Total Defence

Total Defence ( _zh. 全民防卫; _ms. Pertahanan Mutlak; Tamil: --) 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, Estonia and Sweden. In fact, the concept has very close similarities (including the “five aspects of Total Defence”, discussed below) to the 1972 adopted Total Defence concept in Austria. 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.

Five Defences

There are five aspects of Total Defence:
*Military Defence
*Civil Defence
*Economic Defence
*Social Defence
*Psychological Defence

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.

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 .

Economic Defence

Economic 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.

ocial 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. It is also about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony

Psychological Defence

Psychological Defence is about having pride in, and being loyal and committed to Singapore, having the will and mental strength to overcome challenges.This strengthens the people's resilience as a nation.

Initiatives

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 was "Stay vigilant, be resilient".cite news| title=Total Defence Campaign to focus on building resilience| publisher=Channel NewsAsia| date=25 January 2006 |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/189970/1/.html By Hasnita A Majid.]

The theme for the 2008 campaign was "Total Defence. It's Personal. Play Your Part." The goal is to have all Singaporeans understand and appreciate that the defence of Singapore is the personal responsibility of every Singaporean. Whatever happens to Singapore affects our lives, and a strong Total Defence will benefit everyone. Singaporeans thus have to play their part to keep Singapore safe and secure.

ee also

*Counter-terrorism in Singapore

References

External links

* [http://www.totaldefence.org.sg/ Total Defence website]
* [http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/feb/15feb05_nr.html Launch of Total Defence Campaign 2005] - Ministry of Defence (15 February 2005)