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March 23, 2023 | International, Aerospace, Other Defence

Meloni vows defense hike as Italy’s generals announce shopping lists

Service chiefs want rocket artillery, submarine-hunting aircraft, more F-35s and more sailors to fully crew Italian warships.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/03/23/meloni-vows-defense-hike-as-generals-announce-shopping-lists/

On the same subject

  • British Army’s AS90 howitzers to stick around amid replacement delay

    July 31, 2020 | International, Land

    British Army’s AS90 howitzers to stick around amid replacement delay

    By: Andrew Chuter LONDON — The program to replace the British Army's aging AS90 self-propelled artillery has hit at least a two-year delay, with the forthcoming howitzer not expected to reach initial operating capability until the first quarter of 2029. The decision to defer the Mobile Fires Program was taken to allow the Ministry of Defence to address key technical risks and meet requirements in the government's integrated defense, security and foreign policy review expected around the end of the year, according to sources with knowledge of the program. Britain's new heavy artillery had been due to gain initial operating capability in the fourth quarter of 2026, but the MoD confirmed that has now been put back to the first quarter of 2029. The howitzer procurement delay means the current date for decommissioning the AS90s has also gone back two years. A portion of the howitzer force will now remain operational until 2032. Revised timelines for a new procurement process are currently under development by the MoD. An initial request for information was sent to industry in April 2019. The MoD issued revised key user requirements in January 2020 with a deadline for industry responses set for Feb. 17. Britain's BAE Systems, South Korea's Hanwa Defense, Israel's Soltham Systems, France's Nexter and Germany's Rheinmetall are among the companies that expressed interest in the program, an industry executive told Defense News on condition of anonymity. Late last year, the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London blasted the British military for its lack of artillery firepower compared with a country like Russia. “The UK's ground forces are comprehensively outgunned and outranged , leaving enemy artillery free to prosecute fire missions with impunity”, RUSI analyst Jack Watling wrote in a report. “If conventional deterrence is to remain a key component of the UK's national security strategy, then the modernisation of its fires capabilities should be a top priority.” The integrated review, run by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his advisers, is expected to be announced this year. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said in a July 26 op-ed in the Sunday Telegraph that the review would pivot the military away from conventional arms and toward space, cyber and sub-sea capabilities. As the MoD shuffles resources to fund the change in focus, land forces are expected by some to be a target for cuts. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/07/29/british-armys-as90-howitzers-to-stick-around-amid-replacement-delay/

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - June 01, 2020

    June 2, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - June 01, 2020

    NAVY American Electronic Warfare Associates Inc.,* California, Maryland, is awarded a $218,034,586 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-20-D-0071). This contract provides research, development, management, design, fabrication, installation, integration, upgrade, analysis, documentation and operations and maintenance for the Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test department, the advanced aircraft research, development, test and evaluation, integrated combat environment capabilities and laboratories and facilities. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be complete by May 2025. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. TTS/LTS JV LLC,* Leavenworth, Kansas (N62473-20-D-1101); and Chugach Consolidated Solutions LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska (N62473-20-D-1102), are awarded $99,000,000 for a small business set aside, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for grounds maintenance and pavement clearance services at Navy and Marine Corps installations located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of operations. All work on this contract will be performed in California (91%); Nevada (5%); Arizona (1%); Colorado (1%); New Mexico (1%); and Utah (1%). The work to be performed provides for recurring and non-recurring grounds maintenance and pavement clearance services throughout the period of performance to meet routine, daily operational needs. Grounds maintenance and landscaping services may include mowing, trimming, edging, irrigation system maintenance, debris removal, shrub and hedge maintenance, plant and bed maintenance, tree maintenance, irrigation, fertilization, aeration and de-thatching. Maintenance of storm drainage systems is limited to debris removal and vegetation control. Pavement clearance services may include removing, hauling and disposing of snow, ice and sand, street sweeping, grounds cleanup and erecting/removing snow fences. In addition, this annex includes pier sweeping and pavement clearance for the pier. The maximum dollar value for the two contracts combined is $99,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months and work is expected to be complete by 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (O&M) (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $1,000 ($500 for each contract) are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by O&M (Navy) and O&M (Marine Corps) funds. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website and four proposals were received. These two contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The NAVFAC Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. AECOM-Baker NAVFAC Atlantic A-E Design JV, Roanoke, Virginia, is awarded $95,000,000 for an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract (N62470-20-D-0008) with a maximum amount of $95,000,000 for general type facilities in the Naval Facilities and Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa Central area of operations and worldwide. The work to be performed provides for architectural and engineering services for general type facilities and may include, but is not limited to, DD1391 documentation, design-build request for proposals, design-bid-build construction documents (using NAVFAC-supported software), cost engineering services including cost estimates, related studies, field investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, training, program management, conceptual designs, geotechnical subsurface exploration and studies (including but not limited to soil borings), hazardous materials identification, energy computation, life safety code studies, interior space comprehensive planning/design, conceptual designs, value engineering, other associated engineering services, shop drawing review, as-built drawing preparation, operations and maintenance support information, commissioning, construction inspection and engineering consultation services during construction and other related services. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months and work is expected to be complete by April 2025. No task orders are being issued at this time. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by military construction (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with six proposals received. NAVFAC Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Team Housing Solutions Inc.,* New Braunfels, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $70,000,000 single-award, pre-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N4523A-20-D-1302) with firm-fixed-price task orders for long-term (greater than 31 days) lodging for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility's temporary duty personnel as they conduct ship repair and maintenance. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by June 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,245,367 will be obligated for an initial task order shortly after the base contract award to satisfy the contract minimum guarantee of $1,000 and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Task orders will be obligated in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.216-19. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.sam.gov website and eight offers were received. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (a), this contract was competitively procured as a total small business set-aside. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, is the contracting activity. The MathWorks Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, is awarded a $49,507,273 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-20-D-0113). This contract procures licenses for MathWorks products and associated services for the Department of Navy at multiple commands, including but not limited to: Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, the Office of Naval Research and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, associated subordinate commands and warfare centers. Work will be performed in Natick, Massachusetts, and is expected to be complete by May 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded a $37,835,381 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N00019-20-F-0350) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This order provides for retrofits from the Generation III, V and VI Mission Computer (MC) configuration to the Generation 3i and 5i MC configuration on the MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopter (186 for the Navy, seven for the government of Australia, five for the government of Denmark, and two for the government of Saudi Arabia). Work will be performed in Owego, New York (97%); and Clearwater, Florida (3%). This order also provides for retrofits from the Generation III and V Flight Management Computer (FMC) configuration to the Generation 3i and 5i FMC configuration on the MH-60R/S aircraft (186 for the Navy, seven for the government of Australia, five for the government of Denmark, and two for the government of Saudi Arabia). Additionally, this order provides for the procurement of 162 wiring kits for the Navy, nine for the government of Australia, three for the government of Denmark, and three for the government of Saudi Arabia. Work is expected to be complete by May 2023. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,832,526; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,086,960; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $2,915,895 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is awarded a $34,427,808 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00019-17-C-0081 to exercise an option for the production of 16 MT7 gas turbine engines in support of the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 100 Class craft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana. MT7 Marine gas turbine engines are the main propulsion gas turbines for the SSC craft. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) previously awarded contract N00019-17-C-0081 to Rolls-Royce Corp. to procure an estimated quantity of 126 AE1107C engines in support of Navy and Marine Corps programs. The MT7 shares a high degree of parts commonality with the AE1107C. In an effort to reduce program costs and take advantage of NAVAIR's variation-in-quantity provisions with step-ladder pricing, NAVSEA procures MT7 engines directly from Rolls-Royce Corp. and provides them to Textron as government furnished equipment for incorporation into the SSC LCAC 100 Class craft. Work is expected to be complete by June 2022. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $34,427,808 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $27,554,445 modification (P00015) to previously awarded fixed-price, incentive-firm-target contract N00019-18-C-1037. This modification provides recurring production and non-recurring engineering in support of the incorporation of beyond line of sight, tactical targeting network technology, navigation warfare and electronic support measures cable modifications into full rate production Lots 7-11 of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (23.01%); St. Augustine, Florida (22.32%); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (15.5%); Marlborough, Massachusetts (8.36%); Boulder, Colorado (7.44%); Petaluma, California (4.69%); Irvine, California (4.53%); Ronkonkoma, New York (2.28%); Salisbury, Maryland (1.9%); Scottsdale, Arizona (1.5%); Gardena, California (1.48%); Stockton, California (1.12%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (5.87%). Work is expected to be complete by September 2026. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds for $14,109,762 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Vectrus Systems Corp., Colorado Springs, Colorado, is awarded a $27,202,797 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-20-D-0010) for base operations support (BOS) services at Isa Air Base, Bahrain, and its outlying support sites including the Patriot Battery Site, Riffa, Bahrain. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and seven option periods, is $210,090,820. Work will be performed in Riffa, Bahrain. The BOS services to be performed include general information, management and administration, fire and emergency services, safety, supply, housing (bachelor/unaccompanied housing), force protection, galley, facilities investment, custodial, pest control, integrated solid waste management, grounds maintenance and landscaping, utility management, electrical, wastewater, water, transportation and environmental. Work is expected to be complete by August 2028. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $19,071,686 for recurring work will be obligated on an individual task order issued during the base period. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $26,784,000 undefinitized contract modification (P00015) to previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract N00019-19-C-0010. This modification supports non-recurring engineering efforts to develop and certify a retrofit solution to support the structural requirements for full-up destruction and suppression of enemy air defenses capabilities for Lot 14 and Lot 15 F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft for the Air Force and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (70%); and Redondo Beach, California (30%), and is expected to be complete by August 2022. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds for $2,124,575; and non-DOD participant funds for $1,780,400 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., Newport News Shipbuilding Division, Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $17,176,332 cost-plus-fixed fee, cost-plus-incentive fee contract (N42158-20-C-0003) for maintenance and modernization on board U.S. Ship Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during the fiscal 2020 extended carrier incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Virginia (88%); Newport News, Virginia (11%); and Norfolk, Virginia (1%), and is expected to be complete by February 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $17,176,332 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), with only one responsible source, and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Virginia, is awarded an $8,369,782 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-6115 to exercise and fund options for the procurement of Navy engineering systems and services. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (80%); Chesapeake, Virginia (10%); and Middletown, Rhode Island (10%), and is expected to be complete by May 2024. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); and 2020 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $4,424,463 will be obligated at time of award and funding in the amount of $18,284 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. L3 Harris Technologies Inc., Van Nuys, California, is awarded a $7,212,790 cost-plus-incentive-fee order under basic ordering agreement N00024-19-G-5500 for the development, testing and delivery of AN/SPS-48G(V)1 radar data processor and radar display and control function software, firmware updates for the I/Q processor and synchronizer and other hardware changes. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, California. The AN/SPS-48E and the AN/SPS-48G are the two variants of the AN/SPS-48 radar presently in service with the Navy. The AN/SPS-48G has progressively been replacing the AN/SPS-48E starting in fiscal 2011 and continuing through fiscal 2028. This order is for the development, testing and delivery of the AN/SPS-48G(V)1 radar data processor software version 2.0.0 and radar display and control function software version 2.0.0, firmware updates for the I/Q processor and synchronizer and other hardware changes. This order will implement a subset of the advanced training domain requirements, correct radar performance issues and perform the engineering and development of any hardware changes that might be necessary. Work is expected to be complete by November 2022. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,277,670 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was procured under the statutory authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), with only one responsible source; no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-20-F-5502). AIR FORCE Wickr Inc., San Francisco, California, has been awarded a ceiling $35,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Wickr-based recall, alert and messaging (Wickr RAM) services. Wickr RAM services require an Air Force Cloud One and Air Force Special Operations Command cloud certified fully managed service provider. This contract provides Wickr RAM is a Department of Defense (DOD)-approved/Federal Information Processing Standards certified application suite that provides end-to-end encrypted file, video, chat, text and voice services for end-users. The application suite includes servers that run in a DOD-approved cloud data center and client applications that run on government issued, personal and temporary computers and mobile devices. Work will be performed at the contractor's facility and is expected to be completed May 31, 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,700,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Hurlburt Field, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA0021-20-D-0001). Kryptowire LLC,* Tysons Corner, Virginia, has been awarded a $7,764,985, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to contract FA8750-18-C-0054 for software, hardware and reports. The contract modification is to design, develop, implement, evaluate and deliver software that is capable of collecting sensor information from Android and iOS smartphones and software that is capable of managing users, devices and applications to help manage and maintain the sensor collection process. Work will be performed in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and is expected to be completed Feb. 22, 2022. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $13,166,095. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,158,286 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Gaumard Scientific Co. Inc.,** Miami, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $45,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hospital equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency electronic catalog. This was a competitive acquisition with 117 responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Florida, with a May 31, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-20-D-0042). Raytheon Co., Andover, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $7,551,872 firm-fixed-price contract for electrical cabinets. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a three-year, 11-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Massachusetts, with an April 30, 2024, estimated performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA2-20-C-0028). ARMY The Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $17,463,002 firm-fixed-price contract to furnish all services, facilities, labor, parts, materials, equipment, tools and data necessary to accomplish the inspection, overhaul, and upgrade for AH-64 Apache equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-20-D-0065). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded an $11,624,433 modification (P00106) to contract W56HZV-17-C-0067 for Abrams systems technical support. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles (Army) funds; 2020 Foreign Military Sales (Egypt) funds; and 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $11,624,433 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. *Small business **Woman-owned small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2204288/source/GovDelivery/

  • Tired of sweating in your ACUs? Try these new hot-weather cammies

    June 27, 2019 | International, Other Defence

    Tired of sweating in your ACUs? Try these new hot-weather cammies

    By: Todd South FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Beginning in July, soldiers in Hawaii and at Fort Benning, Georgia will be able to buy the Army's newest field uniform – the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform. Following the first delivery of 2,000 uniforms to those sites, the Army will roll out more batches of the uniform in six more waves through February 2020 when it will be available at all military clothing stores. Don't sweat it yet. The IHWCU is not a clothing item required for inspections but it is an option that soldiers will have to use how they see fit in hot climates and even in garrison in situations where they would wear the Army Combat Uniform. The IHWCU maintains the same Operational Camouflage Pattern as the current ACU and comes in at about the same price, which runs approximately $100 for the set, depending on sizes, Col. Stephen Thomas, project manager, soldier protection and individual equipment at Program Executive Office-Soldier told Army Times. The most notable change when the two uniforms are side by side is that the IHWCU has no breast pockets. But changes go deeper once a user dons the lighter, more breathable and streamlined uniform built to help keep soldiers cool with improved airflow but also more comfortable with a new material that dries from soaking wet within 60 minutes. Thomas got to experience that firsthand recently when wearing the new uniform to a Pentagon meeting and getting caught in a downpour. “As soon as we pull in, the bottom falls out of the sky,” the career light infantryman said. Walking through security, he was leaving puddles of water but by the time he finished his first meeting he was essentially dry. The seven waves of deliveries will start at 2,000 for the first wave and conclude with a 5,000- to 6,000-uniform wave next year. After that production will depend on demand, Thomas said. If soldiers like them and buy them, then the Army will order up more. The seasoned colonel recalled a more distant uniform change having a certain effect. When he was a second lieutenant, the Army had the standard Battle Dress Uniform, but it was heavier than necessary for hot climates. So, similarly the Army produced a “lightweight” summer BDU, which also was not a required clothing item but quickly became the standard uniform most soldiers wore for comfort. “What ended up happening is it became a uniform of choice,” Thomas said. “I think this will have the same results.” The new uniform uses a 57 percent nylon and 43 percent cotton blend to reduce the weight of the uniform by a pound and increasing drying rates and air flow. Other not immediately recognizable but important additions include reinforced elbow and knee areas, helping to prevent ripping. Changes to contours by designers have used a “raglan” sleeve that is more fitted, less baggy with less bunching or binding as is sometimes common with the current ACU, Thomas said. The knee areas are also better tailored to allow for movement where the ACU can sometimes snag or drag when wet, said Lester Smith, systems acquisitions manager at PEO Soldier. And the crotch gusset allows for the same freedom of movement in the trousers, also preventing drag and keeping the pants in a better position, especially when loaded down with cargo pocket items or wet. How the Army developed the uniform includes laboratory and field testing by scientists at the then-Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. That work kicked off in 2015, after soldiers pointed out problems with the existing uniform options for hot, wet environments such as those often encountered by soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and soldiers rotating through the ongoing Pacific Pathways exercises that partners U.S. soldiers with Indo-Pacific region militaries, many in very hot, often jungle environments. The results were pushed to PEO Soldier in 2017, which did a large scale test with 25th Division soldiers and others beginning in January 2018 and which resulted in further changes and adjustments that ultimately became the soon-to-release IHWCU. Along the way, the Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, 25th Infantry Division, 6th Ranger Training Brigade, Jungle Operations Training Center and Maneuver Center of Excellence contributed to testing and evaluations. Pentaq, NIB, Goodwill Industries and ReadyOne are the companies producing the uniform for military clothing stores. Key features of the new IHWCU include: Blouse Single-breasted Raglan sleeve front with a five (5) button closure Fold-down collar with a fusible interlining Long sleeves with cuffs with one button and three buttonholes for an adjustable cuff tab The top of the button down closure is open to accommodate a pen Front placket has a loop tape for the Rank Patch Coat has two bellow-style top opening upper sleeve pockets and includes an eyelet drain-hole Sleeves have an elbow reinforcement patch Both sleeves have an Identification Friend or Foe tab cover that can be opened and closed using hook and loop fastener IFF tab cover is centered and sewn onto the sleeve above the upper sleeve pocket Double turned and cleaned finished hem Trousers Covered fly with a four (4) button/ buttonhole closure, or three (3) button/buttonhole closure, depending on size Seven (7) belt loops Two (2) side hanging pockets Two (2) front side pleated cargo pockets with three (3) button/ two (2) buttonhole closure flaps High end of cargo pockets at front of pocket rather than rear like ACU Two (2) lower leg side pockets with one (1) button/ one (1) buttonhole closure flaps Side cargo pockets shall have three (3) sewn-in eyelets hidden by the bellows Double needle seat patch and a pleated knee reinforcement incorporated into the pant leg at the knee One (1) piece single gusset Two (2) front side hanging pockets Mesh fabric attached on the inside of the trousers at the bottom of the legs as inner cuffs Bottom of the trousers leg hems, the inner cuffs, and the waistband shall have drawstrings How the IHWCU came to be First they stripped down the ACU and then added the following items: Chest, calf and back pockets were removed to reduce weight and dry time. Blousing strings were eliminated from trousers to allow for airflow and drainage. The elbows, knees and seat were reinforced with 330 denier nylon, a thicker nylon that increases durability and abrasion resistance. Crotch gussets, extra patches of fabric that reduces stress on the seams, were added to prevent blowouts common to the Flame Resistant ACUs. Buttons were used on the ACU blouse instead of a zipper, with the intent to increase air flow. Another hot weather version in early testing incorporated mesh into the uniform design and had all of the same changes as the stripped down ACU except it used a zipper instead of buttons. With this version soldiers didn't need to blouse their boots because a mesh material inside the trouser leg along the ankle. By tucking in the mesh, soldiers could get air flow and also keep insects or leeches from getting at them. Some early testing added a “knit yoke” or wicking material to the back of the trouser waist band. That add-on was to wick away pooling sweat that often accumulates there. Wicking draws moisture away from the body so that it can evaporate. They also looked at two different Army Combat Shirt changes, testing both a cooling material for the torso and collar and also a wicking version. Between 2015 and 2016 the Army conducted four uniform user test evaluations, three of those only on material, not design. The first was a 50/50 nylon/cotton weave with ripstop reinforcement, just like the standard ACU. The second had the same blend but used a “twill weave” to make it stronger and more tear resistant. The third used a 38/38/24 blend of nylon, cotton and PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene: a compound use in Teflon coatings. The fourth version was 100 percent nylon ripstop. Without cotton it takes on less water and weighs less but is still as strong as nylon. The fifth version was a 57/43 nylon/cotton blend, which was the final choice for the current IHWCU. Full article: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/26/tired-of-sweating-in-your-acus-try-these-new-hot-weather-cammies/

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