Reddit users reflect on the changes in National Service, noting modern comforts and safety improvements.
SINGAPORE: A recent Reddit discussion sparked by a local user has prompted many to weigh in on whether National Service (NS) is easier today compared to the past. In the post, u/unreal2007 asked the r/askSingapore community for their thoughts on how NS has evolved, particularly when hearing older generations reminisce about the challenges of their NS days.
Many Redditors appeared to agree that NS has become easier in recent years, citing a variety of modern comforts that were unavailable to previous generations. One popular comment mentioned how recruits now enjoy basic amenities such as iced water during training sessions.
“I was a Tekong sergeant last year, and even within a year, it’s been quite apparent how much more cushy BMT (Basic Military Training) has gotten for recruits. This is partly due to stricter safety regulations. We now have more restrictions on the kinds of punishment we can administer, and we can’t enforce these as strictly as before,” the user explained. “Iced water in cambros has become a staple, and training is typically carried out in the shade and on softer ground.”
The commenter acknowledged that this shift was positive, emphasizing that prioritizing safety over toughness ensures recruits’ well-being, with one life lost being one too many. He further argued that while discipline remains essential, it should not come at the expense of safety.
Another user recalled the addition of water heaters in the showers during their BMT, something that would have been unthinkable in the past. “BMT is sounding more like a paradise these days—wifi coverage, rubber mats, more admin time… good on them recruits,” one commenter remarked.
Some participants in the discussion noted that every era faces its own set of challenges, but progress means making things easier over time. “The past will always seem tougher than the present. Progression means things get easier as time goes on. If it weren’t, we wouldn’t have progressed,” said one user.
Another Redditor added, “Different era, different way of living. People who keep dwelling on the past will get left behind. That’s why the government is pushing for us to upgrade—it’s the harsh reality.”
