Revised IPPT represents a lowering of standards

I read about the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) with mixed feelings. It appears that we have lowered our passing standards and, consequently, sacrificed some of the Singapore Armed Forces’ operational readiness.

Are lower-body strength and coordination (standing broad jump), the ability to lift ourselves across obstacles (pull-ups) and overall speed and agility (shuttle run) no longer required of our soldiers? In a similar vein, would we have considered removing key aspects of Mother Tongue examination criteria, such as composition, so that more pupils can pass?

The United Kingdom simplified its secondary school leaving exams, effectively lowering standards, so more students could achieve the grades they desired. Students and parents felt good about themselves, but we can see from the Programme for International Student Assessment rankings what happens to overall standards when there is a cave-in to popular opinion. It is a slippery slope.

Likewise, we should not change the IPPT for the sake of showing change to garner support for or commitment to National Service. Fitness professionals have stated their concerns — the five-station IPPT was more comprehensive.

Many NSmen are not tested annually on the Vocation Obstacle Course and Vocation Related Exercises to compensate for areas that have been dropped in the IPPT. A comprehensive IPPT regime is required as the de facto test of overall fitness.

The Chief of Army said the change was made to make IPPT easier to train for (“Change was to make IPPT ‘easier to train for’”; July 25) — more like the daily exercises NSmen do at home. This is laudable, but what is the crux of why people fail IPPT?

It is about personal choices. How many NSmen do push-ups and sit-ups at home? If the stark reality is as such, we should consider implementing initiatives to help or force them to train better instead of changing the test criteria.

The changes to the IPPT test window, IPPT preparatory training and remedial training are good. Can we go further and encourage major companies to set aside 30 minutes on Fridays for exercise? How about special workshops to teach IPPT techniques?

The five-station IPPT was designed with operational requirements in mind. It was not designed to be easy, but neither is it impossible to pass if we watch our diet and spend 10 to 15 minutes each day on basic exercises.

Giving excuses such as work or family commitments is easy, and it goes to show how much of a strawberry generation we have become. We must not perpetuate the impression that our NSmen are soft and unfit.

Interestingly, our army’s tag line is “Ready, Decisive, Respected”. Let us not lose any of that respect by going soft on passing IPPT.