Total Defence
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Total Defence is a concept introduced by the government of Singapore in 1984 to improve readiness in matters related to the defence and national security of Singapore, and is partly based on similar concepts in Switzerland, Denmark and Sweden. This concept rests on the notion that the defence of the country cannot rely only on the regular armed forces. Thus the concept declares that government agencies, private sector organisations and all Singaporeans are to be involved in an effort to deal with security threats facing Singapore. It can be compared to the concept of total war.
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[edit] Five Defences
There are five aspects of Total Defence:
[edit] Military Defence
The most important pillar of Total Defence, Military Defence involves the raising and training of a military force which can serve as an effective deterrent. The bulk of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are composed of male citizens conscripted (without the option of conscientious objection) into military service. The national service in Singapore was introduced in 1967 to draft all young males for military training and a reserve force was built.
The SAF has also enhanced its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings, and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group was formed in 2003 to provide an immediate response in the event of chemical-biological incidents.
[edit] Civil Defence
Civil Defence as an aspect of Total Defence stresses the protection of civilians in the event of a disaster or threat, as well as the involvement of civilians in helping out in emergencies. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and emergency evacuation procedures, and shelter management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid, air raid sirens, the location of the nearest bomb shelters, rationing and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as blood, water and food.
[edit] Economic Defence
Total Defence asserts the need to strengthen and adapt the economy of Singapore to respond well to and survive any threats. This involves implementing a robust economic system, building up healthy National Reserves and safeguarding financial institutions so that these can continue to function in times of crisis, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly even if the bulk of the workforce is mobilised as part of Military Defence. It also involves citizens continually retraining themselves to stay employable.
[edit] Social Defence
The need to maintain social cohesion and maintaining racial and religious harmony in the society and culture of Singapore in the event of a threat is part of the Total Defence plan. Singapore's housing and education policies are designed to integrate different ethnic communities in Singapore with each other in Singapore's schools, housing estates and the workplace with, for example, racial quotas for public housing. 21 July has also been decreed to be Racial Harmony day to stress to Singaporeans the importance of Social Defence.
[edit] Psychological Defence
The Psychological Defence of Total Defence rests upon the people's pride, patriotism and loyalty to the country, and their commitment to it and its defence in time of crisis.
[edit] Initiatives
[edit] Total Defence Campaign
Each year a Total Defence Campaign is launched to promote public awareness of Total Defence. In 2006, the theme of the campaign is "Stay vigilant, be resilient" [1]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Total Defence Campaign to focus on building resilience", Channel NewsAsia, 25 January 2006. By Hasnita A Majid.
[edit] External links
- Total Defence website
- Launch of Total Defence Campaign 2005 - Ministry of Defence (15 February 2005)
