The document outlines the five aspects of Total Defence in Singapore: Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, and Psychological Defence. It provides details on each aspect, such as Military Defence involving the Singapore Armed Forces deterring aggression and being operationally ready, Civil Defence preparing citizens for emergencies, Economic Defence maintaining a competitive economy, Social Defence promoting racial and religious harmony, and Psychological Defence fostering national pride and resilience.

1. T T
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2. Course Outline
1. Introduction
2. The 5 Aspects of Total Defence
• Military Defence
• Civil Defence
• Economic Defence
• Social Defence
• Psychological Defence
3. Summary
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

3. Introduction
• Introduced in 1984, Total Defence provides the framework for a comprehensive and
integrated response to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges like global terrorism or
SARS.
• It involves every Singaporean playing a part, individually and collectively, to build a strong,
secure and cohesive nation. When we are strong, we are able to deal with any crisis.
• Each year Total Defence (TD) Day is commemorated on the 15th February.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

4. Introduction
The 2 reasons for adapting Total Defence are:
1. As a young nation with a small population, we cannot afford to maintain a regular armed
force. Thus, we need to involve every Singaporean to multiply our defence capability.
2. The nature of modern warfare has changed. Wars are no longer limited to the battlefield.
Instead, potential aggressors can strike in less obvious, non-military ways.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

5. 5 Aspects of TD
Total
Defence
Military
Civil
Economic
Civil
Psychological
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

6. Military Defence is about…
1. Deterring aggression
• The SAF is a credible defence force that is able to deter aggression and secure a
swift victory over the aggressor should deterrence fail.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

7. Military Defence is about…
2. Being operationally ready
• National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time NSmen (NSFs) builds a strong and
operationally ready SAF.
• This also includes ensuring that weapons systems are in good working order
and keeping abreast of the latest advancements in technology.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

8. Military Defence is about…
3. Being able to meet all kinds of challenges
• The SAF has widened its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such
as terrorist bombings and chemical attacks.
• MINDEF and the SAF work with other security agencies to improve our collective
ability to deal with such threats.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

9. Civil Defence is about…
1. Knowing what to do during civil emergencies
• The SCDF recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and
evacuation procedures, and shelter management.
• It also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid,
the nearest bomb shelters and emergency arrangements.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

10. Civil Defence is about…
2. Being vigilant and alert at all times
• Singaporeans can help to counter terrorism by being on the lookout for anything
suspicious.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

11. Economic Defence is about…
1. Staying relevant and competitive through rapid change and
development
• Upgrade skills and knowledge to stay employable
• Embrace lifelong learning and re-training to keep economy competitive
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

12. Economic Defence is about…
2. Putting in place robust economic systems that can continue to
function in times of crisis
• Impose sound policies and practices to help withstand against external shocks
• Put in place business continuity measures and stockpiles of essential items help
economy going during times of crisis
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

13. Economic Defence is about…
3. Making Singapore liveable for future generations
• Conserve energy resources and adopt environmentally friendly practices
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

14. Social Defence is about…
1. Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working
together in harmony
• Singaporeans being understanding and sensitive to the cultures and traditions of
one another; and build strong bonds across different ethnic groups; help to
strengthen social cohesion.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

15. Social Defence is about…
2. Helping fellow Singaporeans
• Singaporeans contributing to the community by helping the less fortunate and
underprivileged among us, regardless of race and religion. This further
strengthens social cohesion.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

16. Psychological Defence is about…
1. 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.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

17. Psychological Defence is about…
2. Having the will, resolve and resilience to overcome challenges
• It is the psychological resilience and strength of Singaporeans that underpins our
Total Defence capability and hence, determine whether we succumb or prevail in
times of crisis.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

18. In Summary…
Military Defence is about
Singaporeans keeping Singapore
secure.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

19. Civil Defence is about
Taking care of your family,
friends, and people around you
in times of crisis.
In Summary…
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

20. In Summary…
Economic Defence is about
Us working and saving to
achieve a better life for
everyone.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

21. In Summary…
Social Defence is about
Singaporeans living in harmony,
looking out for one another.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

22. In Summary…
Psychological Defence is about
Us being Singaporean and proud
of it.
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016

23. Your Task: Complete the following quiz
by clicking on the link below.
Total Defence Bronze Badge Quiz

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P R E P A R E D B Y H O ( N P C C ) J O L E N E K O H H U I L I N
C R E D I T S T O R E S P E C T I V E O W N E R S F O R C O N T E N T A N D I M A G E S
Dunman Secondary NPCC Unit, 2016