♥ Sunday, February 24, 2008
TOTAL DEFENCE Introduced in 1984, the concept of Total Defence was adapted from the experience in Switzerland and Sweden. There are two reasons why we adopted it. Firstly, as a young nation with a small population, we cannot afford to maintain a regular armed force. Therefore, we need to involve every single Singaporean to strengthen our defence capability. Secondly, the nature of modern warfare has since changed. Wars are no longer limited to the battlefield. Instead, potential aggressors can strike in less obvious and non-military ways.
However, if you think that Total Defence is a defence strategy or plan that is rolled out only during times of war, read on. Total Defence is much more than that.
Total Defence provides the framework for a comprehensive and integrated response to deal with every types 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 united effort to deal with threats and challenges to Singapore's continued survival and success.
When Singaporeans take personal responsibility for and get involved in the defence of Singapore, they are playing their part to help keep Singapore a safe and secure country. A strong Total Defence will not only benefit the country, but also each individual. This is so because whatever happens to Singapore, will also affect the lives of every Singaporean.
To help Singaporeans understand how they can be involved, Total Defence is divided into five aspects. They are the Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence. When we take National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help to keep the economy going, build strong 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 one nation.
Blogged @ 12:32 AM
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MILITARY DEFENCEDeterring aggression
The SAF is a reliable defence force that is able to deter aggression and secure a quick victory over the aggressor, should deterrence fail.
Being operationally ready
National Service is the only viable option to ensure our security. When National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time NSmen (NSFs) take their training seriously, they help to build a strong and operationally ready SAF. Our operational readiness also stems from ensuring that weapons systems are in good working order all the time, and keeping alongside to the latest advancements in technology to meet new challenges on the battlefield.
Being able to meet all kinds of challenges
The SAF has extended its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. MINDEF and the SAF will continue working together, with other security agencies to improve our collective ability, to deal with such threats.
Blogged @ 12:31 AM
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CIVIL DEFENCEKnowing 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 be prepared. When we know what to do, we can help to save life and property and also, ensure that life goes on as normally as possible in time of crisis.
Being vigilant and alert at all times The threat of global terrorism will be long drawn. While much has been done to make Singapore a hard target, the government security agencies cannot be everywhere. Singaporeans can help by being on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Blogged @ 12:30 AM
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Economic DefenceKnowing 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 be prepared. When we know what to do, we can help to save life and property and ensure that life goes on as normally as possible in times of crisis.
Being vigilant and alert at all timesThe threat of global terrorism will be long drawn. While much has been done to make Singapore a hard target, the government security agencies cannot be everywhere. Singaporeans can help by being on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Blogged @ 12:29 AM
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SOCIAL DEFENCE Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmonyMaintaining racial and religious harmony is critical to ensuring peace and stability in Singapore. When Singaporeans understand and are sensitive to the cultures and traditions of one another, and build strong bonds across different ethnic groups, we help to strengthen social cohesion.
Helping fellow SingaporeansAs one people, we have the responsibility to contribute to the community by helping the less fortunate and underprivileged among us, regardless of their race, language or religion. By doing so, we can further strengthen social cohesion.
Blogged @ 12:28 AM
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PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENCE
Having pride in, and being loyal and committed to our country
When Singaporeans are united in pride and passion for our country, we will stand up to defend what is ours and safeguard our sovereignty and independence.
Having the will, resolve and resilience to overcome challenges
Whatever the crisis or challenge is, it is our psychological resilience and strength that will determine whether we succumb or prevail. It is the will, tenacity and commitment of our people that underpins our Total Defence capability and our resilience as a nation
Blogged @ 12:23 AM
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Total Defence Logo
The five arrows in the logo symbolise the five aspects of Total Defence: Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence.
The arrows point in the same upward direction. This signifies mutual effort towards a common goal : safeguarding the progress and future of Singapore.
The logo's outline is significant for two reasons:
Firstly, the outline of a hand, representing action, unity and completeness.
Total Defence is incomplete if any of the five "fingers" is missing.
Secondly, the logo is in the shape of a house. This signifys Singapore as our homeland.
With Total Defence, the security of our homeland is therefore safeguarded.
The crescent, 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 and one nation.
Taken as a whole, the logo shows how all Singaporeans are doing what they can in Total Defence. So as to ensure peace and security for the future.
Blogged @ 12:20 AM
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Total Defence IconsTo help Singaporeans understand how we are using Total Defence as a framework to deal with national challenges and to illustrate the different ways they can participate in Total Defence, Nexus worked with student-designer, Ms Wong May Ching from the Temasek Design School, Temasek Polytechnic in 2005 to develop a set of five different Total Defence Icons, each to represent one aspect of Total Defence.
The icons for each aspect of Total Defence will serve as visual cues to “brand” materials developed/activities organised for each aspect of Total Defence. The icons will help the public identify which aspect of Total Defence, a message or activity is emphasising (e.g. Social Defence icons for a Racial Harmony Day activity).
Blogged @ 12:16 AM
♥ Thursday, February 21, 2008
The class blog is finally up for 2E. For the moment, this blog is dedicated to the Total Defence Blogging Competition and will be put up by Amelia, Si Hui, Louisa and Isabella.
As for the moment, all the best for your Common Tests!!!!!!! Study hard, study smart so that you can have a breather during the March holidays :)
Sincerely,
Ms Hani
Blogged @ 6:24 PM
