One of the lessons from last summer’s Operation Protective Edge is the introduction of new field uniforms, designed using highly durable activewear fabrics, without buttons, and the new helmet upgrade makes them significantly lighter, yet stronger.
By Lilach Shoval
The Israel Defense Forces has begun issuing soldiers serving in its special forces units new, customized uniforms, believed to be more operationally effective.
Lt. Col. Liron Segal of the military’s Technological and Logistics Directorate explained Wednesday the decision to equip soldiers with new uniforms was made following last summer’s Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip, and it seeks to ensure troops are comfortable in their uniforms.
The new uniform shirts are made of high-performance fabric, similar to Dri-FIT activewear, which moves perspiration away from the body and onto the fabric surface, where it evaporates. The shirts have no buttons, as it was found that once protective vests are worn on regular uniform shirts, buttons may cause injury.
The new pants are made from ripstop fabric, which is considered highly durable, and includ fitted knee pad inserts, ridding soldiers from the need to wear external knee pads.
The new uniforms, which are three times more expensive than the military’s regular combat fatigues, are meant to replace the IDF’s regular cotton fatigues.
“The new clothing is comfortable, lightweight, and is less likely to cause a distraction for soldiers during combat,” Segal said.
The IDF will soon outfit its elite soldiers with new helmets as well, which are significantly lighter and stronger than the ones currently in use.
The uniform and helmets will be gradually introduced. The naval commandos, Rimon desert warfare unit, Oketz canine unit, and the Yahalom combat engineering unit were the first to receive the new gear.
View original Israel Hayom publication at:
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=28211