Total Defence Day 2023: A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore’s Defence

Singapore's Total Defence Day is celebrated annually on February 15th to commemorate the day in 1942 when Singapore fell to the Japanese during World War II. The day is a reminder of the importance of national defence and the need for all Singaporeans to be prepared to defend their country.

In recent years, Total Defence Day has taken on a broader meaning, encompassing not only military defence but also economic, social, and psychological defence. The day is now seen as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of national unity and resilience, and to celebrate the contributions of all Singaporeans to the defence of the country.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Total Defence Day 2023:

1. The History of Total Defence Day

Total Defence Day was first established in 1966, following the Indonesian Confrontation. The day was initially known as National Civil Defence Day, and it was intended to raise awareness of the importance of civil defence in the event of an attack.

In 1990, the day was renamed Total Defence Day to reflect the broader concept of national defence. The day is now celebrated with a variety of events and activities, including parades, exhibitions, and speeches by government officials.

2. The Importance of Total Defence

Total defence is essential for the security and stability of Singapore. Singapore is a small country with a limited military force. In the event of an attack, Singapore would need to rely on the support of its citizens to defend itself.

Total defence is not just about military defence. It also includes economic, social, and psychological defence. Economic defence involves protecting Singapore's economy from threats such as cyberattacks and terrorism. Social defence involves building strong communities that are able to withstand challenges such as natural disasters and social unrest. Psychological defence involves preparing Singaporeans to cope with the challenges of war and other emergencies.

3. The Five Pillars of Total Defence

The five pillars of total defence are:

• Military defence
• Economic defence
• Social defence
• Psychological defence
• Civil defence

These five pillars are interconnected and interdependent. A strong military defence is essential for deterring potential aggressors and protecting Singapore's borders. A strong economy is essential for providing the resources necessary to support a strong military and other defence measures. Strong communities are essential for providing social and psychological support to Singaporeans during times of crisis. A strong civil defence system is essential for protecting Singaporeans from the effects of war and other emergencies.

4. Total Defence Day Activities

Total Defence Day is celebrated with a variety of events and activities, including:

• Parades
• Exhibitions
• Speeches by government officials
• Community events
• School programmes

These events and activities are designed to raise awareness of the importance of total defence and to encourage Singaporeans to get involved in defending their country.

5. How to Get Involved in Total Defence

There are many ways for Singaporeans to get involved in total defence. Some of the most common ways include:

• Join the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) or the Singapore Police Force (SPF)
• Volunteer with civil defence organizations such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or the Red Cross Singapore
• Participate in community events and programmes that promote total defence
• Stay informed about current events and security issues
• Be prepared to take action in the event of an emergency

By getting involved in total defence, Singaporeans can help to ensure the security and stability of their country.

Conclusion

Total Defence Day is an important day for Singapore. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of those who have defended Singapore in the past, and to recommit ourselves to the defence of our country. There are many ways for Singaporeans to get involved in total defence, and by working together, we can build a safer and more secure future for our country.