This is the briefing provided to senior Army leaders regarding the new Army Physical Fitness Uniform. I am no longer in the Army but as a former Soldier, I really like what they’ve done. Traditionally, going back to the banana suit (yes, I’m that old) Army issue PT uniforms haven’t been much to write home about. For those of you unfamiliar, the Army colors are Black and Yellow so a Black PT uniform is quite fitting. For those of you worried about being run over by a maniacal driver during periods of darkness; never fear, your trusty companion the reflective belt won’t be going away.

If you read the last post on the APFU, which featured Slide 4, and the associated comments, you will recall that a Ft Bragg-based Soldier mentioned recently participating in a recent Limited User Evaluation. It’s also mentioned in this brief. And, even more interestingly, the formal announcement is slated for 1st Qtr, FY 2014. The APFU announcement was originally to coincide with the Camo announcement. I’d say this adds even more credence to the idea that the Camo announcement is now scheduled for AUSA.

If anyone wants to share the Camo Improvement Effort slides, I’d be most obliged.

I’ve had a lot of friends asking me what Beyond Clothing has been up to. They made quite the splash at Winter OR but I don’t think a lot of people got ‘it’. They didn’t show any new product and focused more on the “approach” of where they were going. But now, I think it’s going to be abundantly clear that innovation is a focal point at Beyond. They’ve taken the SOF program management model, applying it to rapidly develop clothing solutions and these two Level 3 garments that are part of their new Axios system, are classic examples of what I am talking about.

First, a word about Axios. It’s as if Beyond took the basic construct of USSOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform, a scalable environmental clothing system, completely redesigning it, piece-by-piece. Remember, Beyond isn’t a tactical company. They are a clothing solutions company that produces niche products for the tactical space. Much of their work will exist in the outdoor market where individual customization is almost unheard of. Tactical will benefit from the lessons learned supporting a wide variety of outdoor athletes. And that is what is happening here.

Now, on to the Titan L3A Fleece and Titan L3 Modular Alpha. As you can see from the photos, both feature zip-off sleeves. This means that you can swap them from one garment to the other which is pretty cool for customization for not only the environment you’ll be in, but also your individual metabolism. Some people just run warmer than others. Not to mention, it can also be worn as a vest. Additionally, both jackets incorporate a low-profile waterproof hood that rolls up into the collar. Finally, while both offer excellent features, they are at their core, simple, lightweight garments.

The L3A Fleece in manufactured from two different Polartec Wind Pro fabrics for wear as either a mid insulation layer or as outerwear. In addition to two handwarmer pockets as well as two Napoleon-style chest pockets. The collar is also lined with gridded fleece for comfort.

Years and years ago, in cold weather we used to wear field jacket liners under our BDUs. They were simple, comfortable, lightweight, packable, and warm. Quite simply, they worked. The L3 Modular Alpha reminds me of that functionality but purpose built. As one guy put it, “It’s like wearing your woobie.” It utilizes Polartec Alpha fabric that is not only warm but breathable. The lightweight face fabric is comfortable and the entire jacket stuffs into one of the two handwarmer pockets for stowage. The jacket also features two slanted chest pockets.

Beyond tells me that there may well be more sleeves produced, based on the requirements they receive from the field. This is very interesting and could result in a set of sleeves for breachers that shed sparks and splinters, or an FR sleeve or something completely different, like maybe a short sleeve. I can’t wait to see what you guys ask for from them.

Offered in sizes Small – XXLarge, the Titan L3A Fleece comes in Coyote and Black while the L3 Modular Alpha is available in Coyote, Black and MultiCam. I just want to let you know that the garments in the photos above aren’t made in the final colors, but rather are of samples. I browbeat them into photographing those at the factory last night so that I could share some great images of these jackets with you after seeing them yesterday afternoon.

I want to leave you with one final thought. These jackets can be customized for size as well if you don’t fit into the standard size table. This has always been one of Beyond’s strengths, and it remains so.

To see these and other new items, visit Beyond at Warrior Expo East, today and tomorrow. Don’t forget, the first 20 people that mention “SSD” at the BEYOND booth will receive a special gift.

www.BeyondClothing.com