2nd People's Defence Force
| 2nd People's Defence Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | October 1965 – present |
| Country |  Singapore |
| Branch |  Singapore Army |
| Role | Counter-terrorism Homeland security |
| Part of | Singapore Armed Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Clementi Camp |
| Motto(s) | "Steadfast We Stand" |
| Website | Official website |
| Commanders | |
| Commander, 2nd People's Defence Force | COL Chua Eng Khim[1] |
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
[edit]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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.
References
[edit]- ^ "Army Organisation Structure". Ministry of Defence (Singapore). 21 March 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
{{cite web}}:|archive-url=requires|archive-date=(help) - ^ a b c d e "2nd People's Defence Force". Ministry of Defence (Singapore). Archived from the original on 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ "Fact Sheet: Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle". Ministry of Defence (Singapore).[dead link]