Akan datang: some myths about NS in Singapore explored

Akan datang... Limpeh shall deal with some of the myths surrounding national service in Singapore. Limpeh has heard many people say a lot of positive things about NS over the years, below are some of the more memorable ones. To be fair, not all of them are false but I'd love to talk about these points in more detail based on my experiences and those of my friends in Singapore.

1. NS will make me/my son/my boyfriend etc grow up and become a man. 
2. NS will be a fun time, filled with adventure to do things you won't otherwise get to do in civilian life.
3. NS is a great time of learning, to pick up skills that you won't otherwise learn in the classroom.
4. NS is a great time for making life long friends, as you have this incredible shared experience. 
5. NS will make my gay son straight. (I kid you not.) 
6. NS will teach me about team work and leadership skills.
7. NS can encourage social cohesion as you make men from different backgrounds work together. 
8. NS will teach me/my son/my boyfriend discipline 
9. Singaporean men look forward to reservist activities as it's like a holiday - they are paid generously for their time, they get to catch up with old friends and it's often a welcome break from a hectic job.
10. NS fosters a sense of patriotism and makes Singaporeans more loyal to their beloved country. 

Oh I could go on, but before I dive into writing this piece, I am wondering if any of my readers have any other myths they would like me to explore please. Remember at this stage, I'm asking for commonly held beliefs about the experience or purpose of NS - feel free to quote your mother or other Singaporean women who don't have to serve NS and usually have some very inaccurate and misinformed impressions of NS! Given that I do have some Singaporean women amongst my readers, I would dearly love to debunk some of those myths for them! 

Okay, you know the drill people, any ideas please ki chiu... leave a comment, kum siah.
Update: Part 1 is now ready! http://limpehft.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/part-1-limpeh-debunks-some-ns-myths.html