While it is acceptable that certain standards have to be imposed, the annual IPPT has been around since the 1980s and may have outlived its usefulness. For example, there is a fairly large group which are able to pass all stations except the Standing Board Jump, which has been touted as a station requiring technique rather than outright fitness. It is ultimately a station which adds no value to the process.
When the Straits Times erroneously reported that the standing board jump station was to be scrapped some while back, many people have expressed their approval for such a revision. Yet, the Singapore Army was quick to defend its position, saying that the report was misconstrued. Why the stubborness, especially when the combat usefulness of this station has yet to be seen?
For those who fail their IPPT, many are forced to clear 20 sessions of RT in 3 months which almost inevitably takes up a weekend and another spare day in each of the 12 week window. While the policy setters themselves are army regulars and are able to take time off work for this, not everyone from the corporate world can do so. Is this fair to men with families, career and other commitments?
Clearly, such disruptions are way too costly and should be reviewed.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Petition-to-reduce-National-Service/1450910421794913