The Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) for National Servicemen will be reduced from the current five stations to just three: A 2.4km run, sit-ups and push-ups. The aim of the changes: Getting more NSmen to keep healthy as a lifestyle, and helping them pass their test.
He did not mention when the changes will be implemented, but added that Chief of Army Perry Lim will provide more details on Thursday. Changes to the IPPT format were last made in 1982.
“This new format will make it simpler for NSmen to train for IPPT, and for more to pass. Many other militaries use 3-station tests to keep their forces fit,” said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 23).
“We will also have more age bands and a new scoring system. Instead of a pass mark for each station, points will be awarded and the combined points from the 3 stations will be used. This way, soldiers can make up through more sit-ups, if they are weak in push-ups and running, or vice versa. There’s a limit to how much you can make up, but I like this counting system because it encourages NSmen to max out on each station and it plays to the individual’s strengths,” he wrote on Facebook.
The overall passing mark will remain “about the same as before” for Full-Time NSmen, Regulars and Awards, while some adjustments will be made based on past data for NSmen, he said.
He added: “Even though the new IPPT is simpler to train for, it will still take effort and regular exercise to pass. And that’s the idea – keeping healthy and fit should be a lifestyle and it’s good for you. We expect more to pass the new IPPT, as a result. Look out for training apps and programmes to help you”
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