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.