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New hybrid uniforms to help SAF troops beat the heat

Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong (background, in glasses) joining troops during their combat training while wearing the new hybrid uniform. (PHOTO: MINDEF)
Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong (background, in glasses) joining troops during their combat training while wearing the new hybrid uniform. (PHOTO: MINDEF)

If it’s vital to stay cool in the heat of battle, then the Singapore Armed Force’s new hybrid uniforms could make a big difference.

Rolled out in January this year, the fast-drying uniforms are aimed at improving troop performance by “providing better comfort and heat dissipation”, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release on Wednesday (20 June).

Made of both “high-performance fabric” and the “tougher No. 4 uniform pixelised fabric”, the new tops are meant to be worn underneath soldiers’ Integrated Load Bearing Vests (iLBVs) during operations and training.

Thanks to its porous construction, the hybrid uniform allows good air permeability, while the high-performance fabric is also 60 per cent more effective for drying than the regular No. 4 uniform.

On top of that, the new fabric addition is resistant to fire and has self-extinguishing abilities.

The hybrid uniform was conceptualised in 2011 and underwent “extensive trials” before being put into use, said MINDEF. Its initial rollout was aimed at Army combat units that were selected “due to their physically-demanding and onerous mission profiles”.

As the new uniform is meant to be worn for outfield activities, “(servicemen) will still be required to don the No. 4 uniform for other routine activities”, the ministry added.

There are also no plans to equip operationally ready national servicemen with the new attire as the current No. 4 still meets the requirements for their in-camp training.

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