Items issued

Learn about some training equipment and items you will be issued with. Check out the list on this page.

Last updated 22 July 2025

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When you enlist as a full-time National Serviceman, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will issue you with all the equipment and personal effects that you will need, including personal items such as uniforms, field pack and boots. There is no need for you to purchase any of these military items prior to enlistment and you are advised to keep your personal belongings to a minimum when you report for enlistment.

Take a look at the full list of items you will be issued with on your enlistment day. Some of the more commonly used combat and non-combat items are also briefly introduced below to help you get acquainted with military life.

Useful items issued

1-litre polycarbonate water bottle

Aluminium pan mess kit

Badge holder

Black shoe polish and shoe brush

Camouflage face paint

Combination padlock

Cord spool

Digital thermometer

Ear plug (universal size)

First-aid dressing

Hand mirror

Insect repellent

Leather half-finger gloves

LED flashlight

Medicated foot and body powder

Microfiber bath towel

Multipurpose folding knife

Plastic drinking cup

Razor

Rubber band

Sewing kit

Soap and soap container

Stainless steel fork and spoon

Stationery

Toggle rope

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Weapon polishing cloth

Whistle

Additional information about some items

Aluminium pan mess kit
This mess kit serves as a portable version of a saucepan for cooking outfield.

Camouflage face paint
Camouflage is an important element in military tactics. To avoid being detected in combat, soldiers have to put on light green and flat black face paint to blend in with the jungle.

Cord spool
Soldiers use this nylon rope for pitching tents, as a clothes line, and even as a line for hanging maps when preparing for missions.

First-aid dressing
As soldiers are often exposed to intense physical activity that is part and parcel of military life, a first-aid dressing will come in handy as a quick solution for minor injuries.

Medicated foot and body powder
With anti-bacterial properties, this powder comes in handy for maintaining personal hygiene when soldiers do not have the luxury of taking baths outfield. In fact, its use has given rise to a term familiar to most Singaporean males: the 'powder-bath.'

Multipurpose folding knife
This multipurpose folding knife comes with different types of blades, a mini can opener and screwdriver. It also has different types of blades to meet soldiers' varying needs outfield.

Sewing kit
Soldiers can mend their gear using this sewing kit, which includes a cloth patch with a digital camouflage pattern and replacements for small items such as buttons.

Equipping a soldier for combat

Boots

Over the years, the SAF has enhanced its boot design to adapt to evolving terrains. The new Frontier boots come with tiny holes at the side, allowing trapped water to flow out and minimising the occurrence of foot rot. The nylon fabric allows moisture to evaporate quickly and the boots dry within an hour. They also have improved air permeability, ensuring greater comfort.

Field pack

The 30-litre field pack can carry loads of up to 80kg and has multiple openings for ease of packing and unpacking. Quick-release buckles on the shoulder straps enable the soldier to discard the pack in an emergency. The field pack is also the soldier's literal lifeline as it contains his field rations and basic toiletries.

Helmet

The helmet protects the soldier’s head from projectiles such as grenade shrapnel or mortar fragmentation. The pixelised cover helps soldiers blend into the environment, making them harder to be spotted.

Integrated Load Bearing Vest (iLBV)

The Integrated Load Bearing Vest (iLBV) serves two important functions: it carries essential combat items such as ammunition and water. It can also fit soft and hard armour plates that provide customisable levels of protection.

Designed by the SAF’s own soldiers, the improved iLBV weighs lighter than its older counterparts, weighing only 6.5kg when fitted to its highest protection level. Its improved mesh-net material allows heat to be dissipated more easily. A strap located at the bottom also allows the soldier to swiftly discard the entire vest in an emergency. The iLBV is also customisable so soldiers can attach various modular pouches to adapt to different mission types.

Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21

Developed locally to suit the Singapore soldier, the SAR 21 is equipped with a built-in aiming scope with 1.5× magnification and Laser Aiming Device that allows the soldier to hit targets rapidly and accurately, even at night. It is ideal for urban and jungle warfare.

No. 4 pixelised uniform

The SAF’s pixelised combat uniform has enhanced camouflaging properties. It utilises a new and lightweight fabric designed to transfer perspiration to the outer surface more quickly, allowing more air to circulate. The ergonomic design reduces pressure points, minimising abrasion and optimising soldiers' performance. The shirt can also be folded up as an improvised triangular bandage for an injured elbow.