Joseph Schooling had his National Service obligations officially deferred again on Aug. 15, to the delight of Singaporeans everywhere.

Here was the reason given for the deferment by Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen;

As he fulfils all the necessary conditions, I am happy to announce that the Armed Forces Council has today approved Joseph Schooling’s appeal for his deferment to be extended and for his NS enlistment to be after the 2020 Olympics.

Joseph can now set his sights on 2020 to defend his Olympic title and win more national glory for Singapore. Let us all wish him many more achievements and success!”

While that is a fine reason, there might be other unofficial reasons why the deferment was granted:

1. Tekong cannot hold Schooling in

Pulau Tekong is surrounded by a body of water.

That is no way to keep in Schooling. That is like trying to keep Steven Lim captive in a cage made out of shame. They are not only unaffected by it, it actually makes them stronger.

If Schooling were to get disillusioned with BMT, there's a chance that he might make a break for it.

Like this guy.

But unlike this disgruntled recruit, if Schooling really decides to swim away, we might never see him again.

Until we develop speedboats that can keep up with him, it would be best to just let him roam free in the world.

2. Hard for commanders to tekan him.

The ranking system in NS plays on the idea that whatever you have achieved outside is put aside in favour of a more military based hierarchy.

But, who can really put aside the fact that he is Singapore's first gold medalist?

Imagine a tekan session between commander and Schooling

Commander: Chao recruit! who do you think you are?

Recruit Schooling: The first ever Singaporean Olympic gold medalist and current holder of the 100m butterfly Olympic record, Sir!

Commander: Ok, thank you for your service.

It's hard to "knock it down" someone you cheered your heart out for only a few weeks earlier.

3. Need to take picture

Can't do that if you're sending him to Tekong at the end of the month.

Top image from Hardware Zone

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