Impact of NS IPPT Scheme Enhancement on First-attempt Pass Rate
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns an inquiry by Mr David Ong regarding whether the enhanced three-station Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format has improved first-attempt pass rates for Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen responded that performance improved significantly, with NSmen running 16 seconds faster and performing five more sit-ups on average. Overall pass rates ranged between 70% and 97%, and the proportion of NSmen earning Gold, Silver, and Pass with Incentive monetary awards increased by 4% to 9%. Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen noted that the new format allows for more focused training and a scoring system that encourages personnel to maximize performance in each station. To support these efforts, the Singapore Armed Forces provides flexible training initiatives such as IPPT Preparatory Training and the IPT-in-the-Park program.
Transcript
33 Mr David Ong asked the Minister for Defence whether the recent enhancement to the NS IPPT system has improved the passing rate of the IPPT test for NSmen on their first attempt.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The Member has asked for comparisons of results following the change in the individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) format from its previous five to the current three-station format. I propose to provide the data using results of the 2.4-kilometre run and the sit-ups, as these are the two stations that were common to both formats.
Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) have performed better in both these stations after the format was changed. They achieved, on average, an improvement of five sit-ups and ran 16 seconds faster for the 2.4-kilometre run. 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. For the push-up station, which is new, NSmen were able to perform above the median number required in each age category. For example, Full-time NSmen on average, did 49 push-ups, while NSmen aged 34-39 performed an average of 30 push-ups within the minute stipulated. The overall pass rates for all those who took IPPT in the new format varied from 70% to 97%, depending on selected age categories.
The total number of NSmen who received IPPT monetary awards for achieving the standards for Gold, Silver, and Pass with Incentive has also increased. The proportion of NSmen who received Gold and Silver awards increased by 4% to about 30%, and the proportion of NSmen who received Pass with Incentive awards increased by 9% to about 30%. The results of the new IPPT format are, therefore, very encouraging and indicate that the change has motivated NSmen to train and perform better. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is confident that more NSmen will show improvement in their IPPT as they become familiar with the new format. SAF 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. Better fitness will ensure that NSmen are better prepared for their operational demands.