Looks do matter - new SAF combat uniform

Looks do matter - new SAF combat uniform


Compared to the current uniform (left), the pixelised pattern of the new uniform (right) allows the soldier to blend into his environment more seamlessly, making it more difficult to detect him.

Appearances are deceiving.

This proverb usually has negative connotations, warning us of the danger in judging a book by its cover. For the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), however, this quality is precisely what they hope to achieve with the introduction of a new combat uniform.

In the new operating environment of today, 3rd Generation SAF soldiers have to deal with advancements in surveillance equipment technology and an ever-widening range of missions. This has resulted in a need to optimise their performance in both urban and forested terrains.


Check out the evolution of the SAF combat uniform through the years (from back to front).

Speaking at a media briefing on 1 Sep, Chief of Staff (COS), HQ 9 Division/Infantry, COL Tan Chor Kiat, explained: "One of the characteristics of an urban terrain is that a soldier will get shot at more often, and at much shorter distances."

"The survivability of the soldier is of top priority to us," he emphasised. "And when I talk about survivability, cover and concealment come to mind straightaway."

To facilitate these two important aspects, the Army collaborated with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) to develop a new uniform. Featuring an enhanced camouflage pattern, the uniform promises to lower a soldier's risk of detection.

Extensive research by DSTA revealed that this pixelised pattern helps to generate a 'quivering' effect which reduces the eye's ability to discern recognisable shapes.

The creation of a unique micro-pattern within the larger macro-pattern allows the soldier to better camouflage himself at both short and long distances.

With the proliferation of surveillance devices that can detect soldiers at night, the camouflage effect has to work at all times to avoid detection.

Thus, the new uniform material is treated with Near Infra-Red (NIR) capabilities. The pixelised design loses none of its efficacy when viewed through night-vision devices. In fact, it is more effective at night.

When asked about the enhanced camouflage capability of the new uniform, COL Tan said: "It's hard to talk about a specific percentage since you get different results at different ranges and in different terrains, lighting and climatic conditions. But it's safe to say we're looking at a 30 to 50 per cent enhancement in the soldier's camouflage capability."

Besides the improved camouflage effect, comfort is key to the uniform's functional design.

DSTA programme manager, Mr Koh Liam Huat, showed how the new fabric is highly permeable and water-absorbent, enabling better air flow and greater heat dissipation. It also dries at double the rate of the old uniform.

Offering a user's perspective on the improved design was CPL (NSF) Bryan Lee, who had been issued the new uniform for about a month.

"When we first put on the new uniform, the first thing we noticed was that it's lighter than our current uniforms," he said.

"Usually, that is our main concern, when we sweat a lot. With this new uniform, the perspiration evaporates faster, so it helps us to cool down and stay dry, which allows us to work more comfortably."

When asked his view about the pixelised design, CPL Lee replied that "the new look will take some getting used to", but the significant benefits it provided were what really mattered.

To ensure a smooth operational entry of this new uniform into service, the Army plans to phase it in over three years.

Taking into consideration the natural wear and tear of servicemen's existing uniforms, new recruits in 2009 as well as active personnel and Operationally Ready National Servicemen in their 6th and 7th in-camp training years will start to receive the new combat uniforms.


Implementation Schedule for the New Combat Uniform.

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2008/September/03sep08_news.html