LOOK SLICK

Trends may come and go, but military chic never quite goes out of style. These G.I. Janes are as competent as their male counterparts, and show that they look just as good (or better!) in a uniform. In the last instalment of this two-part series, we take a closer look at six of the women's wear in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

NO. 1 DRESS (AIR FORCE)

The Air Force's No. 1 dress consists of a white long-sleeved jacket and a dark blue skirt with light blue braids on each side. A dark blue hat, white gloves and black court shoes complete the outfit. Officers, senior military experts and warrant officers have a gold strap on their hats while specialists have blue straps.

PURPOSE: A ceremonial uniform, the No. 1 is generally worn by the Guard-of-Honour contingent on all official occasions and commissioning parades, and by military guests attending these events. The No. 1 dress is also worn by sword-bearers at a military wedding.

NO. 2 DRESS (NAVY)

The Navy's No. 2 dress is a black angle-length gown with a slit at the back, a white long-sleeved jacket with gold trimmings, and court shoes.

PURPOSE: Worn on formal "black tie" occasions such as SAF dinning-ins, the No. 2, also known as the Mess kit, is equivalent to the cocktail dress or evening gown for civilian ladies.

NO. 3 DRESS (ARMY)

The Army's No. 3 dress comprises a greenish-beige short-sleeved blouse and a dark green skirt with a slit at the back. Accessories include a leather belt with an SAF crest embossed on the buckle, black court shoes and a dark green hat. Officers, senior military experts and warrant officers have a gold strap around their hats, while specialists have dark green straps.

PURPOSE: The No. 3 is generally worn as normal office attire.

* See page 33 of the PIONEER Magazine 2011 March Edition for a different look for 2SG Wang!

NO. 4 DRESS (ARMY)

Since a revamp in 2008, the Army's combat fatigues now sport a pixelised camouflage pattern. The No. 4 comprises a long-sleeved shirt with four flapped pockets (two on top and two below), long trousers and black combat boots. Different types of headgear - beret, jockey cap or helmet - are worn according to the occasion as well as the servicewoman's vocation.

PURPOSE: Designed to be practical and functional, the combat uniform is worn when performing parades, training exercises and operations. During normal working hours, the sleeves are rolled up as shown above.

NO. 5 DRESS (AIR FORCE)

This uniform has four versions: Enhanced(E), Jacket (J), Tie (T) and Simplified (S). The Air Force's No. 5(T) - shown above - features a light blue long-sleeved blouse and a dark blue skirt. Accessories include a dark blue hat, dark blue neck tab with an Air Force bow pin, and black court shoes. The No. 5(S) is similar to the No. 5(T), except without the neck tab.

PURPOSE: This variant is worn when attending simple parades, ceremonies and receptions, or performing official duties at events where the dress code is office wear or cocktail dress for civilian ladies.

NAVAL COMBAT RIG DRESS (NAVY)

Navy crew members wear a long-sleeved navy blue coverall with two flapped pockets, as well as combat boots. The sleeves are to be worn either fully rolled down (as pictured above) or folded up at arm level.

PURPOSE: This work dress is worn by navy crew members during training exercises and operations.