To meet the varying demands of the 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces operating environment, the SAF is introducing a new combat uniform which will enhance the soldier’s survivability and sustainability while in combat, helping him achieve greater overall mission success.
Camouflage is an important element in military tactics. With today’s advanced surveillance equipment and weapon optics, soldiers face a greater risk of detection in combat. Recognising this, the Army and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) have jointly developed a new SAF combat uniform with an enhanced camouflage pattern to reduce detection - based on the science of human visual performance and visual biophysics. Besides an enhanced camouflage pattern, the new SAF combat uniform also consists of better quality fabric and an ergonomic functional design.
ENHANCED CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN
In developing the new SAF combat uniform, the following techniques were used to enhance the uniform's camouflage pattern:
a. Pixelised Pattern. Research was done to see how the defined boundary lines in the current camouflage pattern could be replaced to improve the camouflage capability of the combat uniform. Pixels were used to break up boundary lines and to generate a quivering effect. This affects the ability of the eye to see solid lines and the brain to detect recognisable shapes, resulting in a slower detection rate of the pixelised camouflage pattern at short distances (micro-pattern). Viewed at longer distances, the pixelised camouflage works just like the traditional camouflage which comprises pattern shapes (macro-pattern). Overall, it was found that the new pixelisation technique reduced our soldiers’ risk of detection.
b. Colour and Shades. Extensive research was done to determine the combination of colour and shades used in the new combat uniform. The research involved capturing images in various operating environments at different distances and lighting conditions, for feature analysis and colour selection. These images were segmented into pixels to generate the patterns used in the uniform's design. Field trials were then conducted to fine-tune the design and colour of the camouflage patterns.
c. Night Camouflage. In developing the camouflage uniform, it was noted that night vision devices negated the effects of pixelisation by showing all colours in the camouflage pattern as a single tone. To counter detection by night vision devices, the material used in the new SAF combat uniform was given Near Infra-red (NIR) treatment to ensure that every colour in the camouflage pattern reflected a different wavelength. This maintains the pixelised camouflage effect when viewed through night vision devices.
The trials involving different terrain and distances in both day and night conditions showed that the new camouflage pattern was significantly more effective than the current one.
UNIFORM FABRIC AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
Compared to the current uniform, the new fabric has higher permeability for better air flow. It also has an enhanced wicking ability which allows the quick transfer of moisture from the soldier's body to the outer surface of the uniform. This enables perspiration to evaporate at a faster rate, allowing greater heat dissipation, and increased comfort.
The new combat uniform is designed to be highly functional as well. It aims to ergonomically integrate with the soldier’s personal equipment. The design removes pressure points on the soldier's body and protects it against abrasion from use of body armour. It also allows for knee and elbow guards to be secured to the uniform and has additional pockets for storage. These features have been proven to optimise the soldier's performance in the field.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW SAF COMBAT UNIFORM
The new combat uniform will be phased in over three years, taking into consideration the wear and tear of the serviceman’s existing uniform. In 2009, recruits from the Jan 09 Basic Military Training (BMT) as well as active personnel and NSmen in their 6th and 7th In-Camp Training (ICT) years will start to receive the new combat uniforms. This will be followed in 2010, by NSmen who are in their 5th and 6th ICT years. In 2011, NSmen in their 3rd to 5th ICT years will receive the new uniform. Only NSmen currently in their 7th to 9th ICT years will not receive the new uniform. This phased approach takes into consideration the wear and tear of the servicemen's existing uniforms.
Proper retrieval, recycling and disposal of the old uniforms will be enforced to ensure that they are not misused or misappropriated. These uniforms will be retrieved through collection at the unit-level and at all e-Marts.
