SAF Stands Ready to Defend Singapore Amidst Evolving COVID-19 Situation

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) stands ready to defend Singapore's peace and security amidst the global COVID-19 outbreak. Critical functions, such as island defence, protection of key installations, maritime security and air defence operations, continue to be performed by SAF personnel round the clock. To ensure uninterrupted operations in the event of a COVID-19 infection, SAF units in these roles have been separated into cohorts. In-Camp Training (ICT) for NSmen supporting these critical functions will continue.

The SAF has already introduced health precautions and safe distancing measures. Examples include health and temperature monitoring regimes, temperature screening at SAF premises and events, deferment or cancellation of large-scale events and social gatherings, wider physical spacing in workplace and common areas, and staggered mealtimes.

To further safeguard SAF personnel's health and maintain our units' integrity, the SAF will further enhance its safe distancing measures. These include reducing the scale of SAF training to smaller groups, and deferring all non-operations-essential ICT. Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs) will be closed and the conduct of Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) and Remedial Training (RT) at FCCs, SAFRA gyms and IPT-in-the-Park locations suspended. The IPPT requirements for affected NSmen will be waived.

Activities critical for build-up of operational units will continue with enhanced measures in place. BMT direct enlistment exercises for full-time national servicemen will be conducted in multiple smaller batches with no guests invited.

The enhanced measures will take immediate effect. They will be in place until 30 April 2020, and may be extended if the COVID-19 situation does not improve. While there is no requirement at this juncture for more stringent measures such as isolating essential operational units within SAF premises, the SAF will continue to monitor the evolving situation and may implement further measures to ensure continued operational readiness should the COVID-19 situation deteriorate.

The Ministry of Defence and the SAF remain committed in safeguarding the defence of Singapore while keeping our servicemen safe in the ongoing COVID-19 situation.