Since the beginning of this year, all Army recruits have been
issued new and enhanced personal equipment that will help them meet
the operational demands of the Army today.
The new equipment includes a Load Bearing Vest (LBV) which replaces
the traditional webbing, a larger field pack, a new torch light and
a multi-function knife.
Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Kong Kam Yean, Head Plans of 9th Singapore
Division/Infantry, explained that the introduction of the enhanced
personal equipment was part of the Army's effort to transform into
the third-generation fighting force.
"The third-generation soldier is required to meet varied
operational profiles," said LTC Kong. "And he needs to be flexible
in his use of equipment according to what the mission demands of
him."
A team of senior Warrant Officers and Specialists was responsible
for coming up with the design and new features of the enhanced
equipment.
At the initial stage, the team, known as the Infantry Personal
Equipment Experts (INPEX), asked themselves what they would like to
see in the new equipment. After a prototype was produced, the
equipment was issued to an Army battalion for the soldiers to test
and use.
From the feedback received, further enhancements were made and the
equipment was then given to another Army battalion for
testing.
This process was repeated about seven times with different
formations of the Army.
In the end, the new and enhanced personal equipment like the LBV
was finalised and issued to recruits for their Basic Military
Training.
The LBV offers a lot of flexibility to the soldiers. Unlike the
previous webbing, which consists of a fixed number of pouches and
thin shoulder straps, the LBV allows soldiers to customise the
pouches that they want to carry.
This is done through the use of a unique Modular Lightweight
Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Using the MOLLE system,
soldiers can choose the number of pouches that they wish to use and
attach these onto their LBV.
For example, an ammunition pouch can be attached onto the LBV by
weaving the pouch strap over the LBV several times. No additional
knots or hooks are needed to firmly secure the ammunition pouch,
and it will be firmly attached to the LBV within seconds.
"This customisation feature allows the soldier to perform specific
roles during combat," said LTC Kong.
Therefore, a soldier using the M203 will have an M203 ammunition
pouch fixed onto his LBV, while a SAW gunner will fix a SAW
ammunition pouch onto his own LBV.
Another new feature of the LBV is that it comes with a durable
hydration bag that can store three litres of water. A soldier can
drink water while keeping his hands firmly on his weapon during his
operations.
Another personal equipment is the new field pack. The new field
pack is 80 per cent bigger than the previous one. It also sports
the MOLLE system for more pouch add-ons.
That, however, does not mean that soldiers have to carry more
equipment.
INPEX's Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ho Kian Lee revealed that
soldiers testing the enhanced personal equipment were worried the
extra space meant they would have more things to carry.
"That was one of their worries but this was looked into because in
terms of how much a soldier can carry, we have certain guidelines
for that," said MWO Ho.
He explained that the primary function of the bigger field pack was
to allow soldiers to fit all their equipment into the field
pack.
When the recruits eventually get posted to their new vocations
after their Basic Military Training, they might be required to
carry additional equipment.
A combat medic, said MWO Ho, would have to carry a stretcher around
and it would look unprofessional to sling it on the back. With the
new field pack, the medic can put the stretcher into the field pack
and still have ample space for other contents.
The old field pack was top-loaded, meaning content could only be
unloaded from the top opening. The new field pack is not only
top-loaded but also front-loaded. Therefore, if soldiers wish to
reach for something at the bottom of the field pack, they can unzip
the front side of the bag to gain access to the bottom portion
without having to first unload all the contents.
A water-proof torchlight with changeable coloured shades and a
seven-function multi-purpose knife were also introduced and will
form part of the enhanced personal equipment.
The introduction of the enhanced personal equipment was welcomed by
the recruits.
Recruit Muhammad Redzahuddin bin Jaafar had used the webbing during
his secondary school co-curricular activity days with the National
Cadet Corps (NCC).
After a few weeks of using the LBV and new field pack since
enlisting for National Service, he gave a thumb's-up for the
enhanced equipment.
He said, "I feel comfortable wearing the LBV because it has wider
shoulder pads.
"I also like the water bag, so when I go for route marches, I need
not worry about dehydration."
As for regulars and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen, LTC
Kong said they will receive their enhanced equipment at a later
date.
The enhanced personal equipment will also be made available at
SAF.eMart outlets subsequently.
Recruits sporting the LBV and the improved field pack (left) and
the current webbing and field pack (right).
The improved field pack (right) is 80 per cent larger than the
current one.
Recruits marching with the new enhanced personal equipment.
Using the MOLLE system, a pouch like this is weaved onto the LBV
using the pouch straps.
Can't stand this you know... imagine my torture in packing my field
pack during bmt... now... got extra space somemore... 
ok i stop whining.
