Mandatory military service builds character and national unity, but does it actually prepare young people for modern defense needs? I served in Singapore where two years of conscription felt like a rite of passage, yet the skills I learned—basic rifle drills and route marches—seem outdated against drone warfare and cyber threats. Maybe the real value isn't combat readiness but instilling discipline and a shared sense of duty across society. Still, I wonder if forcing someone to serve against their will creates resentment that undermines long-term cohesion, especially when some get exemptions for education or health while others don't. So, is mandatory military service still worth the cost in a world where wars are fought with algorithms and remote operators?