90-734: The Individual Physical Proficiency Test ( IPPT ) is a standard physical fitness test used by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to test the basic components of physical fitness and motor skills of their members. The IPPT is applicable to all eligible persons with National Service (NS) liability, including Full-Time National Servicemen (NSFs), Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen, or reservists ), and regulars. The test presently consists of three stations: sit-up , push-up , and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run. Based on their age, sex and vocation, persons taking
180-636: A nation state , the British colonial force defended Singapore. The Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps (SVRC) was first created in 1854 as a private organisation, with the governor serving as its first Colonel . It was later gazetted in 1857. However, participation in the SVRC was weak and it was disbanded on 16 December 1887 in favour of forming an artillery corps instead. This was to be the Singapore Volunteer Artillery (SVA), which
270-604: A "Physical Employment Status" (PES), which will be used as a guideline to determine for which vocation groupings they are deemed suitable. PES A and PES B1 (combat-fit) recruits go through a nine-week Basic Military Training (BMT) program, held at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on the offshore island of Pulau Tekong . Recruits who are considered obese , are required to attend a 19-week PES Bp BMT weight-loss program. PES B2 formally PES C1 (fit for some combat vocations) recruits will go through
360-557: A 12-week junior term that trains cadets to lead sections , as well as a 27-week senior term that trains them to lead platoons . In May 1980, the Medical Officer Cadet Course was introduced for officers who wanted to take up medical or dental professions in the Singapore Armed Forces. The SAFTI Military Institute was opened was 9 June 1990 and a new 42-week Tri-Service Officer Cadet Course
450-451: A 4.8 km (3.0 mi) run to be completed within 30 minutes, and the completion of a 9.6 km (6.0 mi) run within 70 minutes while wearing the skeletal battle order (a type of load-bearing equipment). In 1979, this test was replaced by the IPPT, which consisted of five stations: push-up, sit-up, chin-up, half-knee bend and a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run. The half-knee bend component
540-686: A change-of-command parade whenever there is a change in appointment holder. Overall command of the Corps of Cadets OCS-SAFTI MI falls on the shoulders of the Commander OCS, who also serves as commandant of the Corps. Majority of the Corps is made up of direct entry officer cadets straight out of basic military training at the BMT Centre, with graduates of the Specialist Cadet School and career soldiers and specialists forming
630-415: A maximum of 40 days per workyear for national duties, refresher trainings, mobilisations, upgrading courses and individual physical fitness tests and conditioning, depending on their NS unit deployment. Prior to enlistment, pre-enlistees (recruits) are required to attend a medical examination ( PULHHEEMS ) to determine their medical status to assess vocational suitability postings. They will then be issued
720-673: A maximum of seven weeks each time at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area and other locations. Under the Singapore Armed Forces Act, the president of Singapore has the authority to raise and maintain the SAF. The president also has the power to form, disband or amalgamate units within the SAF. The Armed Forces Council (AFC) administers matters relating to the SAF under the Singapore Armed Forces Act. The AFC consists of: Military offences are governed by
810-529: A nine-week modified BMT programme at BMTC. PES C and PES E recruits (non-combat-fit) undertake a nine-week modified BMT program in BMTC School V at Kranji Camp II, where serviceman undergoing a four-week modified BMT programme before being deployed to various combat service support vocations such as Admin Support Assistant (ASA), Transport Operator, and Supply Assistant (SA). All servicemen, with
900-493: A number of US military vessels visit Singapore. The US Navy's Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific is now located at Sembawang. The MOU was amended in 1999 to permit US naval vessels to berth at Changi Naval Base , which was completed in early 2001. Singapore's defence resources have also been used for international humanitarian aid missions. They included United Nations peacekeeping missions in areas such as Kosovo , Kuwait and East Timor , participation in
990-623: A person has to accumulate a minimum total number of points from all three stations to pass or qualify for the Gold, Silver or Pass with Incentive standard. The updated IPPT format was rolled out in 2015. The IPPT is applicable to all NSFs, NSmen and regulars who hold the Physical Employment Standards (PES) status of A, B/B1 or B2/C1. All IPPT-eligible servicemen and servicewomen are assigned IPPT windows based on their birthdays. The window opens on his/her birthday and closes on
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#17327881248641080-471: A post on Facebook that the IPPT will be reduced from five stations to three: The standing broad jump, chin-up, and 4 x 10 m shuttle run stations will be removed – with the sit-up station and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run kept intact – and a new station, push-up, will be added. The details of the scoring system of the new IPPT were announced by the Ministry of Defence on 24 July. Under this new scoring system,
1170-569: A selection process that included written and IQ tests, physical fitness tests and interviews. Out of 2,500 applicants, 300 were chosen to undergo officer training. SAFTI was officially opened on 18 June 1966 by Minister for Defence Goh Keng Swee , and the 300 cadets were to form the first cadre of cadets of the SAFTI's officer wing - then the School of Infantry Officers SAFTI (SIO-SAFTI). The SIO held its first public parade on National Day 1966 as part of
1260-483: A silver or gold standard in a physical fitness test have an additional two months reduction, serving 22 months of NS effectively. Upon completion of their NSF stint, servicemen are considered as having reached their Operationally-ready Date (ORD) and are known as Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Almost all NSmen go through a 10-year reservist cycle of military training with their assigned unit deployment. Almost all NSmen are obliged to be called up annually for
1350-568: A source of controversy over the years. Malays were virtually excluded from conscription from the beginning of the draft in 1967 until 1977 and, after the policy was eased, were assigned mainly to serve in the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force , and not active combat roles. In 1987, Lee Hsien Loong (then Second Minister for Defence) stated that "If there is a conflict, if
1440-575: A three-man team. At present, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is one of the largest employers of engineers and scientists in Singapore and the SAF continues to devote considerable resources to defence research and development (R&D) and experimentation—5% and 1% of the defence budget, respectively. Singapore's education system has also produced national servicemen who can be trained to operate SAF's sophisticated platforms and systems. In Sep 2008,
1530-527: A very high level of capability" and are "all integrated into a single cohesive fighting force." Armed Forces Day is commemorated by the SAF annually on 1 July, with a parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute . On 1 July 2018, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen announced that the SAF would transition from its current third-generation technologies to fourth next-generation technologies by overhauling its arsenal . On 27 February 2019,
1620-505: A window starting from their birthday and closing on the day before their next birthday. This continues until they are posted to the Ministry of Defence Reserves or when they are medically downgraded to a Physical Employment Standards (PES) status of C2 or below. Before 1 September 2014, NSmen had to attempt the IPPT at least once within the first nine months of their IPPT window. They could take their IPPT during their annual In-Camp Training ( reservist training), or at another timing during
1710-787: Is a military training centre that trains commissioned officers for the four branches of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF): the Army , the Navy , the Air Force , and the Digital and Intelligence Service . Located within the SAFTI Military Institute complex in Jurong West , it has twelve wings inclusive of tri-service wings. Nine wings are named according to the NATO phonetic alphabet from A (Alpha) to E (Echo) and S (Sierra) and T (Tango), while
1800-809: Is assisted by the four chiefs of the respective services, who are two-star generals/admirals by establishment. The SAF has a Sergeant Major who currently holds the rank of CWO. The CDF is also supported by the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, the Joint Operations Directorate, Joint Plans & Transformation Department, the Joint Manpower Department, the Joint Logistic Department, the Joint Intelligence Directorate, and Office of
1890-479: Is capable of mobilising over 252,500 reservists (also known as National Servicemen, or NSmen) in the event of national exigencies or a full-scale war. It also has a large pool of conscripts (also known as Full-time National Servicemen, or NSFs) in the active and reserve forces, with about 50,000 reaching military age annually. In recent years, the SAF has also taken on a more active role in counter-terrorism efforts. Prior to Singapore attaining its independence as
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#17327881248641980-468: Is in the shape of a stick figure in a running pose enclosed in a circle. The Gold standard achiever's badge has a star beside the stick figure while the Silver one does not. The Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Prison Service's version has a stick figure in a running pose against a Gold or Silver background. Singapore Armed Forces The Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ) are the military of
2070-632: Is part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements , whose other members include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia . Designed to replace the former defence role of the British in Singapore and Malaysia, the arrangement obliges members to consult in the event of external threat against Malaysia and Singapore. To this end, an Integrated Air Defence System is set up in Butterworth, Malaysia involving
2160-408: Is responsible for the design and development of the following military hardware: The SAF's first-generation army uniform was named Temasek Green from the simple flat green uniform, with brown and blue colours being used for the navy and air force's uniforms respectively. This was followed by the second-generation uniform, which used a patchy camouflage pattern for the army, while using overalls for
2250-459: Is similar to the proportion for eligible non-Malays." Women are exempt from full-time National Service in Singapore, but can sign on as a career soldier in both combat and non-combat roles. The range of positions available to women has been expanded gradually. In July 2007, the SAF held an exhibition highlighting the contributions of women in the armed forces. In recent years, some women have taken higher positions, such as BG Gan Siow Huang , who
2340-414: Is the highest ranking female officer and the first female General in the SAF. In 2014, a governmental Committee to Strengthening NS established a SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC). The SAFVC enables women, first generation Permanent Residents and new citizens to contribute to national defence and strengthen support for NS. Volunteers undergo a four-week course to gain basic military skills and values. Under
2430-557: The 1915 Singapore Mutiny . In 1921, the SVC was combined with other volunteer forces from Malacca and Penang as the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF). During World War II the voluntary military forces of Singapore sustained heavy casualties. The voluntary military force of Singapore was reestablished in 1949. In 1965 an Israeli military advisory team arrived in Singapore, which would remain in
2520-504: The 1970 Bhola cyclone , 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , Hurricane Katrina , 2008 Sichuan earthquake , April 2015 Nepal earthquake , Hurricane Harvey , among others. In addition, the SAF has assisted the United Nations to oversee and supervise the electoral process in countries such as Cambodia , Ethiopia , Namibia and South Africa . It has an approximate active strength of over 51,000 full-time personnel and
2610-404: The 2005 Nias–Simeulue earthquake , the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake , Hurricane Katrina , and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake . Singapore's spending on military hardware has enabled the SAF to advance from a defensive and defeatist "poisoned shrimp" strategy to a forward defence military strategy in tandem with sustained economic growth . Since the 1980s the government of Singapore has maintained
2700-516: The Enlistment Act 1970 , conscription is mandatory for all "persons subject to [the] act", defined as those who are not less than 16 years and 6 months of age and not more than 40 years of age, with some exemptions and with no specific bias to gender. In practice however, it is only compulsory for all Singaporean men who have reached 18 years of age, and are not deferred or exempted for certain reasons, to be conscripted in military service. NS
2790-765: The Multi-National Force – Iraq , sending military equipment and personnel to assist in the humanitarian rescue and relief efforts in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , and the United States after Hurricane Katrina , sending medical supplies and personnel in response to the earthquake in Nepal and establishing medical and dental assets for use by the Afghan people. The Republic of Singapore Navy contributes to anti-piracy efforts in
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2880-473: The Republic of Singapore , responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the armed forces have four service branches : the Army , Navy , Air Force , and Digital and Intelligence Service . An integrated force , it is one of the most capable, robust, technologically sophisticated and powerful militaries in
2970-453: The Singapore Armed Forces . Before then officer training had been held overseas at British and Commonwealth academies. While SAFTI was under construction at Pasir Laba Camp, 60 officers and non-commissioned officers were selected to attend a three-month instructors' preparatory course at Jurong Primary School conducted by a group of foreign advisers. In May 1966, the Ministry of Interior and Defence started recruiting trainees for SAFTI through
3060-563: The United States Congress approved, with the option to acquire a further eight more and beyond. This acquisition is significant as "Singapore will fly the most advanced fleet of fighters in its region" which reflects its security relationship with the United States . Furthermore, Singapore stands out from all the other countries in Southeast Asia with its technological sophistication and equipment that "operates at
3150-828: The combat service support formations will attend the Support Officer Cadet Jungle Orientation Training course in Brunei before they report to their respective military schools. Cadets in Infantry will go on two overseas training courses during the Professional Term: the first is to either Taiwan or Thailand for general infantry training, and the second is to Brunei for the Jungle Confidence Course. Navy and Air Force cadets continue their training at
3240-430: The 10 sessions, they no longer need to attend additional sessions of Remedial Training. Since 30 May 2011, all IPPT-eligible NSmen of the age of 35 or above are required to undergo a compulsory medical examination every year to ensure that they are medically fit to take the IPPT. Starting from 1 September 2014, NSmen are allowed to attempt and pass the IPPT throughout the entire one-year IPPT window instead of only within
3330-734: The Army and Air Force, Midshipmen (MIDs) if they serve in the Navy, and Senior Military Expert Trainees (ME4Ts) if they serve in the Digital and Intelligence Service. The Officer Cadet School traces its origins to the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI), which was established in Pasir Laba Camp on 14 February 1966 as a military institute to train officers and non-commissioned officers for
3420-953: The Gulf of Aden off the eastern coast of Somalia as part of the 25 nations coalition Combined Maritime Forces . Several of the SAF's top officers have thus overseas operational military experience. Singapore was the only Asian country to contribute assets and personnel to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and had participated in Operation Gallant Phoenix since May 2017. Many of the Singapore's air units are located abroad such as: No. 130 Squadron in Australia, No. 150 Squadron in France, or joint USAF - RSAF 425th and 428th Fighter Squadron . Since 2009, up to 90 soldiers annually are sent to Germany for exercises of
3510-466: The IPPT are required to meet certain standards under the IPPT Standards and Scoring System in order to pass the test. As of October 2013, about 116,000 people take the IPPT every year. Personnel who have a Physical Employment Standards (PES) status of B3/4, C or E are exempt from taking the IPPT. When National Service was first introduced in Singapore in 1967, the physical fitness test included
3600-595: The IPPT at least once in every IPPT window which follows the 31 March – 1 April work year. For certain vocations, such as Commandos and Divers, personnel are required to obtain the Gold standard in the IPPT. To qualify for admission to the Officer Cadet School or Specialist Cadet School , recruits undergoing Basic Military Training have to obtain either a Gold or Silver standard in the IPPT before they pass out – in addition to fulfilling other requirements. NSmen are required to take their IPPT annually within
3690-422: The IPPT before the 20 sessions are up. NSmen who fail to complete the 20-session Remedial Training face disciplinary action too. The IPPT Badge is awarded to Singapore Armed Forces , Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Prison Service personnel who have obtained a Gold or Silver standard in the IPPT. It comes in the form of a badge or pin to be attached to the left sleeve of the uniform. The badge or pin
Individual physical proficiency test - Misplaced Pages Continue
3780-506: The IPPT consisted of five stations: sit-up, standing broad jump, chin-up, 4 x 10 m shuttle run and 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run. On 1 April 2011, the Enhanced NS IPPT system for NSmen was implemented, incorporating principles of physical training science to enable servicemen to train more effectively and giving them greater flexibility in managing their training schedules. In late 2013, the Ministry of Defence announced that it
3870-773: The Inspector-General of the Armed Forces. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has five rank schemes for active and reservist personnel, with a sixth for the auxiliaries of the SAF Volunteer Corps . The SAF has a unique rank structure as an integrated force, ranks are the same in the Singapore Army , the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). The SAF utilises technology as " force multipliers ", especially in
3960-483: The Personal Performance Targets, they had to attend eight sessions of Remedial Training instead. The IPPT Preparatory Training scheme has since been further updated so that NSmen only need to complete 10 sessions to clear their IPPT requirement for the year regardless of whether they meet their Personal Performance Targets or not. Even if they fail to meet their Personal Performance Targets after
4050-602: The SAF and the Enlistment Act in the Singapore Statutes. However, civilian offences (e.g. against the Penal Code) may also amount to a military offence. Offences may be prosecuted by military prosecutors, through the military justice system, or through the civilian judicial system. The SAF consists of four service branches: The SAF comprises seven standing task forces: Supporting the combat role of
4140-874: The SAF are other governmental organisations of MINDEF, such as the Defence Policy Group, the Defence Management Group, the Defence Technology Group, and the Defence Science & Technology Agency. Within these groups are the Central Manpower Base , Defence Cyber Organisation, and the Military Security Department . Domestic technology companies also play a role in building up Singapore's military capabilities, particularly
4230-460: The SAF as a modern and technically proficient armed force that is capable of conventional warfare on land. The SAF's declared mission statement is to "enhance Singapore’s peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor". The SAF's policy towards Malay people , who share religious and ethnic ties with Singapore's largest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, has been
4320-525: The SAF in Singapore has developed extensive links with armed forces from other countries. In recent years, there has also been an increased emphasis on peacekeeping and international emergency relief operations. Notable are the SAF's contribution to the peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan , East Timor , the Persian Gulf , as well as the disaster response in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake ,
4410-436: The SAF in Singapore was to pose a reasonable deterrence to the two historically hostile neighbours of Singapore. Singapore became known as the "most heavily armed country on earth" when it purchased light tanks , M113 armoured personnel carriers , A-4 Skyhawks , and F-5 fighter aircraft in the mid-1970s. In the 1980s the SAF in Singapore armed itself to attain the capability to defend Singapore's maritime lifeline. In
4500-570: The SAF is called to defend the homeland, we do not want to put any of our soldiers in a difficult position where his emotions for the nation may be in conflict with his religion." Military analyst Sean Walsh claimed that "official discrimination against the Malay population remains an open secret". The Ministry of Defence contests the charge, noting that there are "Malay pilots, commandos and air defence personnel" and stating that "the proportion of eligible Malays selected for specialist and officer training
4590-515: The SAF officially opened its Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF) to hone the SAF's networked urban operations capability. The MUTF resembles a typical town and allows the soldiers to train realistically in an urban setting. In the same month, the SAF's new combat uniform, as well as the Advanced Combat Man System , were also unveiled for the first time. The country also has an established military manufacturing industry that
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#17327881248644680-688: The SAFTI Military Institute before they leave for further training at sea and Air Force Training Command respectively for the last six months of the Professional Term. All cadets attend the Joint Term at the SAFTI Military Institute in the last three weeks, during which they learn how the three service branches work with each other and rehearse for their Commissioning Parade. At the Commissioning Parade,
4770-525: The Southeast Asia region. The SAF is headed by the chief of defence force , appointed by the President , on the advice of the Cabinet . Since its inception, the SAF has been involved in various operations, both domestically and abroad. These include peacekeeping missions in places such as Afghanistan , Iraq , Nepal and Timor Leste as well as disaster relief operations in various countries, including
4860-417: The area of C4I integration, which will enable its various units to fight in an integrated manner. The Army, Air Force and Navy are linked via advanced data-links and networks to enable coordinated attacks and support for various units and forces. Technology is an important element in the SAF's transformation into a 3rd Generation Fighting Force. The SAF acknowledges that technology is crucial for overcoming
4950-793: The army and navy. The third and current generation of combat uniforms, commonly known as the No. 4, uses digital camouflage with base colours green, blue, light grey and dark grey for the army, air force, navy and DIS respectively. In June 2018, the SAF introduced a new variant of the uniform for combat units, which provides more effective cooling in a manner similar to the ones issued to US army personnel for tropical climates. The SAF's desert-camouflage uniforms are only issued to personnel deployed overseas to countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Officer Cadet School (Singapore) The Officer Cadet School ( OCS , Chinese : 见习军官学府 , Malay : Sekolah Pegawai Kadet , Tamil : பயிற்சி அதிகாரிப் பள்ளி )
5040-554: The basis of their academic qualifications and extra-curricular activities before they enlisted for National Service. In 1977, OCS introduced an overseas training component in the Standard Military Course. On 1 June 1980, OCS became OCS-SAFTI and a nine-month Infantry Officer Cadet Course was introduced on 1 September 1980. Under the new system, officer cadets were selected only after they had completed their basic military training . The nine-month course consisted of
5130-525: The best air force and navy in Southeast Asia." Singapore's wealth allows it to acquire and make the best equipment available as well as incorporate high-end technological equipment into its nation military forces. The SAF is also called "the most technologically advanced armed forces across the Association of Southeast Asian Nation states". A key recent example was Singapore's decision to acquire four Lockheed Martin's F-35B Joint Strike Fighters , which
5220-599: The cadets receive their commissions with the rank of Second Lieutenant from either the President of Singapore or a representative of the President, such as a Cabinet Minister or Minister of State . Like commissioned officers and warrant officers , the cadets wear their rank insignia on chest straps on combat uniforms and shoulderboards on full dress uniforms . The insignia consists of one, two or three white bars denoting their seniority: Freshmen, Junior Bar, and Senior Bar cadets respectively. Senior cadets also have
5310-401: The collection of reusable masks. The SAF also deployed manpower to assist in manning thermal imagery machines at the airport to screen travellers with symptoms. The SAF was also involved in managing COVID-19 cases in foreign worker dormitories and at isolation facilities Deterrence and diplomacy have been the fundamental tenets of Singapore's military defence policy. Through the years,
5400-500: The command and control of operations involving several battalions. Singapore has consistently supported a strong US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In 1990, the US and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which allows the US access to Singapore facilities at Paya Lebar Air Base and the Sembawang wharves. Under the MOU, a US Navy logistics unit was established in Singapore in 1992; US fighter aircraft deploy periodically to Singapore for exercises, and
5490-453: The country for the next nine years. Under the guidance of the Israeli military advisory team, the SAF established its organisation, doctrine, training, as well as its equipment, and arsenal . The SAF in Singapore benefited from conscription and massive public spending. In the mid-1970s, the SAF in Singapore had a force of 300,000 soldiers, including regular soldiers, conscript soldiers, as well as reserve force soldiers. The political purpose of
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#17327881248645580-427: The day before his/her next birthday. The IPPT Standards and Scoring System is based on the person's age, sex and vocation. IPPT-eligible persons are grouped based on their birthdays into six different age categories (X, Y, Y1, Z, Z1, Z2/V) ranging from below 25 years old to 49 years old. There are four IPPT vocation groupings: Commandos / Divers ; Guards ; Combat; Service. The Scoring System awards grades and points to
5670-473: The exception commandos, naval divers and service support vocation units, will complete their BMT at BMTC. Initially, commissioned officers were drawn exclusively from the ranks of Singaporeans who had completed their GCE A levels or embarked on tertiary studies. While the requirements have since been revised, the SAF has still been criticised for "using a promotion system that is based more on education and scholarships than on proven competence". Singapore
5760-513: The exercise platoon commander wears an orange rank insignia of a Lieutenant while the exercise platoon sergeant wears an orange rank insignia of a First Sergeant . Cadets who take on admin appointments wear the white bar rank insignia with additional loops and whorls to denote their appointments, such as Cadet Platoon Commander and Cadet Platoon Sergeant. The cadets are evaluated on their performance while they are holding these exercise and admin appointments. Each wing's Wing Sergeant Major conducts
5850-401: The first nine months of their IPPT window had to attend and complete 20 Remedial Training sessions within the last three months of their IPPT window at any Singapore Armed Forces Fitness and Conditioning Centre. Before 1 September 2014, NSmen were also allowed to attend a voluntary IPPT Preparatory Training scheme consisting of 10 sessions within the first nine months of their IPPT window. Under
5940-504: The first nine months. They could also complete their 10-session IPPT Preparatory Training or 20-session Remedial Training within the one-year IPPT window as well, instead of only within the last three months. The monetary incentives for achieving Gold, Silver and Pass with Incentive standards have also been increased. NSmen who do not attempt their IPPT are subject to disciplinary action, in addition to having to complete 20 sessions of Remedial Training in their next IPPT window unless they pass
6030-405: The first two weeks of the Service term, cadets take the Common Leadership Module and undergo an initiation ceremony at the end of the two weeks to mark their entry to OCS. After that, they branch into their respective services for the Service Term. From weeks 3 to 14, Army cadets undergo platoon and section -level infantry training. At the end of the Service term, Army cadets will be attached to
6120-450: The government-linked ST Engineering (formerly known as Chartered Industries of Singapore), which has designed and built SAF weaponry and equipment. The position of Chief of Defence Force was established in 1990, with the inaugural holder being Winston Choo , who was previously Chief of the General Staff. The SAF is headed by the CDF, a three-star General by establishment and the only active SAF General that can hold three-star rank. He
6210-554: The hijackers gave their ultimatum to have their demands fulfilled at 6.15am SGT of the following morning, Commandos from SAF's Special Operations Force (SOF) stormed the plane, killing all hijackers and rescuing the hostages. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, SAF paramedics were deployed at Changi Airport to screen incoming passengers from places hit by SARS. The SAF also deployed 220 servicemen with operations such as screening, contact tracing and enforcing home quarantine orders. The team also managed other major operations, such as
6300-427: The initial version of the scheme, they had to meet certain Personal Performance Targets, similar to the IPPT Standards, before the 10th session in order to be exempted from Remedial Training. If they did not complete all 10 sessions, they had to attend and complete the 20 sessions of Remedial Training in the last three months of their IPPT window. If they completed all 10 IPPT Preparatory Training sessions but did not meet
6390-455: The last two weeks, all the cadets returned to OCS to rehearse for their commissioning parade. In 2004, after National Service was further reduced from two years and six months to two years, the Officer Cadet Course was shortened from 42 weeks to 38 weeks. The new 38-week course had its first batch of cadets on 21 March 2005. The current Officer Cadet Course is 38 weeks long and divided into three terms: Service, Professional, and Joint. During
6480-460: The limitations of Singapore's small population. Having consistently had one of the largest defence budgets in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore has focused on maintaining its spending on sophisticated and superior weaponry. Research and experimentation to develop a technological edge began as early as 1971, even though the SAF then had only rudimentary capabilities. The effort started off with
6570-462: The mid-1980s Singapore purchased eight F-16 fighter-bombers , demonstrating the intent to maintain the SAF as unrivalled in Southeast Asia . In the early 1990s the SAF in Singapore attained the military force necessary to defend Singapore up to 1,000 miles at sea, and therefore respond if necessary to any conflict in the region. Singapore has been described as "a military powerhouse with
6660-400: The nine-month period at any of the various test centres around Singapore. NSmen were allowed to attempt the IPPT as many times as they wished, provided they had not already achieved the Gold standard. Besides, NSmen were only paid for their first three attempts. Based on the former IPPT Gazette under the Enlistment Act (dated 26 May 2006), NSmen who did not attempt or did not pass the IPPT within
6750-434: The office of Inspector-General of the Armed Forces was set up to ensure that safety protocols are applied and enforced throughout the military following the death of Aloysius Pang , who was the fourth training related fatality in 18 months after 2017. On 15 March 1986, the six-storey Hotel New World collapsed. SAF soldiers aided in rescue operations, working alongside members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force to remove
6840-506: The overall SAFTI battalion that took part that day. On 16 July 1967, only 117 of the 300 cadets successfully completed their training and received their commissions at the SAFTI parade square. SAFTI received its colours from Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in a ceremony on 16 June 1968. In 1969, six women from the People's Defence Force were offered positions for officer training at SAFTI owing to their outstanding performance. On 10 July 1970,
6930-531: The privilege of taking on school-level appointments in deference to their seniority and course performance during their service term. The graduating class wears peaked caps instead of berets . All cadets take on exercise and admin appointments to hone their leadership skills. Cadets who take on exercise appointments serve as appointment holders (e.g. platoon commander , platoon sergeant ) during field exercises and wear orange-coloured rank insignia similar to that worn by their non-trainee counterparts. For example,
7020-611: The quarantine of 1,500 staff from the Institute of Mental Health. In 2004, the Singapore Armed Forces also responded to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . During the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, SAF servicemen were called upon to pack and transport masks, conduct tracing calls, and check compliance with stay home notices. MINDEF personnel also ran the National Call Centre to address public queries on
7110-416: The raw scores obtained by the person at each of the five test stations. The person is required to obtain a minimum grade for each station and accumulate a minimum total number of points for all stations in order to pass the IPPT. Based on his/her score, the person may be awarded the Gold, Silver or Pass standard, and he/she may receive a monetary incentive accordingly. NSFs and regulars are required to attempt
7200-640: The remaining three wings (Mids, Air and Dis) are for the Navy, Air Force, and Digital and Intelligence Service, respectively. The trainees are mostly drawn from the best performing recruits in each basic military training cohort. Trainees with outstanding performance from the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), where specialists ( non-commissioned officers ) are trained, are also invited to transfer to OCS. Career soldiers may also attend OCS on application, recommendation and selection. OCS trainees are known as Officer Cadets (OCTs) if they serve in
7290-568: The rubble. RSAF UH-1H helicopters were on standby at the nearby Farrer Park football field to evacuate rescued victims to the Singapore General Hospital. On 26 March 1991, Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked by four Pakistanis en route to Singapore. Upon landing in Changi Airport at 8:15pm SGT, the hijackers demanded the release of several Pakistan Peoples Party members. Negotiations faltered, and after
7380-471: The six women received their commissions along with the fourth batch of infantry officer cadets. The first batch of cadets who attended the Officer Cadet Course was commissioned on 11 November 1972. As more companies were set up to train cadets, the School of Infantry Officers was renamed Officer Cadet School (OCS) and its headquarters was set up on 1 June 1969. In 1972, a "scholars platoon"
7470-572: The stationing of officers from the 5 countries at its headquarters. In 1975, President Chiang Ching-kuo and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew signed an agreement code-named "Project Starlight" (星光計畫, also known as Hsing Kuang), wherein Singaporean troops could conduct training exercises in Taiwan. These exercises, engaging as many as 10,000 troops at any one time, provided officers a chance to simulate wartime conditions more closely and gain experience in
7560-571: The various formations (e.g. Armour , Artillery , Combat Engineers , Infantry , Signals ) based on their preferences, performance during the Service Term, security clearance, among other criteria. During the Professional Term from weeks 15 to 35, Army cadets in Infantry remain in the SAFTI Military Institute for further training, while the rest go to various military schools (e.g. Artillery Institute, School of Armour, Signal Institute) to receive training specific to their formations. Cadets in
7650-518: Was considering implementing key changes to the IPPT system to put it in line with the fitness tests used in the Australian Defence Force and United States Armed Forces . Some of these changes include: removing the standing broad jump station; adding push-up as a test criterion; extending the distance of the current 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run to 3.2 km (2.0 mi). On 23 July 2014, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen mentioned in
7740-596: Was formed in 1888 to operate the gun emplacements around Singapore, and is also considered to be the predecessor of the artillery formation of the Singapore Armed Forces. In 1901, additional non-artillery units were set up, including a Chinese infantry company, Eurasian infantry company, and the Singapore Volunteer Engineers, leading to the force being renamed as the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC). It assisted in suppressing
7830-491: Was initially three years for commissioned officers and two years for other ranks, but it was later revised to two years and six months for soldiers with the rank of Corporal and above, and two years for those with the rank of Lance Corporal or lower. In June 2004, NS was shortened to two years for all Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), regardless of rank, due to changes in population demographics, manpower requirements and technological advancements. Combat fit NSFs who obtain
7920-576: Was introduced in OCS to encourage cadets with better qualifications to take up government-sponsored scholarships for further training. In the 1970s, after the National Service duration was shortened from three years to two years and six months, OCS introduced a nine-month Standard Military Course on 26 December 1974 to improve officer training and provide officers with a longer service period after commissioning. Officer cadets were selected primarily on
8010-499: Was launched on 17 September 1990 by Lieutenant-General Winston Choo , the Chief of Defence Force . In the first 19 weeks of the course, cadets from all three branches of the Singapore Armed Forces trained in the same environment. After that, the cadets from the Navy, Air Force and the Army's support arms attended vocational training in their respective schools, while Infantry cadets remained in OCS to continue their professional training. In
8100-577: Was removed in 1981. The current format of the IPPT was adapted from the National Physical Fitness Assessment (NAPFA) test protocol developed by the Singapore Sports Council and launched in 1982. Its standards were derived from a NAPFA study, in which the results were scientifically compiled and calibrated to fairly address the various physical fitness abilities of different age groups. Prior to 2015,
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