Drifire Fortrex FR MARSOC M81 Woodland Prototype Combat Set

Specialized flame-resistant clothing worn by MARSOC personnel in the field includes the G3 combat uniform, procured from Crye precision in 2010 in NATO Woodland-pattern fabric for use in Afghanistan. This ensenble replaced stocks of old Woodland utilities (the joint-services Battle Dress Uniform) requisitioned to match the Woodland uniforms of the Afghan National Army, with which MARSOC teams work closely. Around 2013 a Woodland camo version of the flame-resistant Fortrex by clothing manufacturer Drifire has been issued

Style : DFF-550-CP
Meta Aramid 63%
Viscose 15 %
Nylon 9 %
Conductive Fiber 3 %

In September of 2004, DRIFIRE received financial backing and management consulting support from Sterling Partners, a private equity firm with over $4 billion of capital under management. At this time, a rapid phase of advanced research and development began, aimed at creating a Flame Resistant (FR) fabric using Optimer’s patented, moisture management fiber blend.

From 2005 to 2006, DRIFIRE successfully developed a first-generation, moisture-management FR product, targeted mainly towards military end- users.

In 2008, Crye Precision was searching for a new fabric for the torso of their next generation combat shirt. After extensive research, they determined that DRIFIRE’s flame resistant and moisture wicking knit fabric blended with X-static fibers was the one. The rest of Crye Precision’s combat shirts began to use DRIFIRE’s fabric as well.

Five years later in 2013, MARSOC (United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) discovered the DRIFIRE FORTREX 5.5 oz. woven fabric. They were looking for a lightweight, flame resistant, and moisture wicking fabric with excellent burst strength for a new PCU (Protective Combat Uniform) Level 9 and found it in FORTREX. At that point, MARSOC was already fielding the approved non flame resistant Crye Precision combat uniform so they asked DRIFIRE and Crye Precision to expand their collaboration to make a completely flame resistant combat uniform.

In what is the biggest news of Modern Day Marine, DRIFIRE and Crye Precision have teamed up to introduce an FR, certified, PCU level 9 garment. This gives SOCOM its first SOF Unique FR combat uniform option that is available to any units on the SPEAR program.

This uniform, is a design concept for MARSOC of an FR combat garment (yes, thats Woodland Camo) featuring DRIFIRE’s Foretrex fabric. Not only is it FR, but it also incorporates Drifit’s moisture management and anti-microbial features. Recently developed, it’s an alternative to currently fielded FR materials.

DRIFIRE began incorporating their FORTREX woven fabric and knit fabric with Crye Precision’s pattern in order to manufacture a combat uniform with flame resistance. The resulting DRIFIRE/Crye Precision FR Combat Shirt and Pant combines the permanent flame resistance, moisture wicking, and odor controlling properties of DRIFIRE fabric with the customizable fit of the Crye Precision design.

Ever since this collaboration, these uniforms have expanded across the SOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) community as well as the Navy and Air Force. The success brought about the development of the DRIFIRE/Crye FR Field Shirt and Pant in 2017. Both uniforms are offered in six camo patterns, have removable elbow and knee pads, and multiple storage pockets.

Camouflage sometimes serves to mask national identity. This MARSOC Marine, serving as an advisor in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2012, wears a uniform in the older US Woodland pattern. Since this had been supplied to Afghan National Army troops, it helped advisors to avoid undue attention from Taliban snipers, and to reduce the threat of “friendly fire”. MARSOC and ANGLICO Marines, who very often work with foreign armies, frequently follow this practice.
(Cpl Kyle McNally/USMC)