Fact Sheet: Strengthening Combat Fitness Training for the 3rd Generation SAF

Redesigned Combat Obstacles

As the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) develops into a full spectrum 3rd Generation force, it faces an increasingly complex and urbanised operational environment. To better prepare our soldiers to meet the evolving operational demands, the SAF has strengthened its combat fitness training system, leveraging on advances in fitness training science. The enhanced SAF combat fitness training system has two main components - the Vocation Related Exercises and the Obstacle Course. These revisions ensure that the SAF's combat fitness training is relevant, customised and progressive.

Vocation Related Exercises (VRE)

The VREs comprise a set of exercises customised to the different vocations in the SAF. The VREs are designed to strengthen specific muscle groups that a serviceman uses to carry out combat tasks in his vocation. These conditioning exercises can be performed indoor or outdoor with commonly available equipment.

Obstacle Course

The SAF has re-designed some of the obstacles in its existing obstacle course to better emulate the new operating environment. They will better develop the soldiers' strength, agility and endurance for basic combat movement and tasks.

The SAF has introduced a new Vocation Obstacle Course (VOC), while keeping the existing Standard Obstacle Course (SOC). Soldiers in the Basic Military Training, Specialist Cadet Course, and Officer Cadet Course will continue the current progressive training and individual qualification through the SOC with the re-designed obstacles. Soldiers in the units will embark on the new team-based VOC, which is customised to each vocation's combat skills and load, and places greater emphasis on team qualification led by section commanders.

Implementation

The VREs have already been incorporated as part of the serviceman's training to improve his combat fitness. The current obstacle course will be re-designed in the next 12 months. The new VOC will be implemented for all regulars and full-time National Servicemen during their active service and when they progress to Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS). The new VOC will not apply to the current batches of NSmen.