UNIFORM IN PIXELS
STORY // Rachael Lim
PHOTO // Benjamin Lee // Models ME1 Oei Ian Francis & ME3 Joe Tay
Come 1 Jul, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) servicemen and women will have a No. 4 uniform to call their own.
Greyish-blue but in different colour tones to distinguish between the two Services, the new pixelised uniforms are an update of the old uniforms, with functional enhancements that allow RSAF and RSN personnel to operate more effectively in their respective working environments.
Replacing the RSAF coverall, the No. 4 will be the working garb for all Air Force Engineers. Air Warfare Officers in the Command, Control and Communications community, Air Operations and Systems Experts, as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilots and Systems Specialists will also don the uniforms at work.
The No. 4 uniform for the Navy will replace the Naval Combat Rig (NCR) as the standard uniform for operational duty for all RSN personnel.
"The new uniform has improved features that help us to operate more effectively. For example, the shoulder pleats allow for better mobility when servicing aircraft. We definitely look forward to wearing it!" said Military Expert (ME) 1 Oei Ian Francis, an Assistant Engineer at Paya Lebar Air Base, on some of the perks of the new uniforms.
Clothes maketh the unit
The pixelised uniforms provide a unique operational look that servicemen and women from all three Services will be able to identify with.
Active and Operationally Ready National Servicemen will be progressively equipped with the uniforms over the next three years, starting from the latter part of 2012.
The new uniforms will be worn at ceremonial parades like the Singapore Armed Forces Day Parade and National Day Parade. They can also be worn at public places.
When asked how he felt about the new uniform, ME3 Joe Tay, coxswain of patrol vessel RSS Fearless, said: "It brings us closer to the organisation... my guys on the ground also feel a greater sense of belonging. It definitely delivers an impact when the three Services wear it at the same time."
It's not just looks that matter
Like the green fatigues worn by soldiers in the Army, the pixelised pattern on the No. 4 for the Air Force and the Navy reduces the eye's ability to make out recognisable shapes, thereby making the wearer less obvious as a visual target for hostile forces.
In addition, the unique greyish-blue hues adopted by the RSAF and RSN blend better in the urban air base environment, as well as with the commonly-used paint colours of aircraft and ships. This provides a camouflage effect, which reduces the risk of being targeted when servicemen are carrying out their operational tasks.
Air Force Engineers, for example, are involved in air base operations such as ammunition re-supply as well as aircraft launch and recovery. The new uniforms will give them added concealment while they are carrying out air base operations in a wartime scenario.
Naval crew will also benefit from the pixelised uniforms, especially in overseas missions during piracy disruption operations.
Key features of the No. 4 uniform for the Air Force and the Navy
Fabric
A blend of polyester and cotton (50/50), the fabric is lighter, absorbs moisture better and has quick-drying properties.
Shirt
- Country tags and flag: The "Singapore" tag is sewn above the left chest pocket. During overseas missions, the Singapore flag is velcroed onto the left upper sleeve for the Air Force, and attached onto the left sleeve pocket for the Navy.
- Mandarin Collar protects soldiers from abrasion caused by life jackets and when using devices with neck straps (e.g. binoculars and night vision goggles).
- New epaulette position at front of uniform.
Trousers
- Diamond crotch sewing between the leg panels allow for greater mobility and comfort when squatting or stretching.
- Side pockets are pleatless to avoid excess bulkiness that could increase rate of contact with external objects.
- Internal pouches within side pockets provide storage space for stationery and accessories like anti-flash gear for the RSN or ear plugs for the RSAF.
Headgear
Pixelised jockey caps as well as berets can be worn with the uniform.
Air Force
Pleats on upper back area give added upper limb mobility.
High-cut safety boots (formerly mid-cut) to better protect shins and ankles. Also features a lightweight composite toe-cap to protect toes (especially during aircraft maintenance work), and a zip for quick removal of boots.
Navy
The reflective strip, unique to the RSN's uniform, is on both forearms to enhance visibility in an emergency situation with poor environmental visibility. Flaps cover the strips when not required.
Mid-cut safety boots (formerly low-cut) that feature breathable material and composite toe-caps for lighter and more comfortable wear. The mid-cut length enables better ankle support. A zip allows for convenient and quick removal of boots.
