By Koh Hui Theng

IT PROTECTS soldiers in war and peace but the Army-issued helmet is increasingly finding its way online - as an illegal object for sale.

Online forum users came across a HardwareZone posting on Sunday in which a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman was selling his army helmet.

"What's the point of having the helmet when I'm downgrading?" the seller wrote in his post.

Saying the price was negotiable, the seller, who calls himself libralionel, has drawn responses, ranging from a $10 offer to queries about the helmet size.

An interested buyer who goes by the moniker OCSiaon said: "I am entering Basic Military Training (BMT) soon and I hope to buy 1 for me to train in my mock FIBUA (fighting in built-up area) training in my housing estate.

"...I hope with your helmet I am able to simulate more accurately the training and increase my chances of entering OCS (Officer Cadet School)."

However, selling SAF-issued gear is illegal.

When contacted, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said: "It is illegal for servicemen to sell their personal equipment that is issued to them by the SAF."

In a 2008 response to a Zaobao forum letter, Mindef said that "NSmen are required to return in their personal equipment (PE) for mobilisation and in-camp training. NSmen who have reached their statutory age (50 years for officers and 40 years for warrant officers and below) can return their PE at the Army Logistics Base, National Servicemen Service Centre or SAF eMarts.

"NSmen can also choose to dispose of the items themselves, bearing in mind that the disposed items should not end up in unauthorised use."

A former army officer who served for five years said military personnel are issued with one helmet and can exchange it only when the headgear is damaged.

They are not supposed to sell it or pass it to another person, he added.

For NSman Daryll Nanayakara, 21, the seller's action is akin to "inviting trouble".

"Selling the helmet is an obvious no-no as the army is so strict when it comes to the handling and maintenance of equipment," he said.

While women may not be aware of the rules governing uniform usage, men cannot plead ignorance.

"Guys who have gone through NS would know that it is a chargeable offence under military law. So if the males do it, they should be dealt with strictly," Mr Nanayakara added.

Last June, a reader e-mailed Stomp, Singapore Press Holdings' citizen-journalism website, to protest against a cosplay participant donning what looked to be an SAF No. 3 uniform.

While there were no rank epaulettes or military badges, the Stomper felt that wearing the costume in this manner was "outrageous, showing utter disrespect to the organisation and its uniform".

A quick check showed that SAF items are readily available for sale on sites like VR Zone and Gumtree.

A seller had advertised his army helmet for $30 on the Gumtree portal last month.

He had completed his reservist and had no further use for the gear.

When asked if this was legal, he said "there is nothing illegal because you can buy army stuff from shops outside, like those at Beach Road" before hanging up.

kohht@sph.com.sg

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