Page 100 - MustangEbook

Distinctive buttons have long been a feature The colours chosen are closely tied to those
of military uniforms, for their dual purpose, used in the British Armed Forces.
both practical and ornamental use. There is
some evidence to support the theory that one
of the original purposes of ornamental buttons
were to keep soldiers from wiping their noses
on the sleeves of their dress uniforms.

In the SAF, buttons used on ceremonial
uniforms are impressed with the logo of a lion (From left
Black – Armour
standing on a tower. This first logo was Dark Blue – Army Support Arms (Signals, Combat
reminiscent of British influence with its Engineers, Artillery, Logistics, Intelligence and
richness and grandeur. Manpower) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
Greyish Blue – Republic of Singapore Air Force
These buttons are normally worn on the SAF (RSAF)
Number 1 dress, Number 2 dress and the Olive Green – Infantry
Khaki – Guards
Number 5 jacket. Maroon - Commandos )

The fact that men’s clothing buttons to the The beret colour changes were implemented
right and women’s to the left has also been on 25 August 1976 from four to six colour.
traced back to the days before pockets when The new beret is worn in the field when a
people put their hands, Napoleon-like, into helmet is not required.
their coat fronts for warmth. With her
“protector” on the right, a lady’s coat buttoned The colour of the Infantry was originally a
to the left so that both she and the gentleman darker, deep bronze green. It was in Aug 2013
could slip their free hands into their coat that it was changed to the current brighter and
fronts. more prominent shade of olive green. The
change was part of a campaign to strengthen
CAP / BERET the Infantry formation as a 3 Generation
rd
Force.

SASH

Since the formation of the S A F / Army
soldiers wore jungle green caps, besides the
helmet. On 3 May 1971,
Since the these caps were changed
formation of the to beret. Each division of
SAF/ Army the SAF – land, sea, air The sash may be an item of ornamental
soldiers wore and the special equipment that once had a functional purpose:
jungle caps. Commandos group wore to improvise litters for carrying wounded off
different coloured berets. the field. They were usually made of silk,