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2nd People's Defense Force (2 PDF)
Island Defense Task Force (IDTF)
"Steadfast We Stand"

2nd People's Defense Force (2 PDF), also designated as the Island Defense Headquarters (IDHQ), is responsible for the 24/7 protection of key installations and for coordinating military resources to assist Homefront Agencies in civil emergencies, with the headquarters manned around the clock to provide an effective and efficient response to incidents Singapore-wide.

On 1 April 1985, Headquarters, People's Defense Force was redesignated Headquarters, 2nd People's Defense Force and Headquarters, 1st People's Defense Force was also activated. 2 PDF continued to serve as one half of the 30,000 member organization until 2000, when a prescient review of the functions of the PDF in 2000 led to the restructing of 2 PDF and the entire force. 2 PDF was reorganized in 2001 to take on a new role as the Island Defense Headquarters (IDHQ), intended to take on the immense task of defending Singapore against the threat of terrorism. This mission gained greater importance after the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001. In 2005, the 1 PDF was stood down, leaving 2 PDF as the sole remaining PDF organization.

After assuming its new role in 2001, and expected to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Air Force, and Navy to play a bigger role in the security of Singapore, 2 PDF evolved immensely. The first specific action taken was to create a dedicated protection of installations unit. In the interim, non-specialized infantry battalions, starting with 3rd Battaion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR), were rotated through to perform the functions. On 12 July 2004, Headquarters, 2 PDF took direction control of 6th Battalion, Singapre Infantry Regiment (6 SIR). In November 2006, 6 SIR was declared operation in its new role, becoming the only such unit in the Singapore Army, guarding the nation's key installation such as Jurong Island and Changi Airport. The Battalion also provided assistance in times of civil emergencies.

In 2010, as IDHQ, 2 PDF took control of the newly activated 1st Singapore Infantry Brigade, which together with Headquarters, 2 PDF formed the core of what was designated as the Island Defense Task Force (IDTF). 6 SIR, along with 8th and 9th Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment, which had also been activated to perform the protection of installations mission, were assigned to the newly activated Brigade. IDTF would command 2 PDF forces, CBRE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and High Yield Explosives) forces, Medical Response forces, and other assigned forces to defend Singapore in war and protect Singapore's security in peace by taking charge of camp security, protecting key installations, supervising CBRE operations, and partner with the Police to ensure the security of events and civil emergencies.