National Interest.

I've been with the armed forces for 5 - coming to 6 years already. I ain't gonna write something that's militarily sensitive. Instead I'll write somethings that's national education. the most common question I've come across from the national service men, both active and reservist, is "sir, do you think we will win? do you think there's anyone staying behind to fight for our nation?" This two questions in fact is a true reflection of our population's concern.

Answer to the first part of question: Yes. We have to.

Answer to the second part of question: Yes there will be. Why? lets look in all wars since world war 1. Any war that happens in a place where there is a sea boundary, a naval blockade will be conducted. whats outside can't come in to us. whats inside also do leave our port. Where there is ability to fly out, both side want to gain air superiority. if you are a civilian you want to risk flying out and get shot down? and most likely the cause way will be blown to prevent neighbours from helping us. that means we can't leave too.

see the thing i'm trying to paint across to everyone here? you can't leave this place you call home. you have to defend this place you called home. and you have to fight with people whom you called friends, relatives, brothers and sisters. And will we win? are we able to win? the scenario pretty much paints the answer for part 1 too. We will win. We have to win. If war happens, its really the time for us to be kiasu. thats the original singapore spirit. and we show it in time of need.

the problem why everyone kept having doubt about our defence capability is because we have one of the best seaport and airport anyone could possibily find around the world. But when its war, all these becomes just another piece of papers(certificates) and plastics(trophies) that happens to be hanging around in the ports reception area.

so next time when anyone one of us singaporean wants to ask the questions again .. you have the answers.