IDF’s new neck protector against knife attacks, which needed to be comfortable & flexible, was developed within 2 weeks, and now 850,000 will be manufactured & distributed to the soldiers.
By Lilach Shoval
With the wave of terrorist attacks showing no sign of receding, the Israel Defense Forces has decided to issue special neck protectors to soldiers in the GOC Central Command to protect them from stabbing attacks while on duty.
The IDF’s new neck protector – Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
The Central Command requested the special equipment in December. Until now, soldiers on duty have been equipped with helmets and vests designed to protect their heads and torsos, but their necks were exposed and vulnerable. The Central Command requested protective gear that would shield troops from a knife to the throat but be comfortable and flexible enough to allow the wearers to function in the field while wearing them.
The neck protector is the result of cooperation between the Central Command, the IDF Anti-Terror Unit and the Personal Equipment Section of the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate.
The army spent about two weeks developing the new piece of protective gear. Shortly after the neck protector was ready, the Defense Ministry began distributing it. Soldiers serving with the Judea Brigade in the Hebron area were chosen to receive them as a pilot.
Around 850,000 neck protectors are due to be manufactured and issued to Central Command soldiers.
View original Israel Hayom publication at:
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=30933
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