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Archive for the ‘FR’ Category

ICE Tactical Introduces Firestorm Line

Friday, August 27th, 2010

ICE Tactical introduces the first of their new Firestorm line. It is a FR Short Sleeve T-Shirt Made from 65% Mod-acrylic, 25% FR Rayon, and 5% Spandex. It also features a permanent wicking treatment for warm weather comfort. This product is Berry Compliant and is offered in Coyote.

www.ICEtactical.com

DuPont Hosts SSD

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

DuPont’s Spruance facility in Richmond, Virginia recently hosted SSD for an in depth look at Fire Resistance and Ballistic Protection.

Back in the 60s a new class of fabrics was developed, called Aramids with DuPont at the forefront of their creation. Two fabrics in this class have become the cornerstones of modern Soldier Survivability; Kevlar and Nomex. They provide Ballistic and Fire protection respectively. Kevlar was initially developed by DuPont for tire belts but not put to its current use until the early 70s. Nomex on the other hand was quickly integrated into flying and space suits not long after its creation.

The most compelling portion of the visit was the ThermoMan lab. Composed of 122 sensors, ThermoMan was designed with the assistance of NC State. In addition to the mannequin, there is also a skin burn injury model that takes data collected at the sensors and displays how a thermal threat would equate to an injury to the human body. One interesting aspect of the ThermoMan over other testing methods such as the commonly used vertical flame test is that the ThermoMan tests not only the material’s performance but also the garment’s overall design and construction. This is a critical factor in protecting a wearer from thermal threats. If a flame can get inside a garment then the wearer might as well not be wearing FR at all. Interestingly, the pocket configuration of the issue flight suit is designed to provide additional protection for the wearer by doubling the layers of Nomex in certain key areas. Testing has revealed that most injuries actually occur after the flame threat is removed and the wearer is subjected to residual heat retained by the garment.

We witnessed two burns consisting of a 3 second burn delivering 6 calories. It is intended to replicate a JP4 fire. In the first burn, an issue CWU-27/P US issue flight suit manufactured from Nomex III.

As you can see, minimal damage was sustained by the ThermoMan due to the material and design of the flight suit. it is important to note that while the ThermoMan does a great job predicting injuries, actual injuries may vary due to a wearers body and the fit of the garment. Experience has shown that 1% injury equates to 1 day in the hospital. In this case, the ThermoMan indicated 7% injuries.

In the second, a similar looking flight suit manufactured from 65/35 PolyCotton was subjected to the same threat. PolyCotton, a mixture of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton is commonly found in Chinese made garments. There IS a place for this fabric, but as you will see in the video, it isn’t in a flame threat environment. Rather, PolyCotton is a cool fabric and very good for use in warm climates. The choice of materials goes back to our recent article concerning knowing your equipment, the threat, and environmental conditions and making an informed choice about which equipment to choose. As you can see the PolyCotton not only caught on fire but it continued to burn even after a direct flame was removed. In this case, the ThermoMan sustained 75% injuries.

During our visit to the ballistics lab we witnessed a demonstration of testing of an armor vest and were introduced to the various apparatus used during testing. Additionally, we were given the opportunity to try out first hand correctional armor which is designed to stop stab and puncture threats. We were amazed at how much differently ballistic and correctional armor reacted to the icepick type of shiv commonly found in correctional facilities. The bottom line is that correctional armor works.

We were fortunate enough to be able to discuss a variety of current Soldier Systems issues with the DuPont team but probably the most important message we got was that DuPont is constantly looking at new ways to use their flagship products. Adaptability is the key as they not work to improve the performance of their materials but also as they seek new ways to use their products as well as combine them with other fibers.

While in years past many vendors would have pushed monolithic solutions to threats, it makes more sense now to develop hybrid solutions that combine multiple fibers into a more robust material. This way, the best characteristics of different materials can be combined into a common solution.

Overall, the meeting was excellent and we left with a greater appreciation of the level of commitment DuPont has to protecting our troops and public safety professionals.

ResQ – New FR Fabric from Milliken

Friday, August 13th, 2010

The Army has been investigating new Fire Resistant fabrics for some time now in order to offer more capability for our troops. Milliken has just released their new fabric called ResQ. Check out the details in this associated document.

ResQ by Milliken

www.millikenmilitary.com

New FR Mid Layer

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Texollini has developed a new mid-layer garment made from a FR French Terry blend using a proprietary yarn. Vertical flame on this garment is less than 4 inches. The garment is available for viewing during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. This is so new, you’ll see it before we do. To schedule a meeting contact Sinc Consulting.

Protect Yourself

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Recently, a close friend of the owner of Unleashed Tactical Equipment was severely burned in an IED attack. His wounds are particularly heinous due to his selection of clothing. He was not wearing FR and they worked against him in the blast. In response, UTE has reacted with the Fit to Fight initiative.

In particular, the US military makes it very easy for its troops. Directives prescribe exactly what clothing and equipment troops will wear. Unfortunately, there are scads of others on the battlefield who do not have someone telling them how to conduct themselves and so they must assess their own risks and mitigate them however they can. Has the pendulum swung too far in favor of swaddling our troops in FR? Probably, but they are safer than ever from flame threats. Civilians have a tougher go. They have to decide how to dress.

The point is, for those who are able, consider the environment and the threat. Then, choose proper clothing and equipment. Few would ever go into a high threat environment without armor and a helmet, yet everyday, many venture out into harms way covered in high performance fabrics that will shrink them in a blast.

When in a threat environment, wear a balaclava and gloves. Wear eye pro, preferably goggles. Consider your clothing and the threat you will face. Consider no-melt, no-drip clothing if you don’t want to wear full flight suits or other FR apparel. Do all of this at a minimum. Any part of you exposed in a blast or direct flame threat is going to burn. Research the fabrics your clothing is manufactured from. Find out how it reacts to heat and flame. Stay safe.

Later this week, SSD will be running a feature on the testing of FR fabrics.

Maritime Assault Suit System from Mustang Survival

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

SOCOM is on the hunt for an updated version of their FR Maritime Assault Suit System worn by maritime commandos. In addition, this time they are also looking for a stripped down, lightweight version. Unveiled at SOFIC and displayed at last week’s Warrior Expo, the Mustang Survival MASS was a big hit. They have over 13,000 suits in service with the US military so Mustang Survival built upon their tradition of excellence. Yet, innovation is the key to this new design as they transition from a build to print company to a true solution provider.

Mustang Survival pulled out all of the stops for this project and it even allowed them to do accomplish an update to their sizing system. They found that they had ended up with a couple of different fit blocks based on their various suits. They completely revamped their sizing system and now fit is consistent across the entire line. Additionally, it more accurately fits the modern diver.

Who says function can’t look good? Features like mesh-backed drain holes for the pockets add not only function but the form enhances the sleek styling of the suit. Additionally, padding has been added to the shoulders, knees and along the spine.

The suit features their patented self adjusting neck seal that unlike others on the market, does not rely on Neoprene and can be opened when dry in order to facilitate venting. Additionally, the suit has an easy-adjust cuff.

The cummerbund conceals the relief zipper and except for a wee problem with zippers that everyone is experiencing, the Mustang Survival MASS and LMASS is Berry compliant.

While the standard MASS is packed with features, Mustang Survival attacked the task of building a no frills lightweight version of the suit that retained the fit and performance found in the standard variant. Weight was saved through such alterations as eliminating pocket flaps.

For more information visit www.MustangSurvival.com

Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition Welcomes Textile Industry Leaders

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (the WPRC) is pleased to announce that three leaders in the textile and protective fabric industry have joined the effort to provide a unified voice for operational readiness and warfighter safety.

As of July 1, 2010, DuPont, the International Textile Group (ITG) and TenCate Protective Fabrics USA (TenCate) are all members of the expanding WPRC. These companies will join with WPRC counterparts in the effort to educate leaders on issues of warfighter protection and enable adequate funding for the development and procurement of first class Operational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) for American warfighters.

DuPont, ITG and TenCate collectively provide thousands of American manufacturing jobs and supply the U.S. military with the most technologically advanced protective fibers and fabrics in the world. These companies understand both the need to provide American warfighters with the best technology available, and the major role that the OCIE industry plays in the U.S. economy. The WPRC leadership is pleased to count these leading firms as allies in the ongoing effort to better equip and protect American warfighters.

In addition to DuPont, ITG and TenCate, members of the WPRC include ADS Inc., Darn Tough, Insight Technology, Integrated Wave Technologies, London Bridge Trading Company, Milliken, New Balance, Otis, Pelican, Sperian, Surefire, Wiley X and W. L. Gore. Additional leaders in the OCIE industry are expected to join as this effort gains momentum. For more information on the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition please visit www.warriorprotection.net.

782 Gear – Tradition Meets Innovation

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

We introduced 782 Gear’s Smokin Line during this year’s SHOT Show and as you may recall, they have taken product concepts that many of us grew up with and applied a modern material and construction story. Additionally, they didn’t just hit the market with one or two garments available in limited numbers. Rather, they have manufactured complete runs of base, mid, and outer layers and they offer FR options for many of these products. 782 Gear has also designed contact gloves, balaclavas, and beanies to complement their clothing. We have reviewed the line and can say that attention to detail is the standard. The mix of high tech fabrics with performance driven designs really impresses us. Take for example, the field jacket inspired softshell parka pictured above. It’s really more than a softshell as it also also incorporates hardshell technology, mixing fabrics for different effects based on location on the body.

One mid layer we want to point out is the APECS liner designed specifically to interface with the APECS parka issued to the Marines, Navy, and Air Force.

In addition to the clothing they also offer a blanket that is quite similar to the issue poncho liner except that there is an FR version. The blanket even has a hooded brother called the kloke (seen above). Also, they have introduced water resistant duffels made from PVC and ballistic nylon. We’ve shown you just a couple of products but everything is like that. It’s fresh and new and worth checking out. Colors options include Black, Coyote, Foliage Green, and MultiCam (including the head and hand wear) and several of the clothing items are reversible.

782 Gear can be found at their three distributors Source One Distributors, GSS, and Grey Group Training.

The Buzz

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Well the main stream media finally caught up with us again this week. US Today published an article that the Army is going to eliminate Velcro from the cargo pockets on the ACU. This is hardly breaking news. We did a story on this last August, detailing numerous changes to the ACU. Unfortunately, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia who manages sustainment contracts for the ACU as well as the FR ACU which worn in combat, has yet to implement the improvements to any of the uniforms they are buying. PEO-Soldier on the other hand, is purchasing FR ACUs in MultiCam from a different contract so that combat troops in Afghanistan will have the advantage of the improved design.

The real irony in this, other than US Today chasing a story that is almost a year old, is that Velcro was added to the ACU based on use by Special Operations Forces. Big Army wanted what was perceived to work and they got it. Naturally and almost immediately, Soldiers began to complain. With Velcro, a little goes a long way.

New Balance System 7 ADS

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

New Balance has developed a 7 layer FR clothing system. That’s right, it’s a complete system from New Balance, it’s Berry Compliant, and it’s Fire Resistant. Designed from the outset to work together as a system, NBS7 offers two types of male T-shirts and drawers as well as sports bra and boy short options for the female user. Add to this lightweight and mid-weight long underwear, fleece jacket, wind jacket, and inclement weather shirt and you’ve got some serious layering options. New Balance has also integrated a Combat Shirt and Pants into the mix. They top it all off with both soft shell and hard shell jacket and trouser options.

A quick review of the materials and you will see that they are using tried and true fabrics such as Tencate’s Defender M found in both Army and Marine Corps issued FR garments in addition to layering materials from Cocona and Drifire. Sizing options are unmatched from XX-Small – XXXX-Large. Did we mention that NBS7 will be available in Coyote as well as MultiCam? Available this Fall, check out the entire system at www.ADSinc.com/NBS7. They have prepared an excellent page detailing all of NBS7’s finer points for each component.

Be sure to attend the ADS Warrior Expo July 15 & 16 at the Virginia Beach Civic Center and check out the NBS7.

Stuff We Missed This Week

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Like every week, this one was busy. Here are the things we didn’t get to discuss.

Navy uniform guide for iPhone
Botched Police Raids
The $4000 Polo Shirt
Sneaky Bags at SGC USA
UCP TRU-SPEC Combat Shirt only $39.99 at US CAV
The Sayoc Store

Army Seeks FR Patch Kit

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

PEO-Soldier is seeking a Flame Resistant Uniform Unit level Repair Patch Kit that has the capability to provide Infra Red (IR)/Flame Resistance (FR) protection in a self contained kit. According to the requirement, the “IR/FR Uniform Repair Kit must contain 8 patches (2 3×3,2 4×4, 2 5×5, and 2 5×7 inch kits) made of self adhesive Fire Resistant material that are intended to be used to repair Flame Resistant MultiCam & UCP uniform items.” The patch also needs to “adhere to the FR Army Combat Uniform (FR-ACU), the Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Coverall (ICVC) and the Aviation Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU) or other flame resistant clothing items, covering any holes, rips or tears.”

They have already completed a sources sought notice and should begin to consider technologies soon in order to begin fielding this summer.

Drifire Phenix II Flight Suit

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

We have covered Drifire’s flight suits in the past but we just received some updated marketing data on their latest incarnation after taking a look at it at the recent ADS Warrior Expo. Available in both Khaki and MultiCam, the Phenix II exceeds Air Force safe to flight characteristics and provides not only FR protection but also moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. The Khaki variant would be well suited for PMCs operating in IED environments. There are a few other new products coming down the pike from Drifire in the near future so keep your eyes peeled.

DRIFIRE Phenix II Flight Suit

Navy Seeks Survival Gear and FR Clothing

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

NAVAIR has issued a Sources Sought Notice for Survival Items and Clothing for use by both Navy and marine Corps personnel. Survival items include equipment to assist isolated personnel in their recovery such as NVD compatible lights, signaling devices, hand held global positioning systems, knives, fire starters, multi purpose tools, water purification devices, hydration carriers and concentrated nutrition. All items should be efficient, compact, lightweight, water resistant, affordable and use common, commercially available batteries as a power source if needed.

The FR clothing side of the house includes items for both air and ground crews like flight suits and gloves, deck jerseys, and anti-exposure suits. They are seeking performance products whether fire resistance, environmental protection, or moisture management. This is an open ended RFI so as vendors come up with applicable items they can submit them.

Visit www.fbo.gov for the full details.

Fielding the OEF FR ACU

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Soldier in MultiCamAs most of you know by now, the MultiCam version of the Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform slated to be issued to troops in Afghanistan has been officially dubbed the OEF FR ACU. This is because it is supposed to only be used in Afghanistan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM). I guess someone forgot that operations in the Philippines are also part of OEF. But then again, I don’t share PEO-Soldier’s wishful optimism that commanders in other areas won’t want their troops to be outfitted in MultiCam as well. I mean after all, testing has demonstrated it is a very effective pattern in a variety of environments. Why wouldn’t a commander want his troops outfitted in the best equipment available.

At any rate, where are those new OEF FR ACUs anyway? Well, the Army is on its way to fielding, working its way through the procurement process, but meeting the goal of July is going to be difficult if not impossible. The recently released pre-solicitation doesn’t close until 1 June. Then, the Army still has to release an actual solicitation which is usually open for about 30 days, make an award, deal with any protests that might arise, wait for uniforms to roll off the line, and finally distribute them. While mills are chugging away manufacturing FR Defender-M from Tencate, none of the manufacturers of uniforms will place orders for fabric until they receive a contract so there is only so much leaning forward in the fox hole that can be done.

One of the reasons that PEO-Soldier isn’t jumping into MultiCam with both feet is that the Army hasn’t made a long-term decision about camouflage yet. PEO-Soldier says that the Army is moving toward a decision on Phase IV of the camo project but thus far, almost nothing has been released on what exactly this phase entails. Hopefully, we will begin to see some transparency considering the brouhaha raised over the selection of the Universal Camouflage Pattern.

Environmental Clothing Systems ADS Tactical

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

ADS Inc, lead system integrator for both ECWCS Gen III and FREE has just published a comprehensive look at both systems as well as SOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform. It is a great resource for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of these systems or their histories. Check it out at www.adsinc.com.

USMC Inclement Weather Combat Shirt Features TenCate Fabrics

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The new Inclement Weather Combat Shirt (IWCS) is a FR shirt designed to be worn in place of the FROG blouse during cold weather. Think of it as replacing the Desert Combat Jacket with increased capability. The Marines will purchase 180,000 IWCS from Short Bark Industries who are well known in the automotive world for their seat covers. Short Bark’s design incorporates several products from the TenCate Defender™ M family. Most notably this is the first military adoption of a TenCate Defender™ M laminate. The IWCS also includes a new stretch woven technology as well as two variations of knit fabrics. Nick Pence, Military Market Manager for TenCate Defense & Tactical explains: “The flame resistant IWCS was designed to provide increased protection from wind and rain while offering breathable water repellency for cold weather climates”.

I recently spoke with the team at TenCate about the challenge of color matching different printed fabrics on a single garment that the DCJ had to deal with and they told me that they are out in front of this issue and we shouldn’t see any of those types of shading issues.

Something Wild This Way Comes

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Wild Things TacticalWild Things has launched a new web address to go along with their new division Wild Things Tactical. In honor of their long-term commitment to providing quality expedition level outdoor clothing and equipment to elite military forces, WTT was created to oversee an entire new line of products being unveiled this spring. Last fall we gave you a taste of what’s coming with their Lightweight Softshell Layer. This product as well as several others are already being used by troops in combat.

I was able to review products at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and they have some really cool stuff coming including FR pieces, and most of it will be available in MultiCam for those of you heading to Afghanistan. Personally, I have been using Wild Things clothing for over five years and they have always taken great strides to be on the leading edge of fabric technologies. I really like their stuff. Some of you may already be familiar with Wild Things and not realize it. They designed the level 7 puffy suit that is part of ECWCS Gen III.

While the new website isn’t quite ready yet, be sure visit www.wttactical.com and sign up for announcements of the release of this new line.

PEO-Soldier Has Got You Covered

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Lightweight Performance HoodLiterally…last year they began fielding the new Lightweight Performance Hood, which replaced the hot and bulky Flash Hood, long issued to armor crewman. This new Hood is a no-melt, no-drip performance piece very similar to what NASCAR drivers and pit crew wear. This is critical to ensuring that Soldiers will actually wear the garment.

“We understand that Soldiers are less likely to wear the hood if it is hot or irritating,” said LTC Michael Sloane, PM SCIE. “The LPH has a ventilated mesh dome to minimize heat stress in hot or dry climates, while providing limited heat retention in cool climates. It is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and anti-odor,” LTC Sloane added.

Mr Jeff Myhre Assitant Program Manager at PEO-Soldier added, “We are always on the lookout for new fabrics and technologies to prevent Soldiers from having to suffer second- and third-degree burns, we want Soldiers to have FR protection wherever and whenever they need it.” To this end, the LPH is small enough to fit in a grenade pouch.

Each deploying Soldier receives two LPH which is Foliage Green but may soon be offered in a new shade more compatible with MultiCam for troops serving in Afghanistan.

Lightweight Performance Hood from PEO Soldier on Vimeo.

So hats off, (and hoods on) to PEO-Soldier for their work at keeping Soldiers safe.

MultiCam – What You’ll Get

Friday, March 5th, 2010

In a recent interview with PEO Soldier’s COL William Cole and LTC Mike Sloane they detailed efforts to field complete ensembles of clothing and equipment in MultiCam required for combat patrols in Afghanistan. This first article will discuss what is being issued.

In addition to four FR ACUs and Army Combat Shirts in the new pattern each Soldier will receive an accessory kit consisting of name tags, rank, and shoulder sleeve insignia. The Army Institute of Heraldry still has to weigh in on the colorway and designs of individual SSIs. Other uniform components include Generation III Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System. PEO-Soldier is also hard at work getting Patrol Caps, Sun Hats, Knee and Elbow Pads as well as entire MOLLE sets into production. These will include Individual First Aid Kits in addition to the new Tactical Assault Panel seen in the accompanying photo supplied by the program office. IOTV covers and Helmet Covers as well as Nape Pads will also be produced in MultiCam. Every detail is being seen to in order to meet their fielding goals of mid-summer.

In order to meet this deadline a new contract will soon be let by PEO-Soldier for FR ACUs. Rather than relying on the current sustainment contract managed by Defense Supply Center Philadelphia for FR ACUs in UCP, this will allow the numerous improvements to the ACU design we wrote about last year to be cut in early to this new purchase along with the change to MultiCam.

Spc. Eddie L. Williams, a computer detection repairer at Fort Belvoir, Va., models the new MultiCam Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform
Photo: Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown

What you won’t get are MultiCam ACUs. Lots of guys are already running out and purchasing several sets in the hopes that one day they will be able to wear them. However, this isn’t the case. Although specific wear policy hasn’t yet been released for troops in Afghanistan, this has the potential for being a dream scenario for uniform nazis. If you thought it was hard to sneak into the chow hall after a patrol in your Army Combat Shirt, don’t even think about wearing your ACUs in MultiCam. Current in-theater policy requires Soldiers to protect themselves by wearing FR ACUs, whether UCP or MultiCam. If you are in the wrong uniform you will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Certain organizations on the other hand have fielded standard 50/50 NYCO (50% nylon/50% ripstop cotton blend) uniforms for some time. However, these do not provide the same level of Fire Resistant protection afforded uniforms manufactured from Tencate’s Defender-M like the issue FR ACU. Already industry is hard at work producing clothing and equipment on MultiCam that are designed specifically for use in Afghanistan. This includes FR products. Over the next several weeks Soldier Systems Daily will begin to unveil these products to you.

And So It Begins…

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

The Army dropped a rather large sources sought notice today for Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniforms (FR-ACUs) in MultiCam. Up to 40,000 sets per month for six to eight months are to be delivered pre-treated in Permethrin. The short notice to answer (10 days) is indicative of the dedication to quick fielding that PEO-Soldier is paying to this issue. Expect to see numerous other solicitations hit the street soon.

It is very important to note that, based on information already released by PEO-Soldier, they are only planning on fielding clothing and equipment that would be used on a combat patrol. This includes FR-ACUs as well as Army Combat Shirts. The new ACS will feature MultiCam sleeves and Coyote torso. For those Soldiers leaning forward in the foxhole, this does NOT include the 50/50 NYCO ACU that you currently wear in garrison and on the FOB. I would not suggest that you run out and purchase a basic load of ACUs in MultiCam just yet. I am still awaiting additional information on this subject but as of now, based on what has already been said, Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan will find themselves in the standard ACU in UCP while on an FOB or other deployed base and wearing MultiCam FR ACUs while outside the wire.

Propper’s MultiCam FR Combat Uniform Available

Friday, February 19th, 2010

The MultiCam™ FR Combat Uniform is sew to the official FROG specifications and is made of patented Defender M™ flame-resistant fabric from Tencate. The combat shirt also features an enhanced X-Static™ DRIFIRE® knit torso which reduces core body heat, prevents bacteria growth and provides odor control. All thread, zippers and loop components are also flame-resistant. These are the exact same materials and findings used in the USMC issue FROG ensemble.

Other features include:

• Reinforced mandarin collar and zipper
• Raglan sleeves for enhanced range of motion
• Angled sleeve pockets with hook and loop panel for quick access
• Contoured, reinforced elbow
• Contoured, stretch waistband
• Comfortable, moisture wicking, fast drying torso
• Reinforced seat and articulated knee
• Bellow style cargo pockets
• NIR-Compliant

FROG Ensemble Produced in MulticamFROG Ensemble Produced in Multicam

The MSRP is $289.99 for the Trouser and $189.99 for the shirt. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large in regular and long lengths.

It is important to note that Propper is the only manufacturer of the Crye designed USMC FROG.

This may be the last commercially available FR MultiCam for awhile with impending Army orders requiring the vast majority of fabric production for the immediate future. Units requiring immediate FR uniforms should take a look at this.

DRIFIRE Donates FR Shirts and Blankets to Haiti

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Responding to a call for aid to earthquake damaged Haiti from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), DRIFIRE has assisted the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) organization by shipping approximately 1,650 comfortable FR shirts to be distributed to two orphanages.

“We’ve worked with the AAFA and K.I.D.S. in the past, donating more than 500 garments during the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. We’re happy to join them in supporting orphans in Haiti with our products. Our donations may be a tiny piece of the overall relief effort, but we wanted to be involved and we’re excited for our chance to directly impact these orphanages,” says Kim Scarbrough, Executive Assistant at DRIFIRE, who is leading the company’s efforts in Haiti.

The flame retardant shirts sent in DRIFIRE’s first shipment feature moisture wicking and antimicrobial technology that is crucial for staying dry and comfortable in humid, warm climates. The second shipment will include rolls of raw fabric made of soft, comfortable material in response to the strong need for blankets. The fabric also features antimicrobial technology, cutting down on germs and odor. In addition to blankets, the fabric can be used to make clothes, tents and other garments to help keep the children protected and comfortable.

DRIFIRE isn’t stopping there. They plan to continue helping the orphanages on a long-term basis as more products become available for shipment in the coming weeks. Additional aid will be spread among the communities in Haiti as needed.

“Everyone at DRIFIRE is eager to contribute to helping the people in Haiti. From warehouse employees working overtime to get products shipped, to the executive team coordinating with AAFA and K.I.D.S. to make this all happen, we’re thankful and proud to be part of such a generous, hard-working company. Working together is crucial in these times of need, and we hope that our efforts will encourage and inspire others in the FR apparel and safety industry to donate high quality, life-saving products to those who need them,” says Scarbrough.

German Police Women Getting New Bras

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Polizei Bustenhalter

In a move somewhat reminiscent of the Swedish Combat Bra we reported on last year, the German government has been hard at work testing new brassieres for their female police officers. Designed to be worn under body armor, the new bras feature no metal or plastic parts. Apparently, there are three different styles that have been certified for wear. This version features thick pads for protection and a blend of cotton, polyester, spandex and polyamide with no buttons or fasteners which can cause secondary injuries. Additionally, the material offers a certain degree of fire resistance. Already available for issue, British Police women are asking for something similar.

Massif Update

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Massif has launched a new web site and unveiled their new tactical line at SHOT Show.

Massif

Based on their highly successful Army Combat Shirt, the new FR garments feature the same fabrics as the military issue item. They will be available in a variety of color schemes including Foliage Green, Blue, Khaki, and MultiCam. You should see them begin to be available soon.

Massif Combat Shirt

In addition to the Combat Shirt, they are also offering short sleeve FR T-shirts and Softshell Jackets.

Massif FR Tshirt