2nd People's Defence Force explained

Unit Name:2nd People's Defence Force
Dates:October 1965 – present
Country: Singapore
Role:Counter-terrorism
Homeland security
Command Structure:Singapore Armed Forces
Garrison:Clementi Camp
Motto:"Steadfast We Stand"
Website:Official website
Current Commander:COL Chua Eng Khim[1]
Current Commander Label:Commander, 2nd People's Defence Force

The 2nd People's Defence Force (2 PDF) is a division of the Singapore Army responsible for maintaining peace within Singapore and carrying out mainly counter-terrorism and homeland security operations.[2]

History

The 2nd People's Defence Force traces its origins to October 1965 when the People's Defence Force Headquarters (PDF HQ) was established as part of the Ministry of Interior and Defence and tasked with recruiting 3,200 volunteers to defend Singapore. In 1968, the PDF was reorganised to take on operational roles in maintaining internal security within Singapore.

After 9/11, HQ 2 PDF Command was reorganised to form the multi-agency Island Defence Headquarters (IDHQ) to protect Singapore against terrorism. They initiated operations to provide round-the-clock protection of key military and civilian installations around Singapore.

In 2010, the IDHQ became the Island Defence Task Force (IDTF) and the 1st Singapore Infantry Brigade (1 SIB) was created, taking command of the 6th, 8th and 9th Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR). The Military Police Command, Military Band and Gombak Base (Ministry of Defence headquarters) came under the 2nd People's Defence Force's command in 2011.

In 2015, the 2nd People's Defence Force introduced the Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV)[3] to replace the V-200s previously used for island defence operations.

Home to many special operators and a myriad of intra-vocational subject-matter experts, Clementi Camp is home to the Island Defence Task Force as a counter-terror force to be reckoned with.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Army Organisation Structure . Ministry of Defence (Singapore) . 7 October 2022 . 21 March 2018.
  2. Web site: 2nd People's Defence Force . Ministry of Defence (Singapore) . 7 October 2022 . 4 October 2018.
  3. Web site: Fact Sheet: Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle . Ministry of Defence (Singapore) . 7 October 2022 . 8 July 2015.