COVID-19: SAF reducing scale of training to smaller groups
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is further enhancing its safety distancing measures including reducing the scale of training to smaller groups and deferring all non-operations-essential In-Camp Training, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday (31 March).
Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs) will be closed while 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 will be suspended.
The IPPT requirements for affected NSmen will be waived.
Activities critical for building up operational units will continue with enhanced measures in place. Basic Military Training direct enlistment exercises for full-time national servicemen will be conducted in multiple smaller batches with no guests invited.
The enhanced measures take immediate effect and will be in place until 30 April. They may be extended if the COVID-19 situation does not improve.
The SAF has already introduced various health precautions and safe distancing measures.
“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 critical roles have been separated into cohorts. In-Camp Training (ICT) for NSmen supporting these functions will continue.
Other measures that have already been in place 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.
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