OPS & TRAINING

HALL OF MEMORIES

01 Feb 2017

STORY // Ong Hong Tat
PHOTO // Kenneth Lin

Enlistment Letter

This document, dated 20 Apr 1968, was sent to a Mr Yue Kam Weng who lived at North Bridge Road (near where Bugis Junction stands today) informing him to report for duty a few weeks later. Letters of Enlistment are still sent today, though much of the enlistment process is now conducted electronically.

Mssion Memories

This operations scrapbook, donated by the SAF Medical Corps, details the events of the Hotel New World Collapse through news clippings. The 1986 disaster, which took 33 lives, is Singapore's worst civil disaster. The ensuing five-day rescue effort involved 500 personnel from the SAF, Singapore Civil Defence Force, the former Singapore Fire Service and the Singapore Police Force.

NS Recognition & Unit Pride

Code of Conduct Booklets

Messing Equipment

Soldiers often need to eat on the go, and the no-fuss messing equipment gives them a way to consume their meals in relative comfort in the hot and humid jungles.

(from top left in photo)

Mess Mug & Canteen

Used by servicemen to brew hot drinks during outfield exercises, it has foldable handles so that it can be compactly stored in field packs.

Mess Tin

Like the mess mug, the foldable handle allows for compact stowage. It allows soldiers to cook simple meals and heat food outfield.

Jack Knife

Every soldier needs a good blade. From cutting cordage to opening food tins, this handy tool is indispensable.

Metal Tray and Utensils

These are used for dining, as they are more durable and easily maintained.

At a glance: NS Gallery

The AR-15 rifle weighed less than the SLR and allowed soldiers to aim their weapons more quickly. The American-made AR-15/M-16 rifles are the SAF's longest-serving rifles to date and are remembered by many servicemen. It made way for the locally produced Singapore Assault Rifle 21 in 1999

Physical Training Kit: First-generation Physical Training (PT) kits came in green, with blue shorts and black canvas shoes. Nothing like the PT attire of today that is made from perspiration-wicking fabrics paired with high-tech running shoes!

Combat Uniform: Introduced in 1967, the Temasek Green combat uniform made way for the camouflage print combat uniform in 1983. Today, soldiers wear a lighter-weight pixelised uniform that is made from a more breathable fabric. This cap is a first-generation Jungle Cap typically used outfield to provide shade and comfort when a helmet is not required.

Early PT Equipment: SAF soldiers used these rudimentary pieces of equipment to conduct PT. Medicine balls and dumbbells were used for strength training, while mechanical timers were used to time soldiers during runs. Modern versions are used today. For example, SAF units today use automated timing systems for running tests.

Rank Bracelets: Specialists and Warrant Officers used to be known collectively as Non-Commissioned Officers. In the past, Warrant Officers wore their ranks on their wrists while Specialists wore their chevrons on the sides of their shoulders. Today, rank insignias are worn at the chest on the No. 4 combat uniform, regardless of rank.

Early Weapons: The L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) was introduced in 1957 by the British to the 1st and 2nd Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR and 2 SIR). It was eventually replaced in 1967, shortly after Singapore's independence.

First Aid Dressing Kit: A gauze pad attached to a bandage and gauze wrap, this 1st-generation First Aid Dressing (FAD) kit provided soldiers with a basic field dressing for wounds. Soldiers today carry an updated version of the FAD during training.

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