Originally intended for use with the 3-color desert pattern, Tan 499 was the first IR Ghillie-tex color developed by ITW Nexus. Above are ITW Nexus color chips in Tan 499 and Coyote which are used in industry to demonstrate the colors. They are perfect for giving you an idea of the difference between the two shades.

While MultiCam printed webbing is commercially available from Texcel, it is about twice as expensive as solid colored, solution dyed webbing. This has caused a bit of reticence on the part of the Government and they are weighing the decision on where printed webbing would have the most effect.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

An additional issue, particularly for industry are ancillary items such as gloves, hats, and even the webbing tape on load bearing and armor systems. What color will it be? With the switch to UCP came Foliage Green. What color will the Army specify for use with MultiCam? PEO-Soldier officials have stated that they are still considering the issue but with the new Army Combat Shirt in MultiCam sporting a Coyote Brown torso, chances are good that will be the accessory color (UPDATE: It’s sounding like Tan 499 will make the cut). Additionally, industry is already producing a wide variety of raw materials and finished goods in Coyote for the Marine Corps, SOCOM, as well as the secondary market.

So where will the money to pay for all of this come from? The Army hasn’t prepared any reprogramming actions moving funds from one account to another to pay for this. And if it is forced to, where will those funds come from? PEO-Soldier’s portfolio? Will the Army be forced to rob Peter to pay Paul? If this ends up being the case, the Soldier loses either way. As I see it, it is Congress’s bill to pay. Congress asked for it, the Army complied, and they have the facts to back up their decision. The Army’s leadership should approach Congress with a funding request to field adequate amounts of clothing and individual equipment in MultiCam. Congress should happily appropriate these monies. In fact, if anything, it will leave a lasting legacy in honor of the man who got this ball rolling in the first place, the late John Murtha.

“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.

I am very excited about this for a couple of reasons. For one thing, they will be introducing several new products into the market but they also are going to use Venom as a vehicle to offer Bulldog Equipment to civilians. As always their web address remains www.bulldogequipment.us. Look for a new web site soon for Venom Industries.

T1G Afghani MOUT Site

The display sample was a combination of orange and black but the government test article is all black. However, any color(s) can be produced and it can be worn under or over outer clothing so it could very well serve as a safety item or tactical equipment.

Mustang Survival