Military Habits

3 PREFACE
4 DEFINITION
5 TRAINING SAFETY
14 TRANSPORT SAFETY
18 SECURITY HABITS
24 TURNOUT AND BEARINGS
50 REGIMENTATION HABITS
57 OTHER HABITS
59 REFERENCES

2

PREFACE

As part of the 04/21 Regimental Sergeant Major Course Curriculum,
leaders must develop Military Habits SOP (Safety, Security,
Guardroom, Regimentation, Duties, Parade and Ceremonies) by the
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and various services in the SAF to
display the different practices in the SAF from the rest of the Armed
Forces in the world.

In a Volatile, Unique, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA)
environment, Military Habits are a testament to the SAF in the
development of the culture within. To answer to the operational
demands and requirements of the SAF, every service will have its
unique and customized Military Habits

This Military Habits Guide aims to provide readers with an
understanding of culture shaped by the Habits existing in SAF.

3

DEFINITION

REGIMENTATION is defined as enforcing a strict Discipline, and it
executes the uniformity characteristic in the SAF. Part of the
Regimentation will include, (1) Wearing of uniform, (2) Personal Bearing
(3) Paying of Compliment (4) Parades and Ceremonies (5) Stand By
Barracks (6) Force Preparation

DISCIPLINE is a state of practicing management, training soldiers to
obey rules reference to code of conduct and using punitive measures to
correct misconduct or disobedience to order. This method will set
deterrence to soldiers in committing the similar offence(s)

MILITARY HABITS is an action that requires soldiers to perform and
follow the rules and regulations set by the SAF. Strong Military Habits
will shape the soldier and display the readiness of the SAF. Form and
shape can be from various sources (1) Directives/GOM, (2) Practices of
the unit, (3) SAF Code of Conduct or, (4) Handing and Taking over of
predecessors

4

#2

ZERO ACCIDENT
MINDSET

#1 #3

SAFETY IS A TRAINING
MISSION SAFELY TAKES
OUTCOME
TIME

#6 #5 #4

EVERY SOLDIER LEARN FROM SAFETY
MUST TAKE NEAR-MISSES REQUIRES
AND INCIDENTS DISCIPLINE
OWNERSHIP OF
SAFETY

5

RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

(RAC)

Risk Assessment Checklist (RAC) is conducted in
section level. It is a safety process in identifying
hazards and managing risks.
This process allows commanders on the ground
to ensure the soldier’s physical & psychology
conditions, the understanding of the specific task
to be done, the serviceability of equipment,
knowing the potential hazards identified and the
understanding of safety measure which was put
in place.

During the Conducting & Safety Brief, soldiers
should declare the following (if any):
• Feeling unwell
• MC/ medical excuses
• Less than 7 hours of uninterrupted rest
• Consume alcohol/medication prior to activity/

night before.

6

MANDOWN DRILL (MDD)

• Every soldier must be conversant with MDD and
render assistance immediately when there is any
casualty.

• To access the condition of the casualty by asking
3 questions (Time, Place & Person) to confirm
casualty’s alertness.

• If casualty is alert, do continue to treat the
casualty accordingly and monitor his/her
condition.

• If casualty is not alert, apply the AVPU techniques.
If need be, proceed to evacuate the casualty to the
nearest medical centre or to call 1733 (if urgent).

• Any unsure situation, proceed for evacuation.
Every second counts, as we might save or lost a
life.

7

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• During any high-risk conduct with medic on site,
the Cooling Pads will be a primary usage as it is
portable cooling system which use to reduces the
body core temperature.

• Conducting units are to always ensure to arrange
for resupply of the cooling pads every 12 hours of
medical cover.

• But the usual 12 ice packs safety stores still need
to be prepared for secondary usage.

Buddy system

• We must enforce on Buddy System. As buddies are the
extra pair of eyes for commanders to keep a lookout
and sound off when their buddies show signs of
distress/ unwell.

• Buddy system also enforce for the purpose of strength
accounting.

8

Heat
injury
prevention

Temperature in March usually could
reach a peak of 35 degree celsius,
and there will be more risk of heat

injury.
To ensure the well-being of our
soldiers, precautionary measures

need to be put in place.

9

The intensity of training is
gradually increased to help

servicemen acclimatise
safely.

TEMPERATURE TAKING
WORK-REST CYCLE
PROGRESSIVE TRAINING Mandatory temperature taking
allows us to detect soldiers feeling
unwell and in time to take necessary

actions.

Proper Work-Rest Cycle ensures our soldiers
safety and sustainability when participating in

strenuous activities.
Constantly monitor the WBGT every 15 minutes
and take necessary rest according to the SAF

Work-Rest Cycle Table.

10

HYDRATION REGIME

Hydration regime allow us to keep track on our
soldiers are well hydrated at all times even during
night training. Do not drink water no later than 2

hours before sleep to avoid rest disruption.
• 1st Year Soldiers – about 7L of water per day.
• 2nd Year Soldiers – Baseline 4L of water per day

REST MANAGEMENT

Always ensure our servicemen have adequate rest
for sustenance and maximizing performance (at

least 7hrs of uninterrupted rest).
Servicemen are not to consume any alcohol.
Any consumption of medication the night before,
must sound off prior the conduct of activity.

11

INCLEMENT
WEATHER &
DEADFALL

• During the period of November to
January, we will expect widespread
thundery showers, higher lightning
activities and gusty wind.

• There will be more potential hazards like
deadfall, flood, lightning risks.

• Deadfall are potentially dangerous
overhanging branches. During inclement
weather period, the risk of deadfall
increases due to heavy rain and gusty
wind.

• During trainings, do not harbour near or
under dead trees/ potential deadfall.

12

Near-Miss can prevent accidents from happening,
save lives, improves the SAF Safety System and
Culture and prevent further damage to our
workplace.

DENGUE PREVENTION

• Mosquitos just need the size and depth of a
20-cent coin to breed.

• Do always keep a lookout on areas that will
trap water/rain and clear it to prevent any
breeding takes place.

• Wear Long No.4 out in the field and apply
insect repellent every six hourly.

• Observe and seek medical attention for
symptoms of dengue like high fever, rashes,
muscle pain and severe headache.

13

Tips For Right Turn Execution
✓Signal intention early and check front & rear

for vehicles and other road users.
✓Reduce speed and check right blind spot if it

is safe, take appropriate lane indicated by
road markings.
✓Ensure traffic light allows you to proceed. If
not, stop behind the stop line.
✓Drive slowly & cautiously towards the centre
of the junction; give way to oncoming
vehicles; Wait till it is safe to cross or wait for
green arrow signal to appear; turn swiftly to
the correct lane and look-out for pedestrians
crossing.

OVERTAKING RULES
✓Never overtake unless you can do so

without endangering yourself or
others.
✓Becareful at night, and in heavy rain
and mist.
✓When visibility is poor, it becomes
more difficult to judge speed and
distance

14

No Move Time

Monday to Friday
0730hrs – 0930hrs
1730hrs – 1930hrs

Vehicle Safe Following Distance
✓Safe following distance enable

drivers to react to emergency
situations to stop safely without
colliding with the vehicle in front.
✓1 Vehicle length every 16 km/h
✓2 Seconds Rule
✓4 Seconds Rule during adverse
weather condition.

How To Avoid Hydroplanning?
✓Slow down when roads are wet; the faster you drive, the harder it is for your tyres to scatter the water.
✓Keep tyres properly inflated. Replace when necessary.
✓Stay away from puddles and standing water.
✓Turn off cruise control and avoid hand braking; Try not to make sharp or quick turns.
✓Avoid driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate.

15

RoW
PROTOCOL

in
Training Area

Safe Movement
✓Slow down when negotiating corners

and hazards
✓Stop if cannot see
✓Rear guide to employed during

reversing
✓30M Safe Distances between Vehicles

Right Of Way
✓SCAA
✓SLOW/STOP During encounter with

another vehicle
✓COMMUNICATE Clearly on intent and

who should pass first
✓ASSESS if the passing can be done

safely
✓ACT only when intent actions are clear,

other vehicle is stationary, and it is safe
to do so

16

Vehicle Commander
➢Assess condition of TO before moving out, and constantly check on TO’s condition during movement.
➢Ensure everyone put on seatbelts before moving out.
➢To check and endorse MT-RAC form
➢Ensure the TO know the routes and destinations.
➢Ensure TO adhere to road traffic rules, regulations and speed limit.
➢Render assistance to the TO when any accident or breakdown.

17

SECURITY
HABITS

18

Security of ISAC card and IT user

1. ISAC card is SAF issued card to access to
SAF OSN / ROSN /SNET system.

2. The individual is NOT allowed to share the
card with another individual.

3. Do not leave the ISAC card unattended at
the office even it is only for a short
moment.

4. Using of STRONG password is strongly
encouraged to avoid being unauthorized
access

5. To undertake cybersmart eAUP and eTest
via OSN yearly for renewal

Security of Personal Data (PD)

a. PD must be treated sensitively and protected securely
to ensure trust and confidence in MINDEF / SAF
ability to safeguard information entrusted.

b. PD – on daily use of NRIC shall be masked reflecting
the last three digits and alphabet (SXXXX123B).
c. Alternatives to NRICs – to use the servicemen’s
personnel number in e-HR.
d. Requirement for seeking consent.

• Express consent it is unequivocal and does not
require any further inference. This occurs when
consent id obtained via writing or documented in
manner accessible for future reference

• Deemed consent whereby individual is deemed
to give consent voluntarily for SAF usage.

e. Use of Privacy Markers

• Security Classification \ Sensitivity Classification

Example: Restricted \ Sensitivity High

f. Protection Measures

• Cover Note for Hardcopy documents.

• Ensuring Correct Addresses and Use Blind Carbon

Copy (BCC)

• Cautionary Statement

• Password Protection

• Receiving Password Protected Files 19

Security of Arms

1. All arms whether actual or dummy are NOT allow to be
left unattended.

2. Clear demarcation for different arms i.e. faulty weapon
not to be mixed with functional weapon.

3. Separation between arms and ammo at all times. All
arms and ammo shall always be managed and stored
separately, unless written waiver is approved by Hd FSB,
MSD.

4. Controlled access to arms and ammo. Personnel
managing arms and ammo shall be appropriately
identified, authorized and security cleared.

5. Letter of authority / Specimen signature must all
practices when issuing to individual.

6. Individual are responsible for their arms and ammo upon
issuance to them.

Security of Armskote

a. All SAF armstoke are to be double locked with
SAF approved locks and armed with Intruder
Detection System (IDS).

b. The “2 keys system” shall be implemented in
which the upper and lower lock keys of the
armstoke shall be held separately by the
respective authorized personnel.i.e. Duty
Officer (DO) and Armstokemen.

c. Accounting of arms. All arms must be sign in /
out upon issuing to individual.

d. Arms not drawn are to be chained and locked
at all times.

e. All Armstoke is required to do an arms check -
daily / weekly / monthly by respective duty
personnel / appointment holder.

f. The lighting outside must be function at all
times. Immediate rectification must be carry
out.

g. A sentry is to be deployed during the
downtime.

20

Security of ammunition
a. Proper authorized personnel to be

holding as ammo IC. Platoon Sergeant
(PS) or 3SG holding PS appointment.
b. All ammo must be treated as “live” round.
c. All forms of ammo must be properly
accounted and sign in /out upon issuing /
receiving.
d. All ammo must be NOT left unattended.
All RAIs are required to be returned back to
SAF Ammo Dump for accountability and
ammo security.

Security of Key Managements
a. All keys must be signed out when required

and returned at the end of the day. A key
press register (SAF 540) shall be maintained.
All entries in the key register shall be in ink.
b. A key list containing on the key tag numbers
and the number of keys in each bunch shall
be displayed in the key press.
c. At the same time of installation of a lock,
keys provided by the contractor / supplier
shall be handed over to the person in charge
and not through a third party.
d. Unauthorised person shall be allowed to
access /signed out these keys.

21

Security of Clearance

a. All personnel are required to submit G50 to
receive the required security clearance via
ACRES (MSD).

b. Applying the “need to know” and “need to
hold” requirement for appropriate security
clearance to all.

c. There are 4 levels of security clearance in
MINDEF / SAF.

• CAT 1A – For personnel with frequent access
to information classified under TOP SECRET.

• CAT 1 – For personnel with frequent access to
information classified under SECRET and
occasionally access information classified
under TOP SECRET.

• CAT 2A – For personnel with frequent access
to information classified under Confidential
and occasionally access information classified
under SECRET.

• CAT 2 – For personnel with frequent access to
information classified under Confidential and
below.

Security of Image Capturing Device

a. Green Zones. Servicemen will be allowed
to carry camera equipped mobile phones in
the Green Zones.. Some examples of Green
Zone areas are medical centres,
accommodation bunks and cookhouses

b. Red Zones. Areas where sensitive and
classified information and equipment are
processed and managed.

Possession of camera equipped mobile
phone is prohibited in Red Zones. Before
entering a Red Zone, servicemen who
possess a camera equipped mobile phone
are required to deposit them at the provided
lockers.

These areas may include server rooms, unit
operation rooms, and offices with computer
access to sensitive information

22

DATA SECURITY QUIZ

1. The Smart Nation and
Digital Government Office
(SNDGO) introduced WoG IT
security awareness course
and mandated that all
agencies officers complete
the cyber security module
annually in 2019 and
expanded the scope of IT
security awareness to Data
Security

2. All MINDEF / SAF OSN users
are required to do Data
Security Quiz via the existing
eCybersmart. The Data
Security Quiz will be
incorporated into the eTest
by Mar 2021

Security of Guardroom 23
1.Duty Security Troopers / Regimental Guards who are performing
patrolling are to be in buddy system and not allowed to take a
break from their patrolling route.

2.Duty personnel performing Pass Office desk duty are to perform
positive verification when performing for pass exchanging of all
visitors.

3.The SAF Security Pass system is used to control and authorize the
movement of personnel into military establishments. The different
types of pass will determine the installation to which the bearers
will have access.

4.Under PAPPA Act, all visitors who are visiting the unit, they are
required to book in at Pass Office, less those who are
whitelisted. Visitors are allowed into the MINDEF / SAF Camps /
Bases for official reasons only. All visit has to be hosted by the unit
personnel.

5.Camps / Bases must verify the identity of all visitors and their
purpose of visit. Service personnel shall use their SAF card for
identity while external visitors shall require to use their NRICs /
Driving License, Passport

24

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.

● Maintain neat and clean appearance
● Belt buckles and tips kept in proper lustre
● Pockets should not be visibly bulky
● No foreign articles are to be attached to belt loops or belts
● Pouches not to be worn over waist or slung over shoulder
● No bright/fanciful earphones are to be worn with uniform
● No earphones are to be worn during work unless it is an essential part of

the task or formally sanctioned by Medical Officer

With reference to the image
below, servicemen’s hair are to
be neatly kept and groomed.
Sikh personnel are exempted
from the rules but are to ensure
hair showing below turban are
neatly tucked in and beard and
moustache are neatly groomed.

Servicewomen’s hair are not to
be below the lower collar fold.
Personnel with long hair are to
tie in braids or ponytails neatly.
Only dark/dull coloured bands,
pins, combs or other ornaments
are allowed.

*Conspicuous dyes and bleaches are not allowed for use on the hair unless its dyed to the

original hair colour. 25

WEARING OF MAKE-UP
Servicewomen are allowed to wear basic face make-up except when
deployed in the field. Lipstick and nail polish may be worn as long the
colour is natural.

TATTOOS
Tattoos which are visible when wearing uniforms are
not allowed for all servicemen. Tattoos prior to
enlistment are to be declared and recorded in their
medical records.

FINGERNAILS
All personnel are to keep their fingernails clean and
neatly trimmed so as not to interfere with performance
of duty, tarnish military image, or cause a safety hazard.

WEARING OF JEWELLERY
Wearing of a wristwatch and ONE ring is allowed but not when
they are prohibited due to safety concerns or during a parade.
No other jewellery such as bangles or chains will be worn if they
are visible when in uniforms. Personnel observing Sikh faith may
be allowed to wear the steel bracelet.

26

WEARING OF SPECTACLES & CONTACT LENSES

Spectacle frames (metal/plastic) shall be plain and not
fanciful. Only dark/dull coloured spectacle frames are
allowed to be worn during operations/outfield
activities

Colour of contact lens shall be clear or of a very light
tint that is not discernible to the naked eye. Contact
lens should be of normal size in appearance.

WEARING OF SUNGLASSES (INCLUDING TRANSITION LENSES

Sunglasses are only permitted only upon doctor’s prescription for
a medical condition or as a PPE. Sunglasses should not be worn
when addressed by senior commander or in any forms of parade
and ceremonies.

WEARING OF EAR RING FOR FEMALES

Simple ear ring not more than 100 in
diameter are acceptable.

Simple ear ring stud-type ear ring not 27
exceeding 6mm in size are acceptable

*Servicewomen are not allowed to
wear more than one ear ring at a time.

28

29

EPAULETTES BUTTONS GLOVES

ARMS BADGE

GORGETS
SWORD BELT & STRAPS

FOOTWEAR

30

MEDALS TABS & SLEEVE BADGES

BADGES

31

SAF No. 2 Dress (Men) The SAF No. 2 is normally
worn during social occasions
and dining-in. Men wear a
bow tie with their inner
shirt. In addition to the
Aiguillete, which is also
worn with the No. 2, a four-
pleat cummerbund is worn.
A gold chain is also attached
to the third lowest button,
with the chain below the
jacket but fastening both
sides of the jacket.

SAF No. 2 Dress (Women)

Officers/ Specialists Officers/ Specialists
Military Experts/ Military Experts/
Warrant Officers Warrant Officers

32

EPAULETTES

ARMS BADGE BUTTONS WITH GOLD CHAIN

CUMMERBAND BOW TIE

FOOTWEAR

33

MEDALS (MEN) TABS

BADEGES
MEDALS (LADIES)

34

The SAF No. 3 is the army’s SAF No. 2 Dress (Women)
office kit and is normally
worn by clerks. A nylon belt
with Services’ Crest
embossed gold buckle is
worn with the uniform. The
other accessories, such as
the arms badges, shoulder
boards, headdress, foreign
badges, SAF badges and
medals, name tag, tab
proficiency badges, and
lanyards are worn as per
normal like on the other
uniforms.

SAF No. 2 Dress (Men)

Officers/ Specialists Officers/ Specialists Officers/ Specialists
Military Experts/ Military Experts/ Military Experts/ (Maternity)
Warrant Officers Warrant Officers Warrant Officers

(Maternity)

35

EPAULETTES GORGETS

NAME TAG ARMS BADGE

Arms Badge
should be
accordance to
one’s vocation

BELTS

FOOTWEAR

36

COLLAR RANK SPECIALIST RANK
ARMS BADGE GORGETS

NAME TAG LADIES BELTS
MEN

RIBBONS

37

BADGES
38

The SAF No. 4 is the
standard attire, there are
two variations, the “smart
4” and “long 4”. Like other
uniforms, the respective
arms badge is worn on the
right collar. Inner shirts are
also commonly worn inside
the No.4, except during
parades and trainings.

Officers/ Military Experts/ Warrant Officers Specialists

SAF No. 4 Dress is the same for both male and female personnel

39

SINGAPORE TAG BELTS
NAME TAG FORMATION PATCH
ARMS BADGE

Arms Badge and Formation
Patch should be

accordance to one’s
vocation and formation

respectively

FOOTWEAR

40

BADGES
41

The SAF No.4 Dress (Hybrid) is
allowed during training,
exercises and operations,
including the preparation and
post phases. It is not allowed
to be worn when booking
in/out of camps/bases, on
public transport, parade and
ceremonies and on private
owned vehicles (inclusive of
military staff car).

LOAD BEARING SYSTEM (LBS)

42

CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE LBS

• SBO 0
LBS belt only
• SBO 1
LBS belt and vest without plates
• SBO 2
LBS belt and vest with soft plates
• SBO 3
LBS belt and vest with hard plates

*No orders, neck
decorations, medals and
qualification badges will be
worn on No.4 Dress (Hybrid)

43

The No.5 Dress is worn during
less formal occasions where
are social opportunities to
mingle around. All army
vocations (except Military
Police and Military Band) wear
berets with the No.5, whereas
other vocations wear the peak
cap.

SAF No. 5 Dress (Men)

Enhanced Jacket Tie Simplified

SAF No. 5 Dress (Women)

Enhanced Jacket Tie Simplified 44

EPAULETTES GORGETS

NAME TAG

ARMS BADGE Arms Badge BELTS
should be NECKTAB (LADIES)
accordance
to one’s
vocation

NECKTIE (MEN) TIE CLIP (MEN)

FOOTWEAR

45

COLLAR RANK GORGETS ARMS BADGE

SPECIALIST RANK NAME TAG (MEN) NAME TAG (LADIES)

LENGTH OF TIE MEDALS
&

POSITION OF TIE CLIP

RIBBONS

46

BADGES
47

The SAF No.6 Dress is a
physical training and garrison
attire. The uniform may be
worn in five versions namely,
No.6 Dress (Running Attire),
No.6 Dress (PT Kit), No.6 Dress
(Combat PT Attire), No.6 Dress
(Vest and Slacks), No.6 Dress
(Garrison Attire).

48

The civilian attire is worn
for service personnel to
book in/out of Army
Camps and for organised
functions held in or out
camp.

ACCESSORIES

Belt:
A belt is to be worn if the trousers,
jeans or skirt have belt-loops.

Footwear.
The following footwear is
acceptable:

▪ Men.
➢ Low-cut leather or canvas shoes
➢ Boots
➢ Sport shoes

▪ Ladies.
➢ Low-cut leather or canvas shoes
➢ Court shoes
➢ Boots
➢ Sport shoes
➢ High-heel sandals with straps

49

50