WASHINGTON – The US Army will launch two extensive gear tests in the coming months in two very different locales: the humid tropics of Hawaii and the harsh Alaskan landscape.
The tests are part of the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP), which allows the Army to try out commercially available gear quickly, without having to waste time or money starting from scratch, explained Col. Tim Wallace, head of SEP.
Wallace outlined the program during a Tuesday morning Warrior's Corner forum at the annual AUSA exposition in Washington.
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During his talk, Wallace previewed the Army's plans to improve equipment for soldiers training in the jungle, which has become a higher priority as more soldiers deploy to the tropics of Asia.
Soldiers will test:
■ A variety of boots that are designed to be quick-drying and light. "This is probably the No. 1 request we've gotten," Wallace said. Officials with Rocky Brands and Danner have both said they are submitting footwear for this test.
■ Quick-drying uniform fabrics that are thinner and with fewer coatings. The Army is also considering using fewer pockets, Wallace said.
■ Water purification systems.
Wallace said there is not a timeline for the jungle test, but an executive at Rocky said the boot trial was expected to begin in January.
Meanwhile, soldiers in Alaska will be experimenting with new cold weather gear this winter. The Army test will include sleep systems, gloves, ski binding, extreme cold weather tentage and a team stove.
Participating units will include soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division and US Army Alaska, said Maj. Andrew Kirby, SEP's assistant product manager.
The test is a follow-on to a similar gear trial held this summer that involved soldiers facing extreme elements to climb Mount McKinley. Maj. Andrew King, assistant product manager for SEP, said some product adjustments have been made for this second trial, which will again occur in "some of the coldest places in the world to do this."
It's definitely time to upgrade Army's cold-weather gear, which is "very old," Wallace said.
If you've got an idea for a gear evaluation to improve a combat mission, SEP wants to hear it. Soldiers and manufacturers can submit a proposal via www.peosoldier.army.mil. Scroll down and click on "Soldier Enhancement Program."
During the AUSA session, Col. J.T. Craft, program manager for Army Program Office MRAP, offered a suggestion: In the event of a rollover, it's very difficult for soldiers to see to exit the vehicle. He asked Wallace if eye pro might be on the market to help soldiers visualize the exit and get to safety. MRAPs currently use reflective tape, but it's not ideal, Craft said, especially in water.
Craft said he plans to formally submit a request through SEP in hopes an improvement can be made. ■
Email: tlombardo@armytimes.com.
Tony leads a team of more than 30 editors, reporters and videographers dedicated to covering the news that affects service members and their families. Tony is responsible for strategy of the Military Times digital brands, the print publications, video and multimedia projects for Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times.
