SINGAPORE - Militaria of the Singapore Armed Forces

SAF uniform circa 1989 – note that the cut is based on 3rd pattern US jungle uniform


SAF Goretex jacket


SAF webbing LBE circa 1989


SAF rucksack circa 1989 – a medium capacity pack, later versions would incorporate fastex buckles




SAF LBE then changed to a local manufacture of the tried and tested Israeli LBE – currently the SAF now field a MOLLE type vest

Here are pictures of the new SAF No.4 "Pixelised" uniform. It was first introduced in 2008, which is what these items are dated as. As with other Singapore items, these are made in China.

There are several very interesting features of this uniform. On the jacket there is a small patch of velcro behind the rank instead of a button. This is really useful, IMHO, because it's sometimes quite difficult to button up a jacket when one of the buttons is under the rank flap.

The rank flap is sewn down to the uniform, which means it is actually a loop. Because it can't slip on the rank itself has velcro on its back. This allows it to stay securely on the loop. I suspect this feature keeps the rank flap from being accidentally unattached during field use.

The trousers have velcroed camo straps on the insides of each leg at knee height. I presume this helps keep knee pad straps from slipping down the leg. An apparent prototype actually had the knee reinforcements velcroed on the sides so the knee pad would go underneath, which definitely prevented it from moving but did mean the knee cloth would get beat to Hell pretty quickly. This is a better arrangement IMHO.

Interestingly there is velcro provided only for the unit badge on the right arm. Everything else is sewn directly onto the uniform.

There is a desert version of this uniform. I wonder if I'll ever be able to get one!

These features appear to be very useful and are certainly the first I've seen on any uniform. Pretty neat stuff!

Steve

Wow, I've never seen "good" pictures of the new digital pattern. Thanks for sharing those!

Looks very similar to MARPAT, perhaps just on a smaller scale.

Nice set there, steve! but there are some things i would lke to point out:

the fabric of this uniform is special, AFAIK is made to draw heat away from the body, a good feature.

The reason behind the velcro patch only for the unit badges (in this case yours is a 6th Division badge)is that, should the conscript volunteers to change his unit he is currently posted in (like my uncle did - from a regular unit to the Singapore Commandos), he can simply remove his patch and replace it with the new unit hes posted into. This feature was introduced in around 2004.

I nearly got my hands on the desert version, until my uncle had pulled back his decision to donate a new one to me on the grounds of its legality in the hands of a civilian

( i reckon its just the case of him being lazy)

old pattern

Does anyone know of the Singaporeans make a smock in the digital camo that they have?

Singaporean lid, found in a bin with a few uniforms and bits and bobs by one of the boys after a exercise, was being used as a hat for a snowman, before i grabbed it lol

Some fantastic pics of the digital uniforms, both types, in this thread:

http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/military-photos-videos/singapore-army-pictures-10396-2/

Sample pic:



Steve

2 sets of the older uniform. hat and beret.
2 sets new digital pattern, shirt with pen pockets on sleeves and one without, trou with the knee pad holders and one pair without.
New style hat and helmet.
T shirts and caps from a exercise.

































[IMG=https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img84/1002/dsc08478b.jpg][/IMG]

Nice helmet and cover! Good find on top of other good finds!

Steve

Vest







I'd hate to wear one of these things in the tropics. Would be rather uncomfortable and sweaty.

Cheers
Ben

Raincoat

How is the export status on singaporean uniform? Is it easy to get?

@ alphaproduction ... I see you found the Singapore thread finally!

Singapore Army uniforms turn up from time to time on EBay but they are by no means common. There is a 'soldiers market' - a multi storey open air affair which has a number of stalls catering to military needs. Now and again it is possible to source a full uniform from one or another of the stalls but usually there are just bits of assorted kit and insignia.

filupe wrote:@ alphaproduction ... I see you found the Singapore thread finally!

Singapore Army uniforms turn up from time to time on EBay but they are by no means common. There is a 'soldiers market' - a multi storey open air affair which has a number of stalls catering to military needs. Now and again it is possible to source a full uniform from one or another of the stalls but usually there are just bits of assorted kit and insignia.

Well, i sort of know some guy who consistenly post their Digital SAF uniform on e-bay...
Guess this is still not very popular amoung collector.

I need a Singapore digital uniform and be happy to swap for an Auscam one ... even better would be the Singapore desert uniform, to match the hat I already have.

filupe wrote:I need a Singapore digital uniform and be happy to swap for an Auscam one ... even better would be the Singapore desert uniform, to match the hat I already have.

heh it's not hard for the green one, the question is you want insignia with it? And what Auscam you are willing to trade?

The desert SAF is VERY VERY VERY VERY hard to find..........

hmm i have a spare set of greens but have plenty of auscam...

Singaporean lizard short sleeve shirt

Navy











Air force







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vertical lizard in use...