Swift Response to the SABO King

[ I REFER to the letters "Is IPPT still a tool to gauge physical fitness?" by Mr Law Sin Ling and "New training scheme for fitness makes sense" by Ms May Ng Siew Lin (ST, Nov 1). The Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) measures the overall fitness of servicemen. It consists of five test stations designed to gauge various aspects of a soldier's fitness such as cardiovascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, speed and agility. These fitness components are important for the varied soldiering tasks expected of our servicemen. Comparisons made with established armies like the US Army indicate that the IPPT is on par with international standards and remains a relevant measure of overall physical fitness for the SAF. The IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) is a voluntary programme designed to help NSmen train and pass their IPPT by imparting the correct techniques for physical fitness training. It is part of the SAF's progressive efforts to improve the physical fitness of NSmen. The IPT consists of ten sessions, lasting three hours each, spread over five weeks. NSmen can take their IPPT during the eighth session. If they pass the test, they will qualify for the IPPT monetary award pegged to the results that they achieve. If they do not pass the IPPT during the programme, they are still expected to apply the techniques learnt so that they can train on their own until they pass the test. The IPT is designed as a voluntary programme to encourage NSmen to take personal responsibility for their physical fitness. To recognise NSmen's willingness to exercise this personal responsibility by completing the IPT, they are exempted from Remedial Training. The IPT is not intended as a cost-cutting measure. It is designed to complement Remedial Training by offering NSmen a proactive option, rather than a remedial solution, to improve their level of fitness. The SAF would like to encourage all NSmen who need help in passing their IPPT to sign up for the IPT. ] - Colonel Benedict Lim Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Defence

- [ The Straits Times FORUM, 'IPT a voluntary programme to keep NSmen physically fit', 3 November 2006, Page H11]

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Wow, a swift politically worded response to the IPT issue (pay special attention to the words in red/bold). Very PR of Colonel Lim I must say. How very - how shall I put it - 'PAP' of him. Honestly, I wasn't afraid one bit that they might pull out this new programme. Why? Because if they did, then they would be publicly acknowledging that what the SABO King Law Sin Ling said earlier was fact, but what's worse, they will lose face. And we can't have that now can we?