The Singapore Army's Training Department (G6-Army) had been bracing for this — and the decision came in March 2020. The SAF was deferring all ICT for NSmen that was non-essential for operations. It was closing Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs) and suspending Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) and Remedial Training (RT) at all FCCs, SAFRA gyms and IPT-in-the-Park locations. The IPPT requirements for NSmen would be waived for the year. LTC Clifton Tang was head of the Training Development Branch in G6-Army and responsible for developing concepts and plans. He sat down with his staff, pondering the impact of the suspension on the physical fitness of the NSmen. They all knew that physical fitness was critical for our soldiers, as they would be physically stronger, more resilient and less likely to be injured when they are fit. The operational readiness of our units depends on fighting-fit soldiers. COVID-19 had presented the SAF with a big problem and an urgent solution was needed.