Introduction

The public image of any armed forces depends not only on its proven or potential fighting efficiency in times of war but also equally on its appearance and conduct as a disciplined and unified force. Therefore uniformity, correctness and smartness on all occasions are essential in projecting the desired public image.

 

Personal Appearance

Every service personnel must maintain a neat and clean appearance and be smartly dressed on all occasions while in uniform. Uniforms worn are to be neat, clean, properly fitted and pressed/ironed to portray a smart military image. The uniform must be worn properly at all times.

 

Acceptable Haircut in MINDEF/SAF

Our military bearing, turnout and conduct reflect the level of discipline and professionalism in the SAF. Apart from facilitating operational readiness, it is therefore crucial for us to upkeep SAF’s image with good military bearing and professionalism. Every serviceman is expected to maintain appropriate bearing and turnout, and acceptable haircut is part of it. Refer to Annex A for Acceptable Haircut in MINDEF/SAF. Sikh personnel wearing the turban and patkas, and practising Sikhism prior to enlistment for Full-time National Service are allowed to keep long hair due to their tradition. However, they are to ensure that the hair showings below the turban are neatly tucked in and that beard and moustache are neatly groomed.

 

Wearing of Uniform

All SAF uniformed personnel (including Regulars, NSF, NSmen and SAF Volunteer Corps) are not allowed to wear the SAF uniform or any part of the SAF uniform, when overseas except when on official duties.
A Regular, NSF, NSmen or SAF VC is not to wear the uniform or any part of it except when:

  1. performing military duty and when proceeding to or from a place of military duty,
  2. attending a ceremonial function, or a social function of a purely military service in nature or
  3. any other occasion as directed by MINDEF/SAF.

The SAF Day marks the importance of defence and the role of every soldier in defending Singapore. To increase public support for defence and NS, all NSmen are encouraged to wear their SAF uniform to work on 1st July.
Temporary excuse from wearing uniform may be given to service personnel for medical reasons certified by SAF Medical Officers.

 

Numbered Order of Dress

The authorised numbered order of dress in the SAF is as follows:

  1. No.1 dress - Ceremonial dress
  2. No.2 dress - Mess kit
  3. No.3 dress - Office dress (including Maternity Uniform)
  4. No.4 dress - Field dress
  5. No.5 dress - Service dress
    • - (T) Tie
    • - (J) Jacket
    • - (E) Enhanced
    • - (S) Simplified

 

Occasions for Wearing

Generally, the SAF uniform is to be worn for the following occasions:

  1. No.1 dress is used by Guard of Honour contingents on all occasions and Commissioning Parades, including Military guests attending the events. These include parades such as Specialists Cadet Graduation Parade (SCGP), Milestone Parade or parades that required to be in No.1 dress as stated by the organising committee.
  2. No.2 dress is used when the occasion includes Dining-In.
  3. No.3 dress is used as an office uniform and for normal walking out.
  4. No.4 dress is used for training and in lieu of the No.3 dress if the serviceman is not issued with one.
  5. No.5 (T) dress is worn when attending simple parades, ceremonies and receptions.
  6. No.5 (J) dress is worn when attending specified ceremony and overseas courses/ seminars or when specified.
  7. No.5 (E) dress is worn when attending an Investiture or specified ceremony.
  8. No.5 (S) dress is worn as and when required to facilitate changing to and from other versions of the No. 5 dress as well as a dress down attire before/after parade/event. This is not an official dress code for SAF events.

 

Clarification

Any clarification to the SAF Dress Instructions can be directed to SAF SM Office through Services' R&D or Unit RSM.

 

Annex A: Acceptable Haircut in MINDEF/SAF

1. Acceptable haircut for male

 

 

 

Note:

Moustaches are permitted. If a moustache is kept, it has to be kept neatly trimmed and of moderate length. No portion is to fall below a line parallel with the bottom of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth.