Five aspects of Total Defence Day

Military Defence

The most important pillar of Total Defence, Military Defence involves the raising and training of a military force which can serve as an effective deterrent. The bulk of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are composed of male citizens conscripted (without the option of conscientious objection) into military service. The national service in Singapore was introduced in 1967 to draft all young males for military training and a reserve force was built.
The SAF has also enhanced its capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats such as terrorist bombings, hijackings, and chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group was formed in 2003 to provide an immediate response in the event of chemical-biological incidents.

Civil Defence

Civil Defence as an aspect of Total Defence stresses the protection of civilians in the event of a disaster or threat, as well as the involvement of civilians in helping out in emergencies. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recruits and trains civil defence volunteers in first aid, rescue and emergency evacuation procedures, and shelter management. The SCDF also conducts talks and exercises to familiarise the public with basic first aid, air raid sirens, the location of the nearest bomb shelters, rationing and emergency arrangements like relief supply of critical items such as blood, water and food.

Economic Defence

Total Defence asserts the need to strengthen and adapt the economy of Singapore to respond well to and survive any threats. This involves implementing a robust economic system, building up healthy National Reserves and safeguarding financial institutions so that these can continue to function in times of crisis, as well as keeping the economy running smoothly even if the bulk of the workforce is mobilised as part of Military Defence. It also involves citizens continually retraining themselves to stay employable.

Social Defence

The need to maintain social cohesion and maintaining racial and religious harmony in the society and culture of Singapore in the event of a threat is part of the Total Defence plan. Singapore's housing and education policies are designed to integrate different ethnic communities in Singapore with each other in Singapore's schools, housing estates and the workplace with, for example, racial quotas for public housing. 21 July has also been decreed to be Racial Harmony day to stress to Singaporeans the importance of Social Defence.

Psychological Defence
The Psychological Defence of Total Defence rests upon the people's pride, patriotism and loyalty to the country, and their commitment to it and its defence in time of crisis.