SINGAPORE — Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are performing better after changes were made to the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format, with about 30 per cent of them now achieving Pass with Incentive awards, a 9 per cent improvement.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen gave this update in a written parliamentary answer to Mr David Ong (Bukit Batok SMC) on Monday (Feb 29), noting that another 30 per cent of NSmen now receive Gold and Silver awards, which is 4 per cent higher than before.

In July 2014, it was announced that the IPPT would have only three test stations starting from April last year, instead of the previous five. Push-ups was added as a new station along with the 2.4km run and sit-ups, which were retained. The standing broad jump, pull-ups and shuttle run were scrapped.

Comparing results for the two retained stations, Dr Ng said NSmen, on average, did five more sit-ups and ran 16 seconds faster for the 2.4km now.

“Compared to the previous format, the new scoring system encourages NSmen to go all out for each station, to compensate for lower scores in any one station. NSmen can also better focus on their training with fewer stations in the new format,” he said. “The results of the new IPPT format are therefore very encouraging and indicate that the change has motivated NSmen to train and perform better.”

For the push-up station, Dr Ng said NSmen were able to perform above the median number required in each age category. For example, Full-time National Servicemen on average did 49 push-ups in one minute, while NSmen aged 34-39 performed an average of 30 push-ups.

Overall pass rates for those who took the IPPT in the new format ranged from 70 per cent to 97 per cent, depending on the age categories, Dr Ng said.

He added that the Singapore Armed Forces will continue to support NSmen through a variety of IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) programmes and the IPT-in-the-Park initiative to make fitness training more convenient, flexible and effective.