Sociological Aspects of the Singapore Armed Forces

Abstract

The state of Singapore within Southeast Asia stands out as a country that has made an enormous effort to establish and maintain a formidable defense capability. Much has been written about its hardware components, however, the sociological aspects that are part and parcel of that capability which are the focus of this article, have been relatively neglected. It examines how the universality of conscription has effects that go beyond the confines of the armed forces in the form of the moulding of a Singaporean identity and the imparting of values to the nation's youth. The article also examines the factors that have allowed the Singapore Armed forces to attract some of the best and brightest into its ranks, and looks at the relationship between a citizens' armed force and that of the bureaucracy and the political leadership.