Total Defence (or TD) is the
name of Singapore's comprehensive
defence strategy, adapted from countries like Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria.
It is based on the understanding that besides
military action, aggressors can also defeat the country by wrecking
its economic systems, tearing its social fabric apart, targeting Singaporeans'
beliefs and commitment to defence, and its ability to recover from
disasters, both natural and man-made.
The Total Defence concept encompasses five key aspects –
military, civil, economic, social and psychological defence – and
focuses on the need for each Singaporean to play his or her part to
defend the nation. These five aspects are very similar to the "4
Defences" of the Austrian "Comprehensive National Defense"
(Umfassende
Landesverteidigung) strategy of 1975.
"Military Defence" consists of the Singapore
Armed Forces (SAF), including its citizen soldiers.[1] Their
mission is to "enhance Singapore's peace and security through
deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift
and decisive victory over the aggressor". As part of the mission,
the SAF strives to maintain a high state of operational readiness
24/7.
"Civil Defence" is about ensuring Singaporeans
know what to do in times of an emergency. The Singapore Civil
Defence Force (SCDF) supports this aspect of Total Defence.
However, if Singapore encounters a nation-wide emergency (e.g.:
terrorism act or war), the SCDF will not be able to cope with the
demands of the situation. Hence, it is crucial to rope in
Singaporeans to help their fellow Singaporeans. To facilitate this,
the SCDF recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid,
rescue and evacuation procedures, and shelter management.
"Economic Defence" is defined as maintaining
the economy of the country and its ability to compete in the world,
as well as environmental protection.[1] It also
involves helping Singapore (and Singaporeans) stay relevant in the
global economy and putting in place economic systems to ensure that
the Singapore economy does not collapse in times of crisis.
"Social Defence" is about keeping the social
fabric strong and ensuring that Singaporeans live in harmony
regardless of race or religion.[1] This is
especially important because Singapore is a multi-racial and
multi-religious society.
"Psychological Defence" is about loyalty,
commitment to Singapore, and having the will power and resilience
to overcome challenges.[1] This is the
component that would determine if Singaporeans will stay to fight
or abandon the country when it is in trouble.

www.totaldefence.sg
NS was introduced in 1967, just 2 years after Singapore’s
independence to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.
With a population of 4.4 million and a land of 699 square km,
Singapore is amongst the 20 smallest countries in the world.
Singapore is too small to change the world. Instead, we must adapt
as the world changes around us.
We must be able to defend
Singapore ourselves. No one else is responsible for our security
and we cannot depend on others to come to our
defence.
Our defence is predicated on
deterrence. That is why we invest heavily and consistently in
building up a strong defence force to provide that
deterrence.
At the same time, we seek to be
friends with as many countries as possible in the region and
beyond. By having friends who can help us in our times of need, we
enhance our security.
NS is our only viable option to building up a credible defence
force to ensure our survival. A conscription force by law which
obliges all eligible people to enlist would create a sizeable
standing force ready to guarantee our security.
The SAF maintains
itself in a high state of operational readiness at all times so
that it is able to react swiftly to any threat.
To meet the defence challenges in the 21st century, the
SAF is upgrading and
transforming itself into a highly sophisticated, well-integrated
fighting force.

The Third Generation SAF will be a network-centric
organisation. Our forces will be interconnected, equipped with
electronic information systems, and be able to fight cooperatively,
and in an integrated manner, on land, in the air and on the
sea.
Within the nation itself, the SPF upholds the law and maintains
order, keeping the streets safe for family and friends.
And in case of any crisis or emergency, such as a major accident
or a terrorist attack, the SCDF will be there to rescue
and save the lives of fellow citizens.
All together, the SAF, SPF and SCDF play a key role in
Singapore’s Total Defence—Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic
Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence.