New IPPT will have three stations; Standing Broad Jump, shuttle run, chin-ups scrapped

An NS man at the sit-ups station at Maju Camp. The Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) has been revised with the scrapping of the Standing Broad Jump, shuttle run and pull-up stations. -- ST PHOTO: AIDAH RAUF 
An NS man at the sit-ups station at Maju Camp. The Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) has been revised with the scrapping of the Standing Broad Jump, shuttle run and pull-up stations. -- ST PHOTO: AIDAH RAUF 

SINGAPORE - The Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) has been revised with the scrapping of the Standing Broad Jump, shuttle run and pull-up stations.

The new IPPT will have only three stations: the 2.4km run, sit-ups, and a new testing criterion, push-ups. It replaces the current five-station physical fitness test which has chin-ups, standing broad jump, 4x10m shuttle, sit-up and the 2.4km run.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the changes in his Facebook page on Wednesday in a post titled "New IPPT - Simpler and Better", adding that the SAF expects "more to pass" the new test.

He said the new format will "make it simpler for NSmen to train for IPPT, and for more to pass" adding that many other militaries use 3-station tests to keep their forces fit. There will also be a new scoring system and more age bands with Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) finding it easier to meet the passing marks and qualify for monetary awards.

Career soldiers and full-time national servicemen will, however, have to meet the existing passing marks to get the monetary awards.

Also new, servicemen will be graded based on the total number of points accumulated for all three stations, instead of a pass mark for each station,

This way, soldiers can make up through more sit-ups, if they are weak in push-ups and running, or vice versa, said Dr Ng. "There's a limit to how much you can make up, but I like this counting system because it encourages NSmen to max out on each station and it plays to the individual's strengths," he wrote.

Dr Ng said: "Even though the new IPPT is simpler to train for, it will still take effort and regular exercise to pass. And that's the idea - keeping healthy and fit should be a lifestyle and it's good for you."

Chief of Army Perry Lim will provide more details on Thursday.

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