July 2014
The new NS IPPT Management system will be in effect from
1 Sep 2014.
Enhancements to the NS IPPT policies seek to ease administrative
constraints to better support NSmen in managing their fitness and
other commitments. The key changes are as follows:
a. Extension of
IPPT/IPT/RT windows to 12 months.
b. Increase in monetary incentives for good IPPT
performance.
Concurrently, the SAF will improve IPT and RT fitness training
in the Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs). From 1 Sep 14, all Fitness
Conditioning Centres (FCCs) will be providing a greater variety of
training and specialised fitness classes.
As part of SAF's continuous efforts to review the fitness training
system, a new IPPT format that is simpler to administer and simpler
for servicemen to train for will be introduced. A pilot
implementation involving selected Army NS and Active units (i.e. at
least 3,000 active and NS participants from various age groups,
vocations and gender) will be conducted from Sep to Nov 2014.
THE ENHANCED NS
IPPT SYSTEM
(With Effect From
1 September 2014)
Enhancements with effect from 1 September
2014:
1. Pictorial diagrams of the current and new NS
IPPT management system are as follows:
a. The IPPT window
has been extended from 9 months to 12 months. In
this window, NSmen must attempt and pass their IPPT test.
Alternatively, they can volunteer for a 10-session IPT programme.
They will exit the IPT programme if they (1) complete 10 sessions
of IPT; or (2) meet their Personal Performance Targets.
Example 1:
My birthday is on 1 January.
Old system: my IPPT window is 9-months long: 1 January 2015 to 30
September 2015.
New IPPT system: my IPPT window is 12-months long: 1 January 2015
to 31 December 2015.
b. The RT window has been extended from 3 months
to 12 months. In this window, NSmen must complete
their 20-session RT programme. They will exit the RT programme if
they (1) complete 20 sessions of RT; or (2) pass IPPT during the
stipulated RT-IPPT sessions.
Example 2:
My birthday is on 1 January.
Old system: my RT window is 3-months long: 1 October 2015 to 31
December 2015.
New IPPT system: my new RT window is 12-months long : 1 January
2016 to 31 December 2016.
2. The quantum for the IPPT monetary
incentives has been enhanced. The revised quantum is applicable to
NSmen with birthday windows starting from 1 Sep 2014. For example,
if your birthday window starts on 1 Sep 2014, you will be eligible
for $500 if you attain Gold award. However, if your birthday window
starts on 31 Aug, you will still be subjected to the old system,
and you will receive $400 if you attain Gold, even if you take the
IPPT after 1 Sep.
3. NSmen who do not
perform IPPT and/or RT will continue to be disciplinarily dealt
with.
Transition to new
IPPT system
4. As at 1 September 2014, NSmen who are still in
their IPPT window will enjoy an automatic extension of their IPPT
window by 3 months. Those within their 3-month RT window will have
an extended RT window (i.e. remaining RT window + next 12-month
window).
a.
Example
3:
My birthday is on 1 August. On 1 September 2014, I am 1 month into
my IPPT window.
After extension, my new IPPT window will be 12-months long. It will
be until 30 Jul 2015 instead of 30 April 2015. I will need to
complete either my 10-session IPT program or perform at least 1
IPPT test.
b. Example 4:
My birthday is on 1 January and I failed my IPPT. On 1 September
2014, I am in my RT window.
After extension, my new RT window will be from 1 September 2014 to
31 December 2015 (i.e. remaining RT window + 12-months) instead of
31 December 2014. I will need to complete 20 sessions of RT in this
new window or pass an IPPT during a stipulated RT-IPPT session.
5. One-time Reset of Default
Offences. NSmen with existing offences and charges are
allowed a one-time opportunity to reset all offences by completing
their IPPT requirements during this transition.
a. Example 5:
My birthday is on 1 January and I failed my IPPT. I have defaulted
my RT for my past 2 windows and have been charged. After extension,
my new RT window will be from 1 Sep 2014 to 31 Dec 2015. If I
complete my 20 sessions of RT in this RT window, my 2 existing
default counts in the system will be reset to zero. If I default my
RT again, I will be disciplinarily dealt with.
6. Please refer to
the advisory via the IPPT Booking System at NS Portal from 1 Sep
2014 onwards for your IPPT status.
NEW IPPT FORMAT
AND SCORING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
1. Fitness is an important element of soldiering.
The SAF constantly reviews our training system, including physical
training regimes and physical fitness tests, to ensure that they
are relevant and effective. Starting from 1 Sep 2014, the SAF will
launch a pilot implementation of a new and simpler Individual
Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format, which will be accompanied
by a new scoring system. The new IPPT format is expected to be
fully implemented across the SAF in 2015.
KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW IPPT FORMAT AND SCORING
SYSTEM
2. A
simpler three-station IPPT format to encourage personal ownership
of fitness. The new three-station test format will
comprise a push-up test, a sit-up test, and a 2.4km run. These
stations will measure the strength and cardiovascular fitness of
our servicemen. This new and simpler format was designed to allow
servicemen to train and maintain their fitness, without the need
for specialised technique or equipment. Fitness is a personal
responsibility. This simpler test format will further motivate our
servicemen to take greater ownership of their fitness, and
incorporate these exercises into their daily routine to maintain
their fitness.
Table 1. New
IPPT Format.
3. New scoring system to motivate
personal excellence. The SAF will also introduce a new
scoring system to accompany the new IPPT format. Servicemen will be
allocated points for their performance in each of the three
stations. The maximum number of points servicemen may earn for each
station are 50 points for the 2.4km run station, and 25 points each
for the Push Up and Sit Up stations. The maximum number of points a
serviceman can achieve in the IPPT is 100. The points will be added
together to form a final score, which will determine the
serviceman's individual fitness standard. Similar to the current
IPPT, servicemen will need to score the requisite number of points
to Pass, Pass with monetary incentive, and to achieve the Silver
and Gold IPPT awards. Active servicemen will continue to be held to
a higher passing standard because fitness training is incorporated
into their work and training routine. To ensure the high standards
of our elite combat troops - Commando, Diver, and Guards will be
held to a higher Gold IPPT standard.
4. This new scoring system will encourage
servicemen to do their best for each of the stations. The better
they perform in the stations, the more points they will be awarded.
The flexibility of the new scoring system will motivate servicemen
to exercise greater ownership on how they will train for their
IPPT, allowing them to tap on their individual strengths to do
well.
Table 2. New IPPT
Standards.
5. Shorter age categories for a better
performance-to-age match. As part of this physical
fitness review, we will also shorten our age categories, from
5-year bands to 3-year bands. This shorter age categories allow us
to better differentiate the different age groups of our servicemen,
and is a better performance-to-age match. Instead of having to
perform to the same standards in a five year age block, servicemen
will perform to a new standard every three years. This shorter age
category will be more sensitive to the effects of age on the
physical fitness of our servicemen.
EXAMPLE
6. Age
Group 3 Pass example. For a 25 to 27 year old NSmen to
achieve Pass he would be required to perform 16 Push Ups in 1 min
(6 pts), 30 Sit Ups in 1 min (14 pts) and complete his 2.4km run in
12min 40s (31 pts). With this performance, he would accumulate a
total score of 51 points, which would make him eligible for the
Pass Award.
7. Age
Group 6 Gold Award example. For a 34 to 36 year old
serviceman aiming to achieve Gold award, he would be required to
perform 35 Push Ups in 1 min (20 pts), 35 Sit Ups in 1 min (20 pts)
and complete his 2.4km run in 10min 40s (41 pts). With this
performance, he would accumulate a total score of 81 points, which
would make him eligible for the Gold Award.
IMPLEMENTATION
8. Pilot implementation. Army
will conduct a pilot implementation from Sep to Nov 14 to fine-tune
the administration of the new IPPT. Selected Active and NS units
will participate in this phase. At least 3,000 servicemen and
servicewomen of different vocations and age groups will be
represented in the pilot implementation.
Table 3. Push Up
Scoring Table.
Table 4. Sit Up
Scoring Table.
Table 5. 2.4km Run
Scoring Table.
Frequently Answered
Questions
What is the current NS IPPT Management
System?
The current NS IPPT management system was implemented on 1 April
2011. Under this system, NSmen are required to pass their IPPT
within the first 9 months of their birthday window. Those who fail
or default on their IPPT have to attend 20 sessions of Remedial
Training (RT) in the last 3 months of their birthday window. NSmen
can also volunteer for IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) in the first
9 months of their birthday window, and will fulfil their IPPT
requirement for the year if they meet their Personal Performance
Targets (PPTs)1. Those who fail to meet their PPTs have
to attend 8 sessions of RT in the last 3 months of their birthday
window.
1PPTs are intermediate
standards raised progressively at an annual rate towards an IPPT
Pass. The PPT standard is derived from the results of the IPPT
conducted during the first session of IPT.
What are the key changes under the enhanced NS IPPT
Management System?
With effect from 1 Sep 2014, NSmen will be given 12 months to
attempt and pass their IPPT. Alternatively, NSmen that require help
can volunteer for a 10-session IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT).
NSmen who pass their IPPT or complete IPT will proceed to either
IPPT or IPT in their next 12-month birthday window. NSmen who fail
or default IPPT or IPT will be subject to Remedial Training (RT).
They will be required to complete their RT programme within their
subsequent 12-month birthday windows. NSmen who volunteer for IPT
will be considered to have met their IPPT requirement for the year
if they (1) meet their Personal Performance Targets (PPT) at any
point in the programme; or (2) complete 10 sessions of IPT within
their birthday window. NSmen on IPT are advised to attend training
at least once a week continuously for 10 sessions to obtain the
benefits of the training regime.
What are the specific changes to the IPPT Management
System?
a. Extension of IPPT/IPT to 12
months. The IPPT/IPT window will be extended
from the current 9 months to 12 months, to give NSmen more time to
attempt and pass IPPT or complete IPT.
b. Extension of RT window to 12
months. Instead of the last 3 months in their
present window, NSmen who default or fail the IPPT will be given 12
months in their next birthday window to complete 20 sessions of RT.
This extension is to enable NSmen to better manage their other
commitments so that they can meet the RT requirements. NSmen are
advised to attend RT at least once a week continuously for the
duration of his RT in order to obtain the benefits of the training
regime.
What are the changes to IPPT Preparatory
Training?
The IPT programme will continue to be available to NSmen who need
help with IPPT training. Participants will be able to exit the
programme upon meeting their PPTs. To better recognise the efforts
put in by NSmen to train for IPPT, with effect from 1 Sep 14,
service pay for IPT programme will be accorded to NSmen whose
birthday windows start from 1 Sep 14. NSmen who complete the
requisite 10 sessions of IPT within the IPPT window but fail to
meet PPTs will no longer be subject to 8 sessions of RT. To
motivate NSmen to participate in as many IPT sessions as they can,
NSmen who default on IPT will be subjected to 20 – D sessions of RT
in the next window, where D is equal to the number of IPT sessions
that the NSman participated in, in the preceding 12-month birthday
window.
Is there a change in determining whether NSmen have met
their IPT/RT requirement?
NSmen who have failed or defaulted IPPT are liable for RT. NSmen
who have defaulted IPPT will be liable for 20 sessions of RT during
their 12-month RT window (new system with effect from 1 Sep 14). To
differentiate between IPPT failures and defaulters, under the new
system, failures will be liable to 20-D sessions (as opposed to 20
sessions), where D is equivalent to the number of IPPT/IPT attempts
made in the preceding window.
NSmen who volunteer for IPT will be considered to have met their
annual IPT requirements if they (1) pass IPPT; (2) meet their
Personal Performance Targets anytime during their IPT programme; or
(3) complete 10 sessions of IPT during their 12-month IPPT/IPT
window (with effect from 1 Sep). They will no longer be liable for
8-sessions of RT if they do not meet their Personal Performance
Targets by the 10th session. This is to recognise that servicemen
have put in their best efforts to train and meet their fitness
targets in volunteering for and completing the 10-session
programme.
Under the enhanced NS IPPT management system are NSmen in
RT allowed to participate in non-ICT IPPT that are not the
stipulated RT-IPPT tests?
In the new system, NSmen in the RT programme will only be allowed
to participate in ICT-IPPT or RT-IPPT on the stipulated 8th, 14th
and 20th RT sessions. NSmen are given sufficient time to attempt
and pass their IPPT during the 12-month IPPT window. NSmen that are
in the RT programme are deemed to be servicemen that require help
to train for and pass IPPT. As such, it is mandatory for NSmen in
the RT programme to participate in at least 7 training sessions
before they are allowed to attempt the IPPT.
Monetary Incentive
What are the changes in monetary incentive for IPPT
performance?
To motivate personnel to do their best and maintain a high level of
physical fitness, the quantum of the awards will be increased by
$100. The new quantum will apply to NSmen with birthday windows
starting from 1 Sep 2014; NSFs whose IPPT windows start from 1 Sep
2014; and Regulars for tests taken from 1 Apr 2015.
Quantum for IPPT
monetary incentives
Disciplinary Framework
Under the enhanced NS IPPT management system, what happens
when NSmen fail or default their IPPT?
Currently, both IPPT defaulters and failures are subject to 20
sessions of RT within the 3-month RT window. In the enhanced
system, there will be greater differentiation between IPPT Failures
and Defaulters. IPPT failures will be subjected to fewer sessions
of RT in the 12-month RT window. NSmen who fail will be subjected
to 20 – D sessions of RT, where D is equal to the number of IPPT
attempted in the previous 12-month birthday window. For defaulters,
they will have to complete 20 sessions. Within the RT window,
servicemen will only be allowed to exit RT if they attain the Pass
standard at the stipulated test sessions (i.e. 8th, 14th and 20th
sessions).
What is SAF doing to deter recalcitrant
defaulters?
IPPT is an annual requirement for all IPPT-eligible NSmen. NSmen
who default their IPPT will be subjected to disciplinary action. A
new disciplinary framework will be implemented from 1 Jan 15.
Currently, NSmen with three such offences or more will be subject
to either a Fine or be sent to Detention Barracks. Under the new
framework, NSmen with three such offences will be subjected to Fine
and a five-day residential In-Camp-Training (Physical Training)
[ICT(PT)]. The ICT(PT) is a more constructive way to help NSmen to
train for their fitness. The ICT(PT) focuses on teaching servicemen
on the different types of fitness modalities and fitness
habits.
New IPPT format
What is the impetus for the new IPPT format?
Physical fitness of our servicemen is tested using the IPPT
protocol. Prior to 2009, combat fitness was assessed using our
Standard Obstacle Course and route marches. Since then, the Army
has strengthened combat fitness training with the introduction of
Vocation-Related Exercises and Vocation Obstacle Courses to meet
our new operational demands. With this in place, it is now timely
to review our physical fitness test protocol and standards.
Will the Home Team be implementing the new IPPT
format?
Yes, the Home Team will be adopting the same IPPT format as the
SAF. The Home Team has assessed that the new IPPT format would meet
their needs for assessing the physical fitness of Home Team
NSmen/NSFs.
When will the trial for the new IPPT format be
held?
The trial will be conducted by the Army Fitness Centre from Sep -
Nov 2014. It will involve at least 3,000 Active and NS personnel
across different gender, age groups and vocations. NSmen from
selected units will participate in the trial during their
ICT.
Will SAF make any more changes to the new IPPT format and
scoring system?
SAF does not plan to make any more changes to the new IPPT format
and scoring system. SAF continuously reviews our fitness training
system to ensure that we maintain our high standards.
Is it easier to pass the IPPT now?
Passing and excelling in IPPT will still require dedicated training
and effort by servicemen. However with the simpler and more
motivating format and scoring system, servicemen will be more
motivated to train.
Why is there a need for a new scoring
system?
The intention of the new scoring system is to motivate our
servicemen to excel in all the test stations. We want to encourage
everyone to train to their maximum potential.
Why did SAF/HT move towards a 3-year age
band?
We recognise that a 3-year age band will provide a better
performance-to-age match compared to the current 5-year age
band.
How well will this new IPPT structure reflect fitness
levels of our soldiers/HT NSmen/NSFs?
The 3 stations provide a good measurement of basic physical fitness
as it focuses on the three main body parts. When viewed in totality
with SAF's other combat fitness regimes such as loaded route
marches, VRE and SOC/VOC, it is reflective of the fitness levels of
our soldiers.
For the Home Team, the new IPPT structure is a good assessment of
the basic physical fitness of Home Team NSmen/NSFs. In addition,
Home Team NSmen/NSFs have to undergo certification and proficiency
tests such as the Police Defence Tactics and Hazmat Rescue
Certification Test to ensure that they meet the physical demands of
frontline operations.