Ministry of Defense Size of army
I posted my view that 120,000 soldiers, comprising of 37,000 regulars, 25,000 full time NS men and 50,000 operationally ready reservists (for a three year cycle) is adequate for the defense of 700 sm, including operating from a wider perimeter.

One person asked me to justify that 120,000 solders is enough.

I asked him to justify that 120,000 soldiers is not enough. He should do his research and present his findings that we need more than 120,000 people.

That would contribute to a more meaningful discussion.

I obtained the following figures of the armed forces of these countries:

Australia - 80,000 full time soldiers and active reservists
Canada - 71,500 regulars and 30,000 reservists
Switzerland - 140,000 active personnel
Malaysia - 110,000 active personnel

The number of soldiers may not matter much in a conflict. It is the firepower, i.e. planes, tanks, armored vehicles and battle ships that count more. In that respect, we do have adequate firepower. 

Tan Kin Lian
 

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