Which Is a More Effective Strategy Adopted by the Singapore Government to Deter Threats from Aggressors-Establishing a Citizen Armed Force or Building Its Own Defence Industry? Explain Your Answer. [13]

Which is a more effective strategy adopted by the Singapore government to deter threats from aggressors-establishing a citizen armed force or building its own Defence Industry? Explain your answer. [13]

One of the strategies adopted by the Singapore government to deter threats from aggressors is establishing a citizen armed force. As Singapore's manpower is limited, the government decided to build a citizen armed force through enlisting able bodied men into the army at 1967. This ensures there's a large capable armed force to defend Singapore. Besides that, it also ensures the fighters maintain their competence in handling new weapons and equipment and learn new tactics of war. The government spends huge sum of money in maintaining a large army force. NS helps Singaporean men to bond and share a common experience. They develop a sense of loyalty and patriotism and shared destiny for Singapore and continue to serve in the citizen armed force as Operationally Ready NS men. Citizen armed force deters aggressors as they are not facing a small army but a united and loyal citizen armed force. The strong military force is self-reliant and capable so potential aggressors know that any military adventurism will be high and so they will think twice before attacking.

Another strategy adopted is building its own Defence Industry. Developing an effective fighting force is only possible with the use of latest technology and equipment .Singapore's defence industry which started at 1967 ensures our armed forces are self-reliant in having essential defence weapons and equipment. It also focuses on providing cost-effective and modern technology to the army as well as on buying and upgrading weapons and developing new weapons .Singapore's defence Industry helps in improving the capability and effectiveness of the army by overcoming its constraints through its own innovations. It also conducts defence-related research and development activities with other countries and local tertiary institutions. Defence industry deters threats from aggressors as they are aware that Singapore is not dependent on foreign arms suppliers and that they have their own weapons putting them in a better state to fight.

To sum up, aggressors will think twice before attacking Singapore as they are facing large and capable armed force. The self-reliant and capable strong military force warns potential aggressors that any military adventurism will be high. While citizen armed force shows the strength of the manpower, Defence industry makes sure Singapore is not dependent on foreign arms suppliers and that it has its own weapons so that it have a upper hand in any fight. Due to the defence industry soldiers are ensured that they can fight effectively and efficiently, boosting their confidence.

A large citizen armed force may not be successful in deterring an aggressor who has strong and powerful modern technology that weakens the use of manpower.