Better IPPT scores under new format

Soldiers, sailors and airmen who underwent the revised Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) trials bettered their previous performances in the current test, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

They did more sit-ups and ran faster, with some shaving as much as two minutes in their runs, he shared on his Facebook page yesterday.

The revised IPPT, which kicks in from April 1, will replace the current five-station physical fitness test of chin-ups, sit-ups, standing broad jump, 4x10m shuttle and a 2.4km run.

The 4x10m shuttle run, standing broad jump and chin-up stations will be scrapped, as part of moves to make the IPPT less painful for NSmen, especially those who failed it and were sent for remedial training.

At least 3,000 servicemen and women, including regulars and operationally-ready national servicemen (NSmen), went through the new IPPT in a three-month trial that began last September.

In the post, Dr Ng said the result showed that the new IPPT format motivates NSmen to "max out" for each station to collect as many points as possible. "This is good because more will likely pass the new IPPT," he added.

Instead of having to meet a passing mark for each component, servicemen will clock the fastest time for the run and count their personal best for how many sit-ups and push-ups they can do in a minute. Points will be accumulated from all three stations.

As servicemen grow older and their fitness levels drop, the required performance standards will change every three years, instead of the current five.

This article was first published on Feb 27, 2015.
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