Results of new IPPT system has confirmed something unexpected

When the new IPPT system was introduced last year, most people believed they can do better. But in order to pass, one still need to pass each station.

Presuming that you’re 27 years old (the age when people start to focus more on their careers and less on fitness), you still need to clock 16 minutes and 20 seconds for your 2.4 km run to pass. And if you get this timing, you need to do at least 58 sit-ups and 58 push-ups—not an easy feat.

In other words, it might be simpler, but it still requires training. And if you’re been to any IPPT before, you’ll see people clocking 18 minutes or 20 minutes for their 2.4 km run (walk?) or doing 10 sit-ups.

According to various sources (mostly from people who have taken the trial test), the “killer” now is push-ups—the instructors are pretty strict when it comes to a standard push-up, with a need for a 90-degree arm and a straight body. “No-counts” are quite common. This is expected as most NSmen have not done push-ups for quite a while and have no reference on what a standard push-up is.

Well, the results are out on whether this new system has made more people pass.

The trial period that started from September to November 2014, according to Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, indicates an improvement. In fact, because of people now believe that they can pass, the average timing for 2.4 km run has improved. For example, when you use to run 15 min, you can now run 14 min. This could be attributed to the fact that for the old system, 15 min or 14 min is a sure-fail—but now, there’s a chance to pass as long as you go all out for all stations.

In other words, the psychological effect that they could pass could have motivated more NSmen to do their best.

The numbers are still not out, but come 1 April 2015, all NSmen will be able to know themselves.