National Service: Why NS?
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Total Defence (or TD) is the name of Singapore's comprehensive defence strategy, adapted from countries like Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria.
It is based on the understanding that besides military action, aggressors can also defeat the country by wrecking its economic systems, tearing its social fabric apart, targeting Singaporeans' beliefs and commitment to defence, and its ability to recover from disasters, both natural and man-made.
The Total Defence concept encompasses five key aspects – military, civil, economic, social and psychological defence – and focuses on the need for each Singaporean to play his or her part to defend the nation. These five aspects are very similar to the "4 Defences" of the Austrian "Comprehensive National Defense" (Umfassende Landesverteidigung) strategy of 1975.
The Five Aspects
"Military Defence" consists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including its citizen soldiers.[1] Their mission 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". As part of the mission, the SAF strives to maintain a high state of operational readiness 24/7.
"Civil Defence" is about ensuring Singaporeans know what to do in times of an emergency. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) supports this aspect of Total Defence. However, if Singapore encounters a nation-wide emergency (e.g.: terrorism act or war), the SCDF will not be able to cope with the demands of the situation. Hence, it is crucial to rope in Singaporeans to help their fellow Singaporeans. To facilitate this, the SCDF recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and evacuation procedures, and shelter management.
"Economic Defence" is defined as maintaining the economy of the country and its ability to compete in the world, as well as environmental protection.[1] It also involves helping Singapore (and Singaporeans) stay relevant in the global economy and putting in place economic systems to ensure that the Singapore economy does not collapse in times of crisis.
"Social Defence" is about keeping the social fabric strong and ensuring that Singaporeans live in harmony regardless of race or religion.[1] This is especially important because Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society.
"Psychological Defence" is about loyalty, commitment to Singapore, and having the will power and resilience to overcome challenges.[1] This is the component that would determine if Singaporeans will stay to fight or abandon the country when it is in trouble.
Protecting our way of life
Introduced in 1984, the concept of Total Defence (TD) was adapted from the experiences of countries like Switzerland and Sweden. As a young nation with a small population and a conscript armed forces, we needed to draw on the different strengths and abilities of our community to augment our defence capability.
Conflicts between countries are no longer just military in nature. Potential aggressors and threats can appear in less obvious and non-conventional ways (e.g., destroying social cohesion by exploiting differences in race, language, religion, culture, social or economic class; weakening national resilience by using psychological warfare to play on the people’s fears and apprehensions; or waging economic warfare through economic boycotts, trade sanctions or acts of sabotage to bring down the economy). Total Defence provides the framework for a comprehensive and integrated response to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges. Whether it is a security threat such as global terrorism, or a national crisis like SARS, Total Defence brings together all relevant government agencies, private sector organisations and all Singaporeans in a coordinated effort to deal effectively with these threats and challenges. When Singaporeans take personal responsibility for and get involved in the defence of Singapore, they are playing their part to help keep Singapore safe and secure.
Total Defence has five aspects - Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence. These five aspects represent the key sectors of society. They also help Singaporeans understand how they can be involved. When we take National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help build a strong economy, strengthen community ties with one another regardless of race and religion, and stay committed to defend the country, we are doing something in every sector of our society to strengthen Singapore's resilience as a nation.
The five arrows in the logo represent the five aspects of Total Defence: Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence.
The arrows point in the same upward direction. This signifies concerted effort towards a common objective of safeguarding the progress and future of Singapore.
The logo's outline is significant because:
It is, firstly, the outline of a hand, symbolising action and representing unity and completeness. Total Defence is deficient if any of the five "fingers" is missing.
Secondly, the logo is in the shape of a house, and symbolises Singapore as our homeland. With Total Defence, the security of our homeland is therefore safeguarded.
The tagline "It's personal. Play your part." in its handwritten format emphasises the personal nature of and involvement in Total Defence, reminding Singaporeans that they have a part to play in the defence of Singapore. The rounder edges of the logo give it a softer feel, reflecting the personal stake in Total Defence and encouraging Singaporeans to embrace Total Defence in their daily lives.
The crescent and five stars, and the colours of red and white, are elements from the National Flag. They represent nationhood. Total Defence brings Singaporeans together as one people.
Taken as a whole, the logo symbolises all Singaporeans doing what they can in Total Defence to ensure peace and security for the future.
Why NS?
NS was introduced in 1967, just 2 years after Singapore’s independence to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.
We are a 'little red dot'.With a population of 4.4 million and a land of 699 square km, Singapore is amongst the 20 smallest countries in the world. Singapore is too small to change the world. Instead, we must adapt as the world changes around us.
Importance of NS
We must be able to defend Singapore ourselves. No one else is responsible for our security and we cannot depend on others to come to our defence.
Our defence is predicated on deterrence. That is why we invest heavily and consistently in building up a strong defence force to provide that deterrence.
At the same time, we seek to be friends with as many countries as possible in the region and beyond. By having friends who can help us in our times of need, we enhance our security.
Need for NS
NS is our only viable option to building up a credible defence force to ensure our survival. A conscription force by law which obliges all eligible people to enlist would create a sizeable standing force ready to guarantee our security.
The SAF maintains itself in a high state of operational readiness at all times so that it is able to react swiftly to any threat.
To meet the defence challenges in the 21st century, the SAF is upgrading and transforming itself into a highly sophisticated, well-integrated fighting force.
The Third Generation SAF will be a network-centric organisation. Our forces will be interconnected, equipped with electronic information systems, and be able to fight cooperatively, and in an integrated manner, on land, in the air and on the sea.
Within the nation itself, the SPF upholds the law and maintains order, keeping the streets safe for family and friends.
And in case of any crisis or emergency, such as a major accident or a terrorist attack, the SCDF will be there to rescue and save the lives of fellow citizens.
All together, the SAF, SPF and SCDF play a key role in Singapore’s Total Defence—Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence.
