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## Surviving as an Independent Nation State (1965-Late 1970s) ### The First Generation of National Servicemen - The first generation of national servicemen stepped up to the task of defending Singapore despite having to make sacrifices. - They knew their country faced genuine threats to its defenc...

## Surviving as an Independent Nation State (1965-Late 1970s) ### The First Generation of National Servicemen - The first generation of national servicemen stepped up to the task of defending Singapore despite having to make sacrifices. - They knew their country faced genuine threats to its defence and security. ### Did You Know? * Women have played a role in the SAF since its earliest days. * Some served as regular personnel, while many others volunteered as part-time military personnel. * Initially taking on supply, clerical and signalling roles, women in the SAF can now serve in roles such as tank commanders and fighter pilots. * Today, there are more than 1,500 women serving as regular personnel in the SAF. * Women also serve as volunteers in the SAF Volunteer Corps that started in 2015. ### Singapore Today - Because of NS, Singapore today has a sizeable force that can be mobilised to defend the country. - National servicemen form the bulk of the SAF's fighting force, contributing to Singapore's peace and stability. - NS, as the foundation of Singapore's national defence, remains critical to Singapore's continued survival and success.  - It also creates a common experience, bringing together people of different races, religions and backgrounds. ### Establishing a Home-Grown Defence Industry - With NS, Singapore now had the manpower to defend itself but how would it equip the men? - Soldiers need a whole range of equipment to train and fight wars, from basic items such as uniforms and boots, to sophisticated weapons such as tanks and airplanes. ### Singapore's Challenges * Even though the SAF had inherited equipment from the British, it was mostly obsolete and inadequate for the growing demands of the SAF. * Over time, it acquired equipment from other countries, such as the United States and France.  * However, Singapore was aware that relying on foreign countries for all its military equipment was a potential weakness. ### Think! Why was it a potential weakness for Singapore to rely on foreign countries for its military equipment?