It was originally formed in 1972 as the "Singapore Armed Forces Reservist Association".
[1] SAFRA was started on 2 July 1972 and was launched by, then Defence Minister of Singapore, Dr Goh Keng Swee.
[2] From 1996 to 2012 (Sunday 17 June, Fathers Day) SAFRA and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) co-organized the National Runway Cycling & Skating at Paya Lebar Air Base with 6,000–8,000 participants.
)[3] The SAFRA Mission "To be a dynamic institution effective in bonding NSmen through a network of quality lifestyle clubs, services and activities.
This was to reward servicemen for their service to the nation with some relaxation from their hectic lives.