"We must ourselves defend Singapore. We are proud to defend Singapore ourselves, no one else is responsible for our security and well-being." Total Defence was first introduced in 1984 to protect our nation from external and internal threats. There are five aspects in Total Defence which are key sectors of the society. They are Military Defence , Civil Defence (Taking care of family, friends and people around you in times of crisis) , Economic Defence (Working and saving to achieve a better life for everyone) , Social Defence (Living in harmony, looking out for one another) and Psychological Defence (Being a Singaporean and proud of it).
Total Defence was first introduced in 1984 to protect our nation from external and internal threats, and marked annually on the 15th of February. The notion was shaped from experiences of various countries such as Switzerland and Sweden and the fact that utilising military is no longer a stand-alone factor in posing threats to countries. Threats and potential aggressors can emerge in the form that is less perceptible and non-conventional, such as defeating the country by disrupting social cohesion within the country, and bringing the economy down. Total Defence focuses on driving the need for involvement of every Singaporean in keeping the country safe and secure, which is accompanied by an integrated framework to counter threats and challenges should the nation face any of them.
The framework includes the five aspects
of Total Defence: Military Defence (Singaporeans keeping Singapore secure), Civil Defence (Taking care of family, friends and people around you in times of crisis) , Economic Defence (Working and saving to achieve a better life for everyone) , Social Defence (Living in harmony, looking out for one another) and Psychological Defence (Being a Singaporean and proud of it).. They are key sectors of the
society and are essential for the survival of our country. Every
Singaporean plays a part in each sector to strengthen Singapore’s
resilience as a nation.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and evacuation procedures, and shelter management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid, the nearest bomb shelters and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as blood, water and food. Participating in such exercises helps us to be prepared. When we know what to do, we can help to save lives and property, and ensure that life goes on as normally as possible in times of crisis.
Alert at all times
The threat of global terrorism will be around for some time. Much has already been done to ensure that Singapore is well protected against terrorist attacks, but security personnel cannot be everywhere. Singaporeans can help by looking out for, and reporting, anything suspicious.
January 2006: RSS Panglima-Changi Naval Training Base was opened. As the home of the RSN’s Training Command (TRACOM), it is responsible for all aspects of individual training in the RSN. This facility contains a host of high tech training platforms.
The SAF commemorated SAF Day on 1 July with a parade at SAFTI Military Institute. The parade was officiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was attended by more than 3,000 SAF regulars, NSmen and NSFs. The parade programs included the reciting of the SAF pledge, led by Chief of Defense Force, LG Neo Kian Hong, to reaffirm the SAF's loyalty to the nation and its commitment to the defense of Singapore. A minute of silence was also observed in remembrance of SAF personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Total Defence was first introduced in 1984 to protect our nation from external and internal threats, and marked annually on the 15th of February. The notion was shaped from experiences of various countries such as Switzerland and Sweden and the fact that utilising military is no longer a stand-alone factor in posing threats to countries. Threats and potential aggressors can emerge in the form that is less perceptible and non-conventional, such as defeating the country by disrupting social cohesion within the country, and bringing the economy down. Total Defence focuses on driving the need for involvement of every Singaporean in keeping the country safe and secure, which is accompanied by an integrated framework to counter threats and challenges should the nation face any of them.
Civil Defence
Knowing what to do during civil emergenciesThe Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and evacuation procedures, and shelter management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid, the nearest bomb shelters and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as blood, water and food. Participating in such exercises helps us to be prepared. When we know what to do, we can help to save lives and property, and ensure that life goes on as normally as possible in times of crisis.
Alert at all times
The threat of global terrorism will be around for some time. Much has already been done to ensure that Singapore is well protected against terrorist attacks, but security personnel cannot be everywhere. Singaporeans can help by looking out for, and reporting, anything suspicious.
Timeline for Civil Defence
Military Defence: Singaporeans Keeping Singapore Secure
Deterring
aggression
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is a strong defence force that has the capability to deter anyone from thinking of attacking the country. The SAF draws its strength from the support of every Singaporean - national servicemen, families, friends, colleagues and employers.Staying operationally ready
National Service is the only option deemed to ensure our security. When National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time NSmen (NSFs) take their training seriously, they help keep the SAF strong and operationally ready. Our operational readiness is also maintained by ensuring that all equipment is in good working order all the time, and keeping up with the latest advancements in technology to meet new challenges in the battlefield.Able to meet all kinds of challenges
The SAF has widened its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings, and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF will continue to work with other security agencies to deal with such threats.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is a strong defence force that has the capability to deter anyone from thinking of attacking the country. The SAF draws its strength from the support of every Singaporean - national servicemen, families, friends, colleagues and employers.Staying operationally ready
National Service is the only option deemed to ensure our security. When National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time NSmen (NSFs) take their training seriously, they help keep the SAF strong and operationally ready. Our operational readiness is also maintained by ensuring that all equipment is in good working order all the time, and keeping up with the latest advancements in technology to meet new challenges in the battlefield.Able to meet all kinds of challenges
The SAF has widened its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings, and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF will continue to work with other security agencies to deal with such threats.
Timeline for Military Defence
6 February 1819:
A treaty was signed in exchange for exclusive
British rights to a trading post on Singapore Island.
Singapore soon became a flourishing
trading port with vessels calling in from around the region such as
Cochin China, Siam and the East Indies islands, and as far as China,
England and India. She was indeed a testimony to Sir Stamford Raffles
foresight in identifying her as his key to break the Dutch trading
monopoly in the East Indies.
8 July 1854:
Members of the European community congregated and agreed volunteer
force should be formed to strengthen the internal security of
Singapore. This marks the birth of Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps.
December 1887:
Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps was disbanded due to declining
membership.
February 1888:
Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps returned as Singapore Volunteer
Artillery (SVA).
22 February 1888:
Formation of the Singapore Volunteer Artillery (SVA) to assist in
maintenance of internal security.
1901:
The diverse composition of sub-units of Singapore Volunteer Artillery
necessitated the change of name to the Singapore Volunteer Corps
(SVC).
15 May 1901:
Formation of the first Army Cadet Corps in Raffles Institution.
1902:
Second unit of Army Cadet Corps was formed in St Joseph's Institution
to prepare students for the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC).
11 November 1919:
Remembrance Day holds special significance as it commemorates the
sacrifices made by the men and women of the Commonwealth forces
against the Japanese in World War II. Among those remembered are
members of the Singapore Volunteer Corps, the Malay Regiment,
Dalforce(1), Force Z(2) and Operation Rimau(3).
1915:
SVC was crucial in helping to quell a mutiny by the 5th Light
Infantry, Indian Army during World War I.
1922:
SVC was disbanded again and reorganised under the Straits Settlements
Volunteer Force (SSVF), to include other volunteer forces from
Malacca and Penang.
1939:
Construction of Tengah Airbase was completed and Royal Air Force
(RAF) could operate from three airbases - Tengah, Seletar and
Sembawang. The RAF could also utilise the alternate civilian airport
at Kallang.
15 February 1942:
Fall of Singapore
June 1948:
Formation of the First Singapore Regiment Royal Artillery (1 SRRA).
1949:
National Cadet Corps (NCC) also consisted of Sea Cadet Corps and Air
Training Corps.
June 1949:
Rising of a new Volunteer Corp through a recruitment drive. By the
1950s, the newly reformed Singapore Volunteer Corps were to comprise
of more than 1000 men of all ranks and races. Its artillery arm, the
Singapore Royal Artillery (Volunteer) (SRA), was closely affiliated
to 1 SRRA and had a hand in training and operations in Pahang and
Johor at the height of the Emergency. 1 SRRA was disbanded in 1958
and about 150 of its 600 members enlisted in the Singapore Military
Forces (SMF). These men were to become the first batch of instructors
in the post-independent Singapore artillery units.
1949:
SVC was revived to continue until 1965
1960:
SVC was deployed to protect vital installations in Singapore and
southern Johor at the height of the Confrontation.
1963 to 1965:
The SRA (V) was re-designated as the 10th Singapore Volunteer
Artillery (Territorial Army) - 10 SVA (TA) - under the Federal
Territorial Army.
1963:
2 SIR (Second Battalion, Singapore
Infantry Regiment) was formed to control riots and perform
operational duties.
1965:
-PDF Act of 1965 saw the SVC being renamed the People's Defence Force
(PDF).
- RSS Panglima was one of the pioneer ships in the newly formed Singapore Naval Volunteer Force and together with RSS Bedok and RSS Singapura, they provided maritime defences
August 1965:
Formation of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
1966:
SVA was reorganised into 20th People's Defence Force Artillery - 20
PDF (Arty).
February 1966:
Jurong Military School (now known as the SAF Training Institute or
SAFTI) was set up.
1 June 1966:
The first intake of young men had started their Officer Cadets'
training at SAFTI. Cadets undergo intense gruelling physical training
as well as mental and psychological testing.
18 June 1966:
SAFTI declared opened to train officers to lead the new corps of men
who were to form the Singapore Armed Forces.
1st December
1966: The Central Manpower Base (CMPB)
was set up with the purpose of implementing and managing the National
Service Policy.
March 1967:
Enlistment Notices were sent out to selected National Servicemen who
were required to report at Central Manpower Base (CMPB), at Kallang.
August 1967:
Introduction of National Service (NS). The first batch of enlistees
for full-time military service and were introduced into each of the
new battalions– the 3rd and 4th Singapore Infantry Regiments (3 and
4 SIR) at Taman Jurong Camp. Those who were not selected for
full-time military service served in the Peoples’ Defence Force
(PDF), the Vigilante Corps and Special Constabulary.
11th September
1967: Formal training for NSmen.
In the present day fledgling
force has grown into a sophisticated and integrated armed force of
more than 350,000, spread over the Army, Navy and Air Force.
1 September 1967:
20 PDF was renamed 20 Singapore Artillery Battalion (later changed to
20 Battalion Singapore Artillery)
28
October 1967:
School of Basic Military Training (SBMT) was formed at Pulau Blakang
Mati (also known as Sentosa)
February 1968:
Introduced NSFs as artillerymen.
1969:
The NCC HQ was formed, integrating the land, sea, air and Girls'
units, together with NCC Police.
1970:
The police cadet corps element broke away to become the National
Police Cadet Corps (NPCC). With progressive growth and the increasing
need to improve training facilities for the effective implementation
of the NCC programme, HQ NCC moved several times from Pearl's Hill to
Tanglin and then to Haig Road.
1970s:
National Service had firmly taken root and the SAF was
well-established.
1973:
SAF purchased a new M68 155mm gun Howitzer and the first 155mm Gun
Battalion, 23 SAB, was formed. The basic equipment of the SAF's
artillery units was the 120mm mortar in the early years.
April 1975:
Birth of Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). It is a vital part of the
Singapore Armed Forces, for it guards shipping lanes and sea lines of
communications, ensuring a free flow of maritime trade. The
RSN started off in humble fashion and grew into a modern force
through years of thoughtful development. Presently, it consists of
submarines, missile gunboats, missile corvettes, mine counter-measure
vessels, patrol vessels, landing ship tanks and frigates with stealth
capabilities. It now has the ability to protect Singapore from
seaborne threats and contribute to international missions such as
those to Iraq for reconstruction efforts and Indonesia for tsunami
relief work.
Jan
1976:
Infantry Training Depot (ITD), another training school was set up at
Terror Barracks in Sembawang Camp. Both instructors and trainees
subsequently became one of the first SAF occupants in Pulau Tekong
when ITD was relocated to the island.
1980:
Individual Proficiency Test (IPPT) was introduced. NS men were
required to do a stipulated number of chin-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, a
man-carry event, knee-bends and a 2.4km run.
Early 1982:
Introduction of National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) to encourage
people to get fit and measure the overall fitness of the population.
This a points system, allowing for further categorisation of
standards. Servicemen could now the tests T-shirts, shorts and
running shoes instead of wearing vest, slack and boots.
October 1982:
NAPFA was further revised to include chin-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run,
standing broad jump and a 2.4km run.
1983:
Decision was made to disband 101 Battalion, the only volunteer
battalion left.
1987:
Announcement of proposal for a new institute - the SAFTI Military
Institute. This institute saw the introduction of the Tri-Service
term which centralises the training of officers to foster better
understanding and interaction among officers of the three Services.
1988:
The first Singapore-made 155mm towed guns, the FH-88, were introduced
into service.
1988:
SAF upgraded its tanks to the AMX-13 SM1 standard which included the
fitting of a more powerful diesel engine and an improved
hydro-pneumatic suspension system and transmission.
1990's:
SAF's M113s were upgraded to the Ultra standard. Improvements
included a new engine, new fuel tanks and new weapons systems like
the 25mm Overhead Weapon System and a 40/50 weapons station with a
Made-in-Singapore 40mm automatic grenade launcher and 0.50” machine
gun.
1991:
The 2nd,
3rd and
7th Brigade
Training Schools (BTS) were set up to undertake the training of
recruits from their brigades.
25 August 1995:
SAFTI Military Institute was officially opened by Prime Minister Goh
Chok Tong, marking SAFTI's move into the 21st century.
26
September 1996:
3 BTS were reorganised into the Basic Military Training Centre, under
HQ BMTC. Two schools were established - School 1 at Pulau Tekong and
School 2 at Nee Soon Camp.
17
August 1999:
New SAF BMTC at Pulau Tekong was declared opened, marking the
centralisation of recruit training by bringing School 2 over from Nee
Soon Camp to Pulau Tekong.
March 2000:
Contract was signed between MINDEF and French Shipyard, Direction des
Construction Navales (DCN) in order to replace the ageing Missile
Gunboats (MGB)with the construction of six stealth frigates.
November 2003:
Singapore Artillery's latest big gun, the Singapore Self-Propelled
Howitzer also known as the Primus, was commissioned. The SAF now has
four artillery battalions: 20 SA, 21 SA, 23 SA, and 24 SA, with each
battalion having its own special roles and capabilities, underlining
the crucial role artillery continues to play in the defence of
Singapore.
January 2006: RSS Panglima-Changi Naval Training Base was opened. As the home of the RSN’s Training Command (TRACOM), it is responsible for all aspects of individual training in the RSN. This facility contains a host of high tech training platforms.
10 November 2006:
School of Physical Training was renamed the Army Fitness Centre and
was officially opened by BG Winston Toh, Commander of the 9th
Division and Chief Infantry Officer. It also reflected the continued
importance of the unit in the 3rd Generation SAF. Unit do not only
involve in physical toughening of soldiers, but also inculcating into
servicemen the importance of exercising and fitness.
2006:
1.SAF introduced the Bionix II, which is armed with a 30mm cannon and
improved fighting systems for the Third Generation battlefield. The
Bionix II is slated to give the SAF a greater edge on the
battlefield.
2. Voluntary IPPT
Preparatory Training (IPT) programme for NSmen was created. Various
training corners were set up and scheduling of tests were made
fuss-free to provide convenience to NSmen taking the tests.
11 Oct 2010: NSmen will be given 9 months to pass the IPPT, instead of 12 months and an
Enhanced-IPT (e-IPT) will help NSmen to prepare for the IPPT tests. This is inclusive of 10
sessions spread over 9 months. If the NSmen does not pass his IPPT or show
improvement in any of the IPPT stations, he will have to undergo an extra of 8 sessions over
3 months.
4th
Jan 2012: Malaysian CDF General Zulkifeli Visits Headquarters Armour
9th
Jan 2012: A Joyful Graduation Parade @ Marina Bay Floating Platform
10th
Jan 2012: Learning More about ICT: ITI Shares Best Practices with
SCDF, SPF
11th
Jan 2012: Brunei Crown Prince Visits MUTF
-
Death of Singapore Armed Forces Operationally-Ready National
Serviceman
15th
Jan 2012: 472 Commissioned as SAF Officers
27th
Jan 2012: New Chief Helms Armour Formation
3rd
Feb 2012: "Recognizing People, Celebrating Success"
14th
Feb 2012: SAF at BISAM 2012
21st
Feb 2012: Warrant Officers in Control at STC
22nd
Feb 2012: Thailand CDF Visits 3rd Singapore Division
24th
Feb 2012: 124th Artillery Anniversary Road Relay
28th
Feb 2012: Army Shooting Meet 2012
29th
Feb 2012: Recognizing our Retirees' Contributions
3rd
Mar 2012: Artillery Family Day @ the Home of the Gunners
5th
Mar 2012: APSN Visits AFC
16th
Mar 2012: GPC-DFA, ACCORD visit BMTC
-
Change of Command for the Guards Formation
22nd
Mar 2012: ACCORD visits HQ SA
23rd
Mar 2012: Specialist Cadets of 10/11 SCC Graduate
27th
Mar 2012: MI Students Experience Live Terrex Firing
4th April 2012: C4I Holds Inauguration Parade
5th
Apr 2012: Ex KOCHA SINGA 2012 Closing Ceremony
9th
Apr 2012: 900,000th Enlistee Graduates
13th
Apr 2012: Minister of Defence visits HQ 3rd Singapore Division
14th
Apr 2012: National Cadet Corps 12th Affirmation Ceremony
20th
Apr 2012: HQ Armour Hosts Visit
24th
Apr 2012: Celebrating Innovation in the Army
4th
May 2012: Enhanced Scheme More Popular with NSmen
6th
May 2012: SAF and NYP Collaborate to Broaden Educational Opportunities
8th
May 2012: Army Safety Day
11th
May 2012: Injury to Full-time National Servicemen
-
Update on Condition of Full-time National Serviceman
14th
May 2012: MINDEF PRIDE Day: Keeping Innovation Alive
21st
May 2012: 54 new ADCs Appointed for WY2012 / 2013
26th
May 2012: DM Marks AOH Official Opening Ceremony
27th
May 2012: Army Open House @ Our City Thrills Crowds
2nd
June 2012: NS45 Showcase @ Our Heartlands kicks off in Tampines
8th
June 2012: National Education Gaming Championship Finals Open at *SCAPE
9th
June 2012: NS45 Showcase @ Our Heartlands Journeys to Jurong East
10th
June 2012: NEGC: The Final Battle
12th
June 2012: MIP: A Taste of the SAF
15th
June 2012: Senior MEs Appointed
16th
June 2012: NS45 Showcase @ Our Heartlands Comes To A Close At Toa Payoh
22nd
June 2012: Specialist Cadets from 11/12 SCC Graduate
23rd
June 2012: SMA Inducted into International Student Hall of Fame in USA
27th
June 2012: Donning their New Rank with Pride
-
DXOs and Civilian Officers Promoted
29th
June 2012: SAF Promotion Ceremony - Recognizing Performance and Potential
30th
June 2012: Towards More Effective and Efficient Learning in the SAF
1st
Jul 2102: NS45: From Fathers to Sons
This year marks the 45th year of National Service and as part of the
effort to commemorate this significant milestone, this video was
produced. We salute our NSmen for thier dedication and service in
defending our Home.
2nd
July 2012: SAF Day 2012
The SAF commemorated SAF Day on 1 July with a parade at SAFTI Military Institute. The parade was officiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was attended by more than 3,000 SAF regulars, NSmen and NSFs. The parade programs included the reciting of the SAF pledge, led by Chief of Defense Force, LG Neo Kian Hong, to reaffirm the SAF's loyalty to the nation and its commitment to the defense of Singapore. A minute of silence was also observed in remembrance of SAF personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
8th
July 2012: BMT Graduation Parade - Graduating With Pride
On the morning of 8 July, thousands of eager guests flocked to The
Float @ Marina Bay to catch their loved ones' graduation from Basic
Military Training (BMT). As the nation slept, the 2971 recruits made
the long 24 km route march from SAF Ferry Terminal to the float in
the wee hours of the morning. Proud and determined, the recruits
cleared this final hurdle to earn the right to graduate as privates
in the dignified parade.
8th
July 2012: Presidential Garden Reception 2012
On the evening of 8 July, the beautiful Istana ground provided the
perfect setting for the hosting of the Presidential Garden Reception
(PGR) by President Tony Tan. At this event, over 700 invited
personnel from MINDEF and SAF, Defense Science & Technology
Agency and DSO National Laboratories were recognized for their
valuable contributions to Singapore's peace and security.
References
http://militaryasia.blogspot.com
http://militaryphotos.net
http://mindef.gov.sg
http://fire-engine-photos.com
http://scdf.gov.sg
http://militaryphotos.net
http://mindef.gov.sg
http://fire-engine-photos.com
http://scdf.gov.sg