Total Defence 2563883 221684055 2008-06-25T16:44:51Z 90.191.153.86 [[Image:Total defence logo.png|thumb|Total Defence logo]] '''Total Defence ''' ({{lang-zh|全民防卫}}; {{lang-ms|Pertahanan Mutlak}}; [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: --) is a concept introduced by the [[government of Singapore]] in 1984 to improve readiness in matters related to the [[defense (military)|defence]] and [[national security]] of [[Singapore]], and is partly based on similar concepts in [[Switzerland]], [[Denmark]], [[Estonia]] and [[Sweden]]. In fact, the concept has very close similarities (including the “five aspects of Total Defence”, discussed below) to the 1972 adopted Total Defence concept in [[Austria]]. This concept rests on the notion that the defence of the country cannot rely only on the regular [[armed force]]s. Thus the concept declares that [[government agency|government agencies]], [[private sector]] organisations and all [[demographics of Singapore|Singaporeans]] are to be involved in an effort to deal with security threats facing Singapore. It can be compared to the concept of [[total war]]. ==Five Defences== <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Total defence icons.png|thumb|Icons representing the five aspects of Total Defence]] --> There are five aspects of Total Defence: *'''[[Total Defence#Military Defence|Military Defence]]''' *'''[[Total Defence#Civil Defence|Civil Defence]]''' *'''[[Total Defence#Economic Defence|Economic Defence]]''' *'''[[Total Defence#Social Defence|Social Defence]]''' *'''[[Total Defence#Psychological Defence|Psychological Defence]]''' ===Military Defence=== The most important pillar of Total Defence, Military Defence involves the raising and training of a military force which can serve as an effective deterrent. The bulk of the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] (SAF) are composed of male citizens conscripted (without the option of [[conscientious objection]]) into military service. The [[national service in Singapore]] was introduced in 1967 to draft all young males for military training and a [[army reserves|reserve force]] was built. The SAF has also enhanced its capabilities to deal with [[unconventional warfare|non-conventional threats]] such as [[terrorism|terrorist]] [[bombings]], hijackings, and [[chemical warfare|chemical]], [[biological warfare|biological]] and [[Radiological warfare|radiological attacks]]. The [[Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group]] was formed in 2003 to provide an immediate response in the event of chemical-biological incidents. ===Civil Defence=== [[Civil defense|Civil Defence]] as an aspect of Total Defence stresses the protection of civilians in the event of a disaster or threat, as well as the involvement of civilians in helping out in emergencies. The [[Singapore Civil Defence Force]] (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in [[first aid]], [[rescue]] and [[emergency evacuation]] procedures, and [[air raid shelter|shelter]] management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid, air raid sirens, the location of the nearest bomb shelters, rationing and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as [[blood donation|blood]], [[water]] and [[food]] . ===Economic Defence=== Economic Defence asserts the need to strengthen and adapt the [[economy of Singapore]] to respond well to and survive any threats. This involves implementing a robust [[economics|economic system]], building up healthy National Reserves and safeguarding [[financial institution]]s so that these can continue to function in times of crisis, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly even if the bulk of the workforce is mobilised as part of Military Defence. ===Social Defence=== The need to maintain social cohesion and maintaining racial and religious harmony in the society and [[culture of Singapore]] in the event of a threat is part of the Total Defence plan. Singapore's [[Housing and Development Board|housing]] and [[Education in Singapore|education]] policies are designed to integrate different ethnic communities in Singapore with each other in [[education in Singapore|Singapore's schools]], housing estates and the workplace with, for example, racial quotas for public housing. 21 July has also been decreed to be Racial Harmony day to stress to Singaporeans the importance of Social Defence.It is also about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony ===Psychological Defence=== Psychological Defence is about having pride in, and being loyal and committed to Singapore, having the will and resilience to overcome challenges. ==Initiatives== ===Total Defence Campaign=== <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Total Defence United We Stand.jpg|thumb|Total Defence poster]] --> Each year a Total Defence Campaign is launched to promote public awareness of Total Defence. In 2006, the theme of the campaign was "Stay vigilant, be resilient".<ref name="channelasia">{{cite news| title=Total Defence Campaign to focus on building resilience| publisher=Channel NewsAsia| date=25 January 2006 |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/189970/1/.html}} By Hasnita A Majid.</ref> The theme for the 2008 campaign was "Total Defence. It's Personal. Play Your Part." The goal is to have all Singaporeans understand and appreciate that the defence of Singapore is the personal responsibility of every Singaporean. Whatever happens to Singapore affects our lives, and a strong Total Defence will benefit everyone. Singaporeans thus have to play their part to keep Singapore safe and secure. ==See also== *[[Counter-terrorism in Singapore]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.totaldefence.org.sg/ Total Defence website] *[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/feb/15feb05_nr.html Launch of Total Defence Campaign 2005] - [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] (15 February 2005) [[Category:Counter-terrorism in Singapore]] [[Category:Military of Singapore]] [[fi:Kokonaismaanpuolustus]]