This photograph shows the First People’s Defence Force (PDF) Non-Commissioning Officers (NCOs) Orientation Course from 3 May 1968 to 31 August 1968. The course was held at the PDF Training Centre Maju Camp. The People’s Defence Force (PDF) was established as a part-time paramilitary force following the passing of the People’s Defence Force Bill (on 30 December 1965) and enactment of the People’s Defence Force Act. It was a defence force that was volunteer-driven and meant to be a reserve combat unit to supplement the regular Singapore Army so as to reduce the need to maintain a full-time army on a permanent basis.
