A smouldering collective groan was heard this morning as Singapore woke up to the news that the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) system will be going through a revamp.
According to a Straits Times report, soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will have to run 3.2km instead of 2.4km, and the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ) station may be replaced with a push-ups routine.
Reactions are mixed.
Coconuts saw statuses saying, “I used to walk for 2.4… Now I’m gonna crawl at 3.2…” and “…………….. still running 3.2km #youdieidieeverybodydie“, coming from soldiers who fear they might struggle with the new running length indicated.
For many though, how they eventually feel about the new IPPT system depends on the criteria that will be set alongside it.
22-year-old undergrad Aldrich Tan, who recently completed his National Service (NS) as a combat engineer, said, “I think having both push-ups and pull-ups as criterions will be taxing on the arms and will essentially make the IPPT tougher. As for the 3.2km run, it depends on the timing we are required to finish it by. For many people, including myself, the difference between a gold and a silver award is decided by the SBJ station and its replacement will be good news for me.”
“I dont mind it if I can get a gold by completing the 3.2km run in 20 minutes. However, I need more details in order to determine which system I prefer, ” remarked NSman Lawrence.
The IPPT, which is taken by 166,000 people annually, will be changed for the first time since 1982.
UPDATE: An announcement on the Singapore Army Facebook page reveals no decision has been made to update the current IPPT system. See their statement below:
The Singapore Army wish to clarify the report on “SAF soldiers’ IPPT likely to change” (ST 23 Oct 13).
There has not been any decision to change our IPPT system.
The SAF constantly review our training system, including physical training regimes and physical fitness tests, to ensure that they are relevant and effective, and continue to meet our operational requirements.
We have been examining the physical training regimes in other established militaries to learn about the latest training and testing methodology. The SAF will continue to improve the effectiveness of our physical training system to enhance the physical fitness of our soldiers.
The current IPPT continues to be valid and serves as a baseline measure of physical fitness.
We wish to reiterate that there have been no decision to change the current IPPT system.
The whole thing is rather vague — ST’s story maintains the system is “likely to change” and the Facebook statement from the Singapore Armed Forces only says no decision has been made, but doesn’t deny there are plans in place. Hold your breath a little longer, boys.
Photo: Naval Surface Warriors
