About Total Defence

Introduced in 1984, the concept of Total Defence was adapted from the experience in Switzerland and Sweden. There are two reasons why we adopted it. First, as a young nation with a small population, we cannot afford to maintain a regular armed force. Thus, we need to involve every Singaporean to multiply our defence capability. Second, the nature of modern warfare has changed. Wars are no longer limited to the battlefield. Instead, potential aggressors can strike in less obvious, non-military ways.

But if you think that Total Defence is a defence strategy or plan that is rolled out only during times of war, read on. Total Defence is more than that.

Total Defence provides the framework for a comprehensive and integrated response to deal with all kinds of threats and challenges. Whether it is a security threat such as global terrorism, or a national crisis like SARS, Total Defence brings together all relevant government agencies, private sector organisations and all Singaporeans in a total effort to deal with threats and challenges to Singapore's continued survival and success.

When Singaporeans take personal responsibility for and get involved in the defence of Singapore, they are playing their part to help keep Singapore safe and secure. A strong Total Defence will benefit not only the country but also each individual as whatever happens to Singapore will affect the lives of Singaporeans.

To help Singaporeans understand how they can be involved, Total Defence is divided into five aspects - Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence and Psychological Defence.

Not only that, Singapore is a small country. It has a small population base and no natural resources. It is a multi-racial and multi-religious society, a young country whose roots are still being planted. All these make Singapore vulnerable not only to military attacks, but also to exploitation of our economic, social, political or psychological weaknesses by those who may wish to do us harm.

To ensure that we can deal adequately with these challenges, it is important that Singapore has a Total Defence capability that involves the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), as well as the entire civilian population.

In Total Defence, our people are organised to defend the country against all forms of attack, both military and non-military. Total Defence comprises Psychological Defence, Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil Defence and Military defence. The concept of Total Defence was therefore first introduced in 1984 to highlight the important role that every Singaporean plays in the defence of Singapore.

It's Personal. Play Your Part Today.

A note from Jeffrey;

You can play a part in total defence too and make Total Defence part of your live by doing a small part in your daily routine. For example, by taking National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help to keep the economy going, build strong ties with one another regardless of race and religion, and stay committed to defend the country, You are doing something in every sector of our society to strengthen Singapore's resilience as a nation and making Total Defence part of our lives already.