Total Defense Day 2024: History, Facts and Significance

During World War II, Singapore observed Total Defense Day, emphasizing the importance of collective defense in the face of potential threats from Japan.

(Credit: Timesofindia)

Total Defense Day 2024: Every year on February 15, the day Singapore submitted to Japan during World War II, people celebrate Total Defense Day. Singapore’s national defense philosophy, known as “Total Defense,” emphasizes that all facets of society play a role in a country’s security. The purpose of Total Defense Day is to serve as a warning of what might occur if everyone neglects to fulfill their responsibility for enforcing the Total Defense plan.

Total Defense Day History

Singapore became an independent state after seceding from Malaysia in 1965. The following year, 1967, all able-bodied males sixteen years of age and older were required to enlist. A five-point total-defense plan was in place by 1983. The civilian-led Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (Accord) was established by the leadership after it became clear that civilians needed to be involved in the development and dissemination of awareness for this policy.

Total Defense was formally announced as Singapore’s defense policy on January 22, 1984. The five components of it were social, psychological, economic, military, and civic. Digital was included as a sixth element much later in 2019. Given Singapore’s susceptibility to climate change, there is even discussion about making climate the seventh component.

The Ministry of Defense started initiatives to promote Total Defense among citizens, businesses, and schools after the proclamation. According to reports, the older populace, who had personally witnessed Japan’s fall, was very supportive of this policy. To incorporate the community, a competition was also organized to create the Total Defense song and emblem.

The country has survived some very difficult times thanks to Total Defense, including a successful containment of the COVID-19 epidemic. The date of the first-ever national Total Defense Day was February 15, 1998. The Singapore Civil Defense Force observed it by broadcasting the Important Message Signal for one minute on local radio stations and the island-wide Public Warning System sirens. Since then, it has been commemorated on that date each year as a reminder to stand stronger as a group.

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Methods for Attending Total Defense Day

Attend to Complete Defense

Visit the War Memorial Park’s memorial on this day to pay tribute to those who died during the Japanese occupation. Numerous businesses and educational institutions also hold Total Defense Day events.

Study up on Total Defense.

Use this day to educate yourself about the definition, history, and principles of Total Defense. Even with regard to its six distinct pillars, there is much to learn.

Assemble your arsenal for complete defense.

Everybody has a part to play, so figure out how you can contribute and be useful. This could entail taking part in fire safety exercises, studying CPR and First Aid, among other things.

5 First Pillars Of Complete Defense

This pertains to the Singapore Armed Forces’ armaments, training, and equipment, with a focus on reservist soldiers preserving their physical prowess.
This covers civilian involvement through first aid training, food, blood, and water resource management, volunteer work, frontline medical care, etc.
This is a reference to the government’s initiatives to protect vital resources like water and grow Singapore’s economy.
The goal of this is to preserve social cohesiveness in light of Singapore’s varied population by means of government initiatives like interfaith gatherings organized by the Inter-Religious Organization.
This entails initiatives to boost resilience and resolve among Singapore’s populace as well as to enhance mental wellness.

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Reasons Why Total Defense Day Is Essential

It helps us remain rooted in the past.

The world we live in today is the result of decades of upheaval, labor, and sacrifice. On days such as these, we are reminded of the people who gave their lives defending a brighter tomorrow.

As a reminder, let’s fulfill our role.

Those who lose sight of the reason they must defend their country are reminded of it when they consider the country’s collapse to Japan and the subsequent loss. It takes this reminder of the goal and the stakes to maintain accountability.

It promotes planning

There’s no reason not to engage in the national emergency preparedness drills and other defense readiness exercises. Participating in T.D.D. events is a convenient and accessible way to hone your talents.