USMC and USN gets new flame-resistant uniforms
The US Marine Corps (USMC) will soon get updated flame-resistant uniforms that make wearers less susceptible to severe burns, it announced on 9 November.
The Enhanced Fire Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) adds new flame-resistant material to a long-sleeve shirt and trousers. The material enables the uniform to self-extinguish fires, potentially reducing the severity and incidence of burn injuries.
The upgrade was developed with the USMC and navy, and will be issued to marines and sailors assigned to Special Warfare Command and Expeditionary Combat Command as they deploy.
John Bauer, textile technologist for infantry combat equipment, USMC, said that the update will allow two uniforms to be fielded that will last for the same period as four uniforms for every marine.
The EFRCE is part of the flame resistant organisational gear system that includes a combat shirt, gloves, trousers, inclement weather combat shirt worn over the EFRCE blouse and balaclavas. It comes in four camouflage patterns: Navy Working Uniform Type II and III, Desert and Woodland.
The new fabric is a mix of cotton, nylon and meta-aramid fibres that are highly resistant to abrasion, chemical degradation and high temperatures. All issues of EFRCE are expected to be produced and in inventory by late fiscal 2017 to replace the current FRCE supply.
The EFRCE combat shirt's design was also improved for better fit under the third-generation Plate Carrier body armour. EFRCE production has begun and an expected 70,000 systems will be issued in 2017.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
