Writing & Reasoning A1 Opinion Piece

 Writing & Reasoning A1 Opinion Piece 

Thesis statement: Mental health is stigmatized in the SAF and existing measures are ineffective due to the influence of toxic masculinity that downplays the gravity of mental health.

Green. The color of new beginnings, growth, and National Service (NS). As the foundation of Singapore’s defense (CMPB, 2018), NS resembles a form of collective effervescence that unifies generations. But while the pixelated uniform symbolises camaraderie and reassurance in the public’s eye, what lurks beneath is an artwork tainted with apprehension.

Toxic masculinity, the idea of manliness birthed from social pressures that condemn emotional vulnerability (Morin, 2022), is the theme of this “masterpiece”. Although it is natural for one’s mental state to deteriorate in NS, given the nature of militarisation and rigid regulations imposed (Private Space, 2024), the noxious notion goes beyond stigmatizing such psychological issues - it has corrupted efforts implemented to mitigate them.

With formal government support, official sources reveal a shallow reality of the mental health scene in NS, often boasting the army’s 24-hour counseling hotline and other services. (CMPB, 2018). Unfortunately, this radiant canvas of “political correctness” hides the twisted truth of these measures. Informal sources like Reddit/NationalServiceSg, a site populated with personal anecdotes from National Service Full-time (NSFs), lament insensitive commanders in a backward system that perpetuates irrational comfort, discrimination, and unreasonable expectations of those suffering from mental health issues (Angryandbitternsf, 2023).

As a Platoon Commander back in Tekong, it was painful to witness the emotional aftermath of troubled soldiers after visiting the camp’s orientation officers, regulars specifically hired to counsel recruits with adjustment difficulties. I tried to engage them but without any professional knowledge of mental health, my efforts were feeble. The damage was already done. And this is but a stroke of the military painting.

Ideally, this destructive mindset that has infiltrated our primary defense force must be eradicated. However, purging this institutionalized attitude would be feasibly impractical for it entails massive operational and structural revamps. Because mental health is complex, the solution can neither focus on eliminating psychological issues entirely nor implementing a rigid “mental health framework”. We must adopt a multifaceted approach and shape a conducive environment that facilitates the transition from civilian to soldier.  

Commanders themselves must lead by example and demonstrate that tackling such obstacles is equally important to them. Losing the formality of quarterly interview sessions with NSFs and adopting more open-ended, personal questions will also be an effective first step forward - simply asking “How was your weekend” can create a comfortable space for engagement and mental health discussions (Ponte, 2022).

However, cultivating a safe environment is only half the mental warfare; imparting proper knowledge and skills to approach troubled soldiers is also instrumental. counseling workshops and mental health seminars can be arranged during the camps’ stand-down periods, ultimately strengthening sensitivity and awareness of such matters.

That said, investing in resources that deviate from the SAF’s core interest of building a strong military is arguably absurd, especially given the subjective effectiveness of these measures. Additionally, with NS a temporary commitment, whatever benefits incurred will be short-term and individualistic.

While these are valid points, the SAF must recognize the true bedrock of their organization - Singaporean sons with aspirations beneath the uniform. NS must acknowledge that it plays a cardinal role in influencing the behavior of the conscripted males. There must be some degree of moral responsibility to ensure the safety and stability of our NSFs.

NS remains a prominent color in my life canvas. Brushes of joy and sorrow have made this milestone meaningful, and the memories forged will be cherished forever. But while I graduated relatively sound, others have not been so fortunate. We need to make a difference through simple acts of kindness. We need to introduce color into this bleak mental landscape.

599 Words 

Reflection 

NS will always remain a meaningful milestone to me. While I was fortunate enough to be given an appointment where I could impact people, it opened my eyes to the “true reality” of the SAF and how they treat those with mental health issues. Although I openly declared my emotional issues (and occasional mental instability), I was lucky enough to have gotten empathetic and understanding commanders who continued to support me. A handful of my peers though weren’t so blessed.

This piece is not meant to invoke feelings of anger or disgust towards NS and the organizations that shape it, although such sensations are valid. Instead, I want my readers, especially those who do not need to serve, to glimpse into the very real reality that Singaporean guys must endure for 2 years. We are all fragile beings, and our mental health is arguably the primary glue that holds us together. In the army, you can either strengthen it or be absolutely crushed by the pressure of expectations and arduous training. I want this piece to hopefully enact some change in the system.

After all, we remain the unwilling, trained by the unqualified, to do the necessary, for the ungrateful.

200 Words