Introduction
Total Defence Day (15th February) marks the British surrender of Singapore to the Japanese during World War 2. This annual event reminds us that the task of nation-building is not easy, and that we must work to preserve our present prosperity and stability.
What is Total Defence?
As a young nation with no natural resources and small population, reliant on a conscript military force, Singapore has learnt from the experiences of countries like Switzerland and Israel how best to augment our defensive capabilities with the strength of our larger community. To this end, Total Defence was introduced in 1984.
The five aspects of Total Defence represent the key pillars of society and illustrate how Singaporeans can get involved in defending the country. 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 commit to protecting our community, we are striving to strengthen Singapore’s resilience as a nation in every sector of society.
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.
Military Defence –
Keeping Singapore secure
To defend ourselves when
attacked or, more importantly, to deter foreign intervention and prevent
ourselves from being attacked, we need a strong Military Defence. This is why
we have built up our Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). As a conscript armed force,
the SAF depends not only on its Regulars, but also on the commitment of its
NSmen and NSFs and the support of their families and employers. To remain
operationally ready, our soldiers must keep fit, train seriously and keep
abreast of the latest military doctrines and equipment. While the men do their
part, mothers, wives and girlfriends can provide much needed encouragement and
support. Employers can help by implementing NS-friendly policies and support
their staff when they go for in-camp training.
Civil Defence - Taking
care of our family, friends and people around us in times of crisis
During times of crisis or
disaster, resources will be strained and we will need everyone to pitch in. If
we know what to do, we can save ourselves and our loved ones, help others and
ensure that life goes on as normally as possible. Learn what to do in an
emergency before it happens. Take part in emergency exercises to learn how to
put out fires, find out where the escape routes are, where the bomb shelters
and food supplies are. We can also attend programmes that the Singapore Civil
Defence Force conducts on basic first aid, shelter management and emergency
arrangements like relief supply of critical items.
The threat of global
terrorism will be around for some time. While much has been done to ensure that
Singapore is well protected against terrorist attacks, security personnel
cannot be everywhere. Singaporeans can help by looking out for and reporting
anything that is suspicious.
Economic Defence – Having a strong and resilient economy
Economic Defence is about
building up a strong and robust economy that can sustain Singapore through
economic challenges and national emergencies. It means that the government,
employers and trade unions work together during peacetime to ensure that we
have good infrastructure and our economy is competitive. Individuals also play
a part by retraining and upgrading, and by keeping up with new technologies and
new ways of doing things. When we do this, we help ourselves remain employable
as the economy changes and old jobs give way to new ones. Saving up for a rainy
day and adopting environment-friendly practices are also ways to protect
ourselves and our future generations.
To prepare for national
emergencies, the government and businesses work together to put in place
contingency measures to keep offices and factories running even after National
Servicemen and equipment have been mobilised, and to maintain national
stockpiles of essential items to keep the economy going.
Social Defence – Living
harmoniously and looking out for one another
Singapore enjoys social
and economic stability because Singaporeans have learnt to live harmoniously
with people of all races and religions. We befriend, accept and help people of
different ethnicities. We show consideration for one another, respecting and
being sensitive to the needs and religious and cultural practices of others. We
have meals together and invite friends to join in our festivities. Through such
small efforts in our daily lives, we are able to better understand and
appreciate the heritage, culture and practices of our fellow countrymen and
strengthen our bonds as Singaporeans. We can also contribute towards a
gracious, compassionate society by helping the less fortunate and
underprivileged among us.
Psychological Defence –
Being a resilient people
While being prepared is
the key to Total Defence, it is always the fighting spirit, the will, the
resilience of Singaporeans that determines whether or not our nation will
overcome a crisis. Psychologically, each Singaporean must have the resolve and
determination to overcome any crisis together. When we are united in pride for
our country, we will stand up to defend what is ours and protect our
independence as a nation. When every Singaporean feels this way, we can be
assured of a secure future, regardless of the challenge.
Total Defence (Silver) - Sec 2
As part of the 2014 Total Defence campaign to commemorate 30 years of Total Defence, a short film to bring out the theme "30 Years of Total Defence" Because You Played A Part" as commissioned and screen on television.
Titled "Hands", the two-minute film comprises five mini-stories, inspired by real stories of everyday Singaporeans, and expresses the diffrent ways that Singaporeans have played and can play in Total Defence.
Reflection:
- Name one pillar of defence that you have seen in the video.
- What are some instances where you could demonstrate this pillar of defence that you have mentioned in question 1.
- As a CCA member, reflect on how you can promote Total Defence through in school.
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