After seeing so many fail-ers reporting for RTs, Mindef finally
admit defeat to make guys fit for Military Service...
NSMen have 9 months to clear
IPPT
Tue, Oct 12, 2010
my paper
By Kenny Chee
NATIONAL servicemen who have completed their active service can
expect greater flexibility in preparing for their Individual
Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) soon.
From April 1 next year, operationally ready national servicemen
can extend their IPPT training with the Singapore Armed Forces
(SAF) over longer timeframes, said the Ministry of Defence
yesterday.
NSmen typically have to pass their IPPT once a year. If they
fail it, they must go for SAF remedial training. This entails 20
physical-training sessions over two months, They are paid for
attending these sessions.
NSmen who know they have problems passing the fitness test can
also voluntarily opt to attend an IPPT preparatory training
comprising 10 sessions over five weeks. They are not paid for
this.
They are exempted from remedial training for that year if they
complete the preparatory training.
But, with the new IPPT training changes, the remedial training
period is extended to three months, and the preparatory training
period spread over nine months. The number of training sessions
remains unchanged.
For the preparatory training, fitness specialists will assess
the NSmen and allocate personalised and intermediate IPPT targets
for them to meet.
The specialists will look at factors such as fitness levels and
the IPPT passing grades based on the NSmen's age.
These targets can be lower thanthe IPPT passing grades. Focused
training will be given to NSmen in areas they are weak in. They
will be given health and fitness tips too.
However, if they are unable to meet the targets during the
nine-month training period, they must go for an extra eight
training sessions in the next three months.
They can apply for the preparatory training only within six
months of their birthday.
Another change is that NSmen have to take the fitness test
within nine months from their birthday. The next three months are
reserved for those who need remedial training. The IPPT window
opens again on the NSmen's next birthday.
Currently, more than 50 per cent of NSmen pass their IPPT every
year, according to Mindef.
Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee said the changes were
made after a review earlier this year. "Recognising that our NSmen
are citizen soldiers who will have to balance the demands of work
responsibilities, family commitments and NS duties, the revised
system will give them greater flexibility in planning their fitness
training and help them stay fit," he said.
Remedial Training
From April next year, if he fails his IPPT, he must attend paid
remedial training of 20 sessions of 3 hours each over 3 months,
instead of the current 2 months.
IPPT preparatory training
He can volunteer for unpaid IPPT preparatory training of 10
sessions over 9 months from next April, instead of the current 5
weeks.
As long as he completes this preparatory training, he does not
need to do remedial training even if he fails his IPPT for that
year.
Personal IPPT targets will now be set for him during the
preparatory training. If he cannot meet the targets, he must attend
8 more, paid training sessions over the next 3 months.
