherever I please.
Fascism is alive and kicking. You in civilized countries need to recognize that, you need to be aware that people elsewhere have it much worse than you (I can't even comprehend what it would be like to be a commoner here). Those of you who can vote need to. You need to make sure that fascism doesn't infiltrate your society. You need to keep your mind from being tainted by them. You need to stamp out fascism where it begins. It's easy for something like this to start and almost impossible to end.
If you can choose to be a teacher that's already far better than joining the military.
>>39
Not in Thailand. Like I said, two-hundred dollar salaries. Constant work, 60-student classrooms. Like that you'd never be able to buy a car, house, or anything nice. Ever.
Sheesh, don't know whether I should express my sympathy, or congratulate you on your dual-citizenship and broader outlook.
>and M1 Garands every saturday
Aw gee, the Thai army still uses Garands?
I didn't know they were that ghetto.
>>40
It still sounds better than a profession which glamorises violence.
I can just say I sympathize with you,...
Don't worry, I do take my voting duties seriously, fascism will not come to my place thanks to my passivity.
The thing is, how come places like Taiwan and Korea made the switch to more democratic societies, and other SE countries still linger in autocratic regimes (Singapore, Thailand, Burmah, etc...)?
And I do agree, the army is the source of many evils, just have a look at south america,...
>>37
I'm half-Thai ethnically. Although, Thailand is my country of birth, I do not reside there. I did vacation there last summer to meet relatives, and I was deeply fascinated with the social and political culture. I completely agree with your analysis of the country.
There is a personality cult of monarch worship. He's revered in a grand, almost religious, way. There is always something written in the papers or television specials and news announcements about him. The monarchy is credited for many good tasks, but I'm skeptical if that was the monarchy's doing alone or if there was not a team of advisers. Before a movie plays in theaters, one must stand up to the national anthem. One must stand to the national anthem played randomly anywhere in the country as a sign of patriotic faith. It is illegal to express criticism to the monarch. The rest of the developing world is moving towards globalization; whereas, Thailand is still clamoring over nationalistic Monarchy.
One of my cousins I stayed with absolutely loves the monarch. I had to listen to her blab about him all day, and she presented me with stacks of books she had collected on the subject.
In response to Thailand's disregard for criticism, that is because I do not believe that Eastern Culture accepts controversy in general. Topics which disturb social harmony or nationalism are taboo. Interesting that one of the kings, King Taksin, is Chinese ethically. Of all of my readings - my cousin's donations, of course -, only one source admitted this. I learned quickly that discussing politics is not favorable. That was unfortunate because I was there during some turbulent times.
I think you know about the military coup banning the original Prime Minister from political activity. I kept up with politics during the news during my stay. The rioting and outcry that went on there, especially when the military junta denounced Buddhism as the national religion, was unlike anything I'd seen.
>>44 continued
I noticed the deplorable living conditions for many citizens. When I vacationed there, I avoided the tourist traps because I find them artificial. The large department stores are all strategically located around the only state of the art sky train system still being built. Obviously, this caters to the well off and tourists. Money is poured into this when other obvious needs are neglected. For example, the buses are outdated. They are dirty and break down frequently. Many buildings are dirty and seem to be neglected as well. This is why they say that Thailand is characteristic of having wealthy looking, high fashion skyscrapers and malls next to rundown, filthy apartments. I saw villages under highway passes, I've wandered into alleyway gantlets consisting of seemingly never ending rows of street vendors, and people without limbs on the street patiently begging for alms.
I had a considerable problem with their reverence of Western culture. Their concept of the West is that we're rich and trendy, and that is what the media conditions the youth to aspire for. Many are fashionably dress, I'll admit, with western designer labels, and their forgeries, but it's concerning if that is on their minds aside from social ills. This hyper-material mindset places money, physique, and other superficialities above real worth. It leads to women, even the well of and University students, to sell themselves so they can buy the latest handbag. The neighborhood I stayed in had this problem where the families were fed up with their daughters selling themselves for trinkets.
>>45 continued
It even goes as far as the infamous Pattaya beach. I had heard about it from fellow tourists, but I did not think it was as bad as it sounded. I went there but left the same day because it disgusted me. Men, mostly western rejects with already one foot in their graves, venture to Pattaya to pick up some young prostitute for one last kick in life. The prostitutes there can make just as much as doctors.
I left that country depressed. It is a beautiful place, especially when you see the country side. There is a lot good there, but there is also much rampant corruption and filth. I too want to congratulate your ability to notice the transgressions you have. Know that I see it to and I'm also appalled. If it really gets to you, then I can only recommend moving elsewhere. My family was fed up with Thailand's culture and politics and left for good.
Slightly tangent, but still interesting read:
http://www.grist.org/news/daily/2004/06/23/ribbon/
Guess not much changed since then,... It's all good and fine to praise the king, but as soon as you want to face reality, things get tougher. Another interesting read (even if only the introduction):
>>43
That's because Taiwan and Korea are America's bitches. SE-Asia countries continue to try to think that they can solve their own problems by adhering to traditions but it doesn't work.
>>46
I'm only here until I finish my undergrad degree. If one of my grandparents dies and I am able to sell some of my inherited property I'll leave in an instant. The reason I'm here is because there are so many potential assets here for me and one I have but can't sell because my grandfather won't let me. What i really dread is the King's death because he's old and all hell will break loose.
it gets so depressing every sunday or even saturday night when i realise that my weekend's drawing to a close and the torturous countdown to next friday's gonna start yet again.
it gets so bad i feel jealous of my girlfriend's fun civilian social life. she's going back to her old high school with her ex classmates to have fun and muck around with her juniors while i'll be heading to camp. god damn it i feel depressed.
Seems like you have depression issues. Considered seeking a counsellor, maybe at school, or a therapist?
So pretending to be gay is a good way to get of military service in some countries.
Does that work in the south asian country that shall not be named?
>51
Malingering is a punishable offense in every professional army in the world. Following this strategy one must be prepared to suck a cock in front of his sergeant major to avoid this possible felony.
(tastes like salty shame...)
Hey...don't dig yourself down in depression, don't go around feeling too jealous, just accept the fact that you are in the army, and don't let them break you down. Yes, it sucks that only men do military service (maybe not in Israel), but just try to accept that fact, don't start hating yourself for being born as a man, just think about what could have happened to you if you were born as a woman in one of those countries where they mutilate girl's genitals and force them to cover themselves totally when they are outside of their homes.
What ever you do, don't fall into depression, it will only create loneliness and nothing else. At least you can spend the weekends with your girlfriend, you could maybe ask her for some support, maybe she can take you with her on fun activities and introduce you to new people.
One day, it'll all be over, it's not like you are in the army forever.
Take care.
By the way, >>49 , how much do you have left of your conscription?
>>51
not a good idea in singapore. you get classified as a '302' ie. gay and i heard they make a marking on your identity card, which prohibits you from getting married until you're 40 or 50.
i heard some gays do serve as well...just that they won't be required to live in communal settings.
thanks for the concern guys. nah i'd still rather be a dude than a chick anyday.
and the 'depression' is probably also due to issues with my girlfriend that are independent of the army. though i must say that the army does play a huge part in those issues, albeit an indirect one.
9 months done...13 months more. many say it gets better after the halfway mark. hope its true.
one more week down...
it's more bearable now that i'm getting into the run of things but man i still think about becoming a civilian again every single god damn day.