On 9th August 1965, Singapore became independent. It was a time of strife and instability. Then, there were only two regular Battalions- the 1st and 2nd Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1SIR and 2SIR respectively).

The Ministry of Interior and Defense (MID) was established in October 1965 under Dr Goh Ken Swee and given the task of building the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). In 1967, when the British announced the pulling out of their troops by 1975 (subsequently brought forward to 1971), the Republic was faced with the prospect of losing its security cover. Given Singapore’s small population and limited resources, we could not afford a standing army. The Government decided to introduce National Service in 1967. All able-bodied 18- year-old male citizens and permanent residents were required to enlist for full-time National Service.

The Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SFTI) was established in February 1966 and the first batch of Infantry Officers commissioned in 1967. The first two National Service Battalions, 3rd and 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, were also established at the same time.

Over the last three decades, the Army progressed at a steady rate with the Operationally Ready National Serviceman forming the mainstay of Singapore’s defense. Regular servicemen facilitate training of the National Servicemen form various Army Maneuvers, combat support and combat service formations that have been raised. While the acquisition of new weapons systems and equipment have helped to enhance the Army’s firepower and mobility, the committed citizen soldier good training system are the main strength of the Singapore Army. Through National Service, the SAF has inculcated a common experience and a shared destiny. It has also generated a climate of confidence and stability, which serve as a bastion of our economic growth.

The Singapore Army has recently established an Army 21 vision to guide her development in the millennium. With Army 21 and the TOTAL Approach (Training, Organization, Administration and Logistics) the Army will be well positioned and poised to take on the security challenge of the future. Working in an integrated manner with the other two services of the SAF i.e. the Navy and Air Force, in the defense of the people and sovereignty of the Republic of Singapore.