A SOLDIER'S LOAD

Everything 2nd Sergeant (2SG) Nicholas Tan needs to survive is in his bag. Here's what he packs when on operations.

Just as a professional always keeps tools of the trade close at hand, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldier packs everything he needs to survive harsh outfield conditions in his trusty field pack.

According to 2SG Tan, the spare set of No. 4 uniform and the SAF-issued powder are at the top of his list of a soldier's most-used items.

"When we train outfield for extended periods, the powder comes in handy for maintaining personal hygiene when we do not have the luxury of taking baths," explained 2SG Tan, a platoon sergeant in 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

In fact, use of the powder, which is specially made to have anti-bacterial properties, has given rise to a term familiar to most Singaporean males: the "powder-bath"!

The soldier also carries a sewing kit complete with a digitalised camouflage cloth-patch to mend his gear, and replacements for small items such as buttons. Spare bootlaces and garters are also carried into the field.

From making a soldier's life in the field more bearable to fulfilling basic survival and combat needs, the field pack items make it all possible.

For example, the entrenching tool allows the soldier to construct field fortifications, while the groundsheet can be used as a simple shelter for soldiers to hide from inclement weather.

The field pack is also a soldier's literal life-line, as field rations will have a place in the cavernous field pack when it is time to move out.

Judging from the contents in his field pack, it looks like 2SG Tan is well-prepared for what s shaping up to be another day in the "office".

The Bag

The 30-litre field pack can carry loads of up to 80kg and has multiple eyelets and openings for ease of packing and unpacking. Quick-release buckles on the shoulder straps enable a soldier to jettison the pack in emergencies.

Pack 1

Vest
Shorts
2 pairs of green socks
Undergarments

Pack 3

Spare set of uniform

Pack 5

Tealights
Lighter
Spare batteries for torchlight
Sewing kit
Pair of bootlaces
Pair of garters

Pack 2

Towel

Pack 4

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Powder bottle
Disposable pre-soap sponge
Shaver
Toilet paper

Also in field pack

Entrenching tool
2x Sand bags
Groundsheet
Sandals
Mess tin
Field rations