BACKGROUND

Established in 2010, the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) Island Defence Task Force (IDTF) supports a spectrum of operations ranging from peace to war. In peacetime, IDTF works closely with Home Team agencies such as the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to enhance homeland security while protecting SAF camps and bases, as well as civilian Key Installations (KINS). In war, IDTF defends our homeland to preserve Singapore's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

IDTF'S INTEROPERABILITY WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND SUPPORT FOR WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT (WOG) OPERATIONS

Interoperability with WoG Agencies. In peacetime, IDTF works alongside Home Team agencies in various operations ranging from security operations for nationals events to joint response in terrorist attack scenarios. For example, in 2022, IDTF participated in an island wide multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise to test and validate WoG response plans in the event of a terrorist attack.

a. Protection of Installation (POI). Arising from the aftermath of 9/11, IDTF was stood up to provide 24/7 protection for SAF camps and bases, and civilian KINS where personnel from both the 8th Battalion and 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (8 SIR and 9 SIR) provide round-the-clock physical protection.

b. Security Operations. IDTF supports the SPF in ensuring security for planned national level events such as National Day Parade and special national events such as the DPRK-USA Singapore Summit. Teams from Chemical, Biological Radiological, and Explosive (CBRE) and Naval Diving Unit (NDU) were attached to IDTF to conduct sweeps for explosives around and at event venues.

c. Civil Emergencies. During civil emergencies, IDTF is responsible for the coordination of military resources in support of SCDF's operations. These resources includes air-lift assets, sea vessels, ambulances as well as medical teams to provide speedy evacuation and first-aid.

d. Peacetime Contingency Operations. In the event of terrorist threats, IDTF will be assigned units such as Army Deployment Force (ADF), CBRE teams, and Medical Response Force (MRF) to support SPF to contain the situation.

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Interoperability. Developed in partnership with our Defence Technology Community, the IDTF's Next Generation Command and Control Information System (CCIS) was built to enhance interoperability with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other public agencies, thereby improving integrated sense making, planning and coordinated responses across WoG.

KEY UNITS UNDER THE IDTF FOR WOG OPERATIONS

15th Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Battalion (15 C4I Bn). Established in 2020, 15 C4I Bn is equipped with the Next Generation CCIS, sensors, and data analytics solutions to enable integrated planning and sense-making with MHA agencies, as well as conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations for IDTF's intelligence needs.

8th Battalion and 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment. Established in 2010, these units raise, train, and sustain security troopers deployed for 24/7 security operations at SAF camps and bases, as well as designated civilian KINs.

Active and NS Units in Joint Homeland Security Operations. Active and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) can also be assigned to support homeland security and counter-terrorism operations.