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
-
![DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks]()
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.
-
![DSEI 2025: Still no order from British Army or Germany for RCH-155 Boxers]()
DSEI 2025: Still no order from British Army or Germany for RCH-155 Boxers
The first customer for the RCH-155 artillery system on the Boxer platform is Ukraine, which has already started to take delivery of the first of 54 systems from KNDS Deutschland. There is still no contract from Germany or the UK, while Hanwha continues to say it can supply its K9 system at short notice.
-
![DSEI 2025: Cambridge Aerospace Skyhammer and Starhammer interceptors make debut]()
DSEI 2025: Cambridge Aerospace Skyhammer and Starhammer interceptors make debut
The startup’s solutions have officially emerged from cover since the company’s inception in 2024, with its two interceptors offered as cost-effective air defence solutions to counter cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: Belgium will be fourth user of 40mm 40CT cannon]()
DSEI 2025: Belgium will be fourth user of 40mm 40CT cannon
The cannon is currently used by the French Army, French Navy and British Army. It has an elevation of +85° with a cyclic rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute.
-
![DSEI 2025: Cockerill’s new weapon station nears end of development]()
DSEI 2025: Cockerill’s new weapon station nears end of development
The Cockerill Compact Light Weapon Station (CLWS) could be fitted to older platforms to enhance their capability or to new platforms such as the Patria 6×6 which is being adopted by an increasing number of countries.
