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.
Recently, my friends at Protect The Force told me that they wanted to show me an extraordinary technology that was initially designed to protect women from sexual assaults but that could be used for a variety of personal protection tasks. I must admit that in my mind’s eye I formed a picture of some sort of chastity belt-like contraption. Fortunately, my imagination run wild was nowhere near the truth of the matter. Instead, I was shown the video below and it brought everything into focus.
I immediately “got it” and began running scenarios in my head where I could apply the technology. I mean who couldn’t see the potential here? It’s phenomenal. No-Contact’s technology was developed by Adam Whiton, a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yolita Nugent, an apparel designer. Named Conducted Energy Clothing, the concept is simple; bad guy grabs you, much to his chagrin he gets shocked, he unhands you, you fight or flight.
Now I can imagine that some of you are skeptical but they’ve been working on this for awhile. No, it won’t shock you. The wearer is insulated from the effects of the charged outer layer. Additionally, the garment features a Teflon coated waterproof layer to protect the wearer in the rain. Concerned about power requirements? Currently, the system is powered by a single 9v battery.
Remember, the system was initially designed to protect women from sexual assault. It had to be simple to use, so you wear it. Unlike firearms or blade weapons, it requires no training. Once armed, the system is passive. In fact, they are working on a variant that will allow security personnel to remotely activate someone’s CEC in the event they are unable to themselves. This would be great for VIPs and others who risk kidnapping or assault. Even in its current configuration the CEC technology is well suited for Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Security officers.
Some statistics to consider:
“Close-quarters assault from aggressors using fists and hands account for more than 80% of all total assaults faced by law enforcement officers.” Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report
“No Weapons were used in 74% of all violent crime incidents on civilian victims, just fists and hands. In addition offenders used a weapon in only 1% of all rapes/sexual assaults. Most often fists and hands are used to overpower and restrain the victim.” U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008
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
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.
Tags: Crye, Propper Posted in Clothing, FR, Multicam | Comments Off on Propper’s MultiCam FR Combat Uniform Available
LTC Cummings of the Army Public Affairs Office has confirmed that the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh approved a plan today to begin the fielding of MultiCam uniforms and individual equipment as soon as possible. Sources have informed Soldier Systems Daily that the Army plans to begin issuing as early as July of this year for Afghanistan bound troops and to complete the initial fielding by May of 2011.
A DoD news release about the Secretary’s approval also stated that the Army remains committed to completing phase IV of the camouflage project which will develop a long-term strategy for the Army.
Seen here with the Atom LT jacket and Alpha LT shell, the new Beta LT pant is manufactured from Gore-tex Pro-Shell. It features an integrated belt as well as 3/4 length zippers to assist with donning and doffing. At 10.6 ounces when combined with the other two items, you get a cold weather package that weighs in at a scant 32 ounces total! Due to this lightweight construction, the entire set up packs down to a size smaller than a basketball. But don’t let the term lightweight fool you. I must admit I was skeptical when I first got my Alpha LT jacket. It felt so light I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to hard use but nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only extremely well made and very strong, it also moves well with the body. Available in Crocodile sized Small – XX-Large from www.arcteryx.com/leaf.
“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.
Tags: Drifire Posted in Clothing, FR, Industry | Comments Off on DRIFIRE Donates FR Shirts and Blankets to Haiti
On 29 December, 2009, Crye Precision was granted 7,636,948 patent for their “Combat Shirt and Armor System” and this may prove to be just as important as when Crye unleashed their combat uniform on an unsuspecting market. It’s not often when you see a new concept fundamentally change the way we look at something but that is exactly how it worked out. I don’t think Crye even believed it would take off like it did. Even if you consider that the idea was radical at the time, when you saw it, you “got it”. It just made sense. Thinner, wicking material where you wear armor, built in knee and elbow pads. Everyone wanted one and that was the problem. Demand soon outpaced capacity and just like nature, the market place abhors a vacuum. Soon everyone had their own version of a combat shirt. Eventually, Crye caught up with demand, but the genie was out of the bottle so to speak.
The patent is very specific in many areas, almost too much so, and in others like so many patents, it’s virtually obtuse. No idea whether Crye will attempt to defend their intellectual property but at this point with so many versions out there, including the issue Army Combat Shirt and Airman Battle Shirt it would almost be Crye vs everybody. Read it and weep.
Jakpak is a modular 3-season sleeping and shelter system consisting of a jacket, shelter, and sleeping bag. While slightly bulky in this configuration, all three components can be stored inside the jacket and quickly deployed for use.
Jacket
The hooded jacket is a simple affair manufactured from an unspecified 2-layer waterproof breathable fabric and features pit zips as well two exterior and one interior pockets. The integrated hood has a visor and pull tabs to keep foul weather out.
Tent
The detachable hooped tent uses two metal rods and covers the head and upper torso. The tent can also be used as a pack cover.
Sleeping Bag
The sleeping bag component is actually of elephant foot design and mates to the jacket via a #5 coil zipper along the rear of the mouth. Additionally, there is an angle two way zipper to facilitate entry and exit. It also allows you to fully expose the feet in order to walk around. While the bags looks to be roomy, there is also elastic at the mouth in order to keep it snug if needed and built in suspenders help support the weight. The bottom of the bag is waterproof and the top is made from an unspecified waterproof breathable fabric.
Jakpak is currently available in subdued two-tone Green shades, Black and Grey, as well as RealTree and a HiViz option for survival use. The mosquito net is Black but looks a dark Grey due to the mesh letting light through. Additionally, since it is based primarily on a jacket, Jakpak is sized XS (34-36) – XL (46-48).
