Saturday, 14 July 2012

A Trail Down The History of Total Defence in Singapore


"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.


Civil Defence

Knowing what to do during civil emergencies
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.







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.



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 

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