LEARNING ABOUT TOTAL DEFENCE THROUGH PLAY

A bomb threat is set off at an MRT station and you're one of many who are near the area. Do you panic and run? Or stay calm, reassure others and try to assist the elderly and the young to get away safely?

Post-attack, security measures are heightened and tensions between citizens grow. Will Singapore stay stronger or fall? What can you as an individual do to protect and defend Singapore?

These were some of the scenarios and thought processes that more than 160 National Cadet Corps (NCC) Cadet Officers were put through on 22 Nov. The twist? It was done in the form of a card game the students were beta-testing.

Called Guardians of the City (GOTC), this Total Defence strategy card game is designed to help players recognise the complexities of terror threats and show them how everyday actions by individuals have the power to strengthen or divide society. It also shows how a society can come together to better prepare for crises, respond to them, and recover from them.

Co-developed by Nexus and strategy games enthusiast Wan Junyan, the game was the result of a series of SGfuture discussions, which Mr Wan took part in, on security issues in early 2016.

Nexus' Deputy Director (Engagement) Clara Tan said that when designing the game, the team was clear on its directions that it had to be an enjoyable game first and an educational tool second.

Apart from wanting the cadets to have fun and spreading the message about Total Defence, Ms Tan explained that the intent of the game was for them to know that everyone has a part to play to keep Singapore secure and resilient.

She said: "If the cadets are aware that threats come in all shapes and sizes, and know that even as students, they can make a difference by putting Total Defence into action in their everyday lives, they will be more prepared for hybrid threats, and will have the resilience to recover quickly from a crisis."

The two-hour game session was held at the NCC Campus in Amoy Quee Camp. While most students found it complicated initially, they quickly warmed to the game and began to see the fun in it.

For Staff Sergeant (SSG) (NCC) Sardar Garveen Singh, playing GOTC was an eye-opener as he never expected serious lessons to be taught in such a way.

"It's not your regular card game. Not only does it teach you how to organise your different (Total Defence) pillars and strengths, there's math involved and you also need to think of how it all adds up for you to protect your country," he said.

The 16-year-old elaborated that the game showed him how each Total Defence pillar has an important role to play and how all five pillars can work together when defending a country against crises.

Fellow cadet officer SSG (NCC) Azzah Atifah felt that the game exposed her to the possible threats which are threatening Singapore and learnt about the actions she could take to improve the five pillars of defence.

"I think we should always cooperate with one another, always stick with each other and not panic in difficult times, so that we can stand up for our country (together) and defend it," said the 16-year-old student.

It is precisely this illusion of safety that Commandant NCC Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Richard Koh wanted to drive home to the cadet officers.

He said: "I hope they realise that we are not that safe after all When they play this, they will learn of the possible scenarios that will happen and realise that terrorist attacks are happening around the region."

He added that this game was an opportunity to help the cadets understand that Singapore is a target for attacks.

"(Through this game), I hope that they will be the first responders if anything happens and know how to react to situations. And for them to be advocates and tell their friends that Total Defence is important even though we seem safe every day," said LTC Koh.

Starting next year, every NCC cadet will receive a pack of the card game. It will also be made available to all secondary schools as a classroom resource by January 2017.

On introducing GOTC to their fellow cadets, both SSG (NCC) Garveen and SSG (NCC) Azzah expressed confidence that their friends would enjoy the game as it was both fun and exciting.

"It gives one whole picture about how all the different pillars can come together to prevent a crisis and this is done in an interesting and fun way. Instead of listening to talks, you get to play together with your friends," explained SSG (NCC) Garveen.

Added SSG (NCC) Azzah: "It is more engaging as they will be able to interact with one another and they are able to learn from the cards. This is very beneficial for them and I'm excited to share this card game with them!"