Take personal responsibility in passing IPPT within time frame

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The Government has adopted the recommendation to extend the time for operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) to pass the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) from nine months to 12 months ("More training time 'may not lift NSmen's fitness levels'"; June 16).

This is not a wise move.

I agree with the fitness experts that the time extension might lower NSmen's fitness levels.

What our NSmen need is a change in mindset and to take personal responsibility in passing the IPPT within a time frame.

If the goal seems overwhelming, it is good to break the journey down into achievable short-term goals and reward oneself for the small goals achieved.

To do this, each NSman must train for the IPPT at least three times a week, spending between 30 to 60 minutes on each session.

The 20 sessions of remedial training (RT) are for NSmen who failed their IPPT to learn the techniques involved in the IPPT components, and not as a means to pass it.

The drive to pass the IPPT must come from within. The NSman must go through the motions of self-driven regular exercise and weight control to reach the ultimate target.

With the extended training period, there is no excuse for NSmen not to pass the IPPT on the first attempt and without the need for RT.

To further motivate NSmen and prepare them mentally, I recommend they read Mr Terence Chiew's book Inside The Mind Of An Ultra Marathon Runner.

He transformed himself from a very obese young man who could not do a single chin-up to passing his IPPT within three months prior to his NS enlistment. He proceeded to conquer ultra marathons, three Ironman races and finally the 333km trail across the Sahara desert, one of the most demanding races in the world.

His message to readers is not to look down on themselves, but to focus on what they can achieve. It is all in the mind.

Robert Lim