Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform - FR ACU

With the advent of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as the weapon of choice for
insurgency forces in the Iraqi theater, the Army experienced a dramatic shift in the nature
of the injuries sustained by our nation’s warfighters. Rather than the usual wounds suffered
from bullets and shrapnel in previous conflicts, Soldiers began to experience a higher rate
of burn injuries. These injuries came from two primary sources; high thermal flux during
the initial explosion of the IEDs and vehicle fuel pool fires that resulted from destroyed
vehicles. In response, in 2006 the Army raised the call for a dramatic increase in the
number of fire resistant (FR) uniforms available to the dismounted Soldier. Until that time,
FR uniforms consisted primarily of flight suits issued to aviators and fuel handlers, and
coveralls issued to combat vehicle crewmen. Most other military occupational specialties
were provided with 50 percent cotton/50 percent nylon Army Combat Uniforms (ACU)
that would melt and drip when exposed to high heat, sticking to the skin and intensifying
Soldier injuries.

 

In response to a solicitation from the Army, the American textile industry responded with
over two dozen excellent FR fabrics. Extensive testing and evaluation resulted in 6 oz.
Defender M® fabric being selected as the material of choice for the Fire Resistant Army
Combat Uniform (FR ACU). Defender M® provided the best combination of fire resistance,
durability, and breathability while also closely matching the non-fire resistant ACU in texture
and appearance. In late 2007, the Army began issuing two FR ACUs and two non-FR ACUs
per deploying Soldier, and four FR ACUs in early 2008.

Component materials: 65 percent FR
rayon, 25 percent para-aramid, and
10 percent nylon that is treated to be
wrinkle-free

Status: Deploying forces are being

issued four FR uniforms.

Size : 37 coat sizes, 36 trouser sizes

Link : Here