Turn to p. 240

Chapter 14 Building up Our Defence Force -Citizens’ Army (NS)

-Problems faced-Solutions

19671968-75

-Nation-building

1. Need to build a Defence

• Why?1. Vulnerable - good position / depend on trade2. SEA unstable - Vietnam war3. Responsible for own survival / but had only a small defence in 19654. Foreign investors want peace/stabilityResult: March 1967 - NS Amendment Bill

Turn to p. 241

2. Creating a citizens’ army

Q: Why a citizens’ ArmyWhat are the advantages?

2.1 Why a citizens’ Army p.242

remember “ M. C. at U.C.”1.Overcome limited manpower for defence and industry - soldier for two years2. Large army but low cost3. Contribution to nation-building -everyone is committed to defence (how?)see pages 250-251 : “Unity & Character)

2.2 No Easy Task p.243

Problems• lack experience of

setting up ..• Need to train officiers• Need to convince

people to accept NS

“E.O.C or C.O.E”

Solutions• Foreign experts

• SAFTI for officers• Win people’s support -

MP explained to people/MP volunteer for part-time NS/ radio/TV...

Turn to p. 229

3. Withdrawal of British Armed Forces

Question: What actions did the govt take from 1968 to 1971?

3. Withdrawal of British Armed Forces (Dec 1971)

1. Train people to man the radar system

2. Join Five-Power Defence Arrangements(S’pore, Malaysia , Br, Australia, NZ)

4. Continue to build up the Army

5. Build up Navy and air forceProb: lack of training facilities and experienceSoln: train overseas / foreign advisers

Result: By mid 1970 - SAF had a large number of S’poreans trained to defend the country

Turn to p. 249

5. Keeping the Peace, Forging a Bond

Question: How did NS help in nation-building?

5. Keeping the Peace, Forging a Bond(“U.C.”)

5.1 Unity & Harmony• Multi-racial defence

force used in racial riots (1969) - soldiers united

• Common experience -shared with families

• Community service eg welfare homes/ help in emergency

5.2 Character -Building• military training

helped to create a rugged society(how? -discipline, endurance, character-building )

6. Moving with the Times (p252)

1. Raise the physical fitness -IPPT

2. Improve skills / upgrade equipment

3. Buy advanced equipment and use less men

4. Use manpower more efficiently

5. All Singaporeans are involved in defence of Singapore (Total Defence)