Ballistic Combat Uniform TM  Information

 

Modified Army Combat Uniform: Front view with all ballistic inserts in place. Coverage includes upper legs, knees and shins.

Left side view of BCU providing ballistic coverage for the upper arms, elbows, hips and upper legs.

Left side view showing the 7" x 10" ballistic insert protecting the hip. Complete side coverage from just above the knee.

Rear view of modified ACU with ballistic insert protecting the lower back and kidney area. Provides coverage below a ballistic vest.

BCU Jacket inserts provide multiple options in terms of coverage and Threat Level to suit their comfort level and mission requirements.

BCU Trousers enable the Soldier to protect the upper legs, knees and shins. Foam pads can be inserted behind the ballistic ones for added comfort.

 

The pictures above show the Army Combat Uniform that has ballistic protection inserted in pockets covering the upper arms, elbows, lower back, hips, upper legs, knees, shins and calves. Foam inserts have also been placed behind the Kevlar inserts for the elbows, knees, shins. 

The Patent Pending Ballistic Combat Uniform (BCU) was invented to increase Soldier protection from fragments and projectiles produced by high explosive weapons. Any uniform that is issued for combat operations can be converted to  the BCU.

 
The BCU is worn with a ballistic vest and enables Soldiers to quickly add or remove ballistic inserts based on many factors to include:
     - The mission
     - Conducting mounted, dismounted or waterborne operations
    -  Likelihood of enemy contact
     - Weather
     - Terrain
 
The Kevlar ballistic inserts provide Level IIA protection. Critical areas can be provided IIIA  protection by simply adding another IIA insert. Level II inserts (not provided) can also be used as a single insert.

Submitted to the US Army Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP).

Areas protected include the: upper arms, elbows, lower back, hips, upper legs, knee, shins and calves. This can easily be modified based on Army requirements.

Foam pads can be inserted behind the ballistic inserts for the elbows, knees and shins that make it more comfortable when taking a knee or in the prone.

The BCU is suitable to be worn during garrison and administrative duties once the ballistic and/or non-ballistic inserts are removed.

 

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Soldier friendly: Soldiers  are able to customize their BCU by adding or removing ballistic and/ or non-ballistic inserts to suit the mission and their respective comfort levels. I believe Soldiers will be more willing to wear the BCU because of this.
 
As light as possible:  The Soldiers uniform is used to hold the ballistic and/or foam inserts and lightweight water resistant fabric protect the ballistic inserts from moisture. The BCU eliminates the need to strap on a separate system that is more bulky, cumbersome and heavy. 
 
Comfortable: The lightweight, flexible ballistic inserts and foam pads conform to the Soldier’s body and are just as comfortable when on foot, or in a vehicle or aircraft. 
 
Heat retention: Is reduced by keeping the non-ballistic material that holds and supports the ballistic inserts to a minimum. The BCU gives the Soldier the option to remove inserts to help cool off.
 
Easy to clean and maintain: The Soldier removes the inserts before washing the uniform. Inserts that become dirty are washed off with a cloth, warm water and laundry detergent. 
 
Easy to replace: If the BCU becomes unserviceable, the Soldier is issued a new one. The ballistic and foam inserts can be replaced one at a time as they are worn out or damaged.

Various Options For Soldiers

 
Insert Number Size Weight Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Option 6
Ballistic Jacket
Upper Arm (small) 2 4" x 5" 3 oz X X     X X
Upper Arm (large) 2 5" x 8" 5 1/8 oz     X X X X
Elbow  2 5" x 6" 4 3/4 oz X X X X X X
Elbow  2 5" x 6" 4 3/4 oz         X X
Elbow Foam 2 5" x 6" 2 1/8 oz X X X      
Lower Back 1 7" x 10" 6 1/8 oz   X X X X X
Hip 2 7" x 10" 12 3/8 0z     X X X X
Weight of Jacket Inserts 9 7/8 oz 10 7/8 oz 11 7/8 oz 12 7/8 oz 2lb 4 3/8 oz 2lb 4 3/8 oz
Ballistic Trousers
Thigh (small) 2 7" x 9" x 7.5" 10 1/8 oz   X X     X
Thigh (large) 2 7" x 10" x 13" 1lb 4 5/8 oz       X X X
Knee 2 5" x 9"  5 7/8 oz X X X X X X
Knee 2 5" x 9" 5 7/8 oz         X X
Knee Foam 2 5" x 9" 3 3/8 oz X X X      
Shin 2 5" x 6" 4 3/4 oz     X X X X
Shin Foam  2 5" x 6" 2 1/8 oz     X      
Calf  2 3.5" x 6.5" 3 3/4 oz       X X X
Weight of Trouser Inserts 9 1/8 oz 1lb 3 1/4 oz 1lb 10 1/4 oz 2lb 3 0z 3lb 3 3/8 oz 3lb 13 3/8 oz
                   
Weight of Jacket and Trouser Inserts combined 1lb 3 1/8 oz 2lb 3 3/8 oz 3lb 9 oz 3lb 15 5/8 oz 5lb 7 3/4 oz 6lb 1 3/4 oz
                   
Coverage provide by Jacket and Trouser ballistic inserts 1 sq ft, 46 sq in 2 1/2 sq ft, 12 sq in 4 sq ft, 28 sq in 5 1/2 sq ft 5 1/2 sq ft 5 1/2 sq ft
 

X= Level IIA protection provided by one insert

X= Level IIIA protection is provided by inserting another IIA insert

 

Information on Army programs

Land Warrior- is a high tech "system of systems" designed to provide every soldier with enhanced capabilities. This integrated fighting system dramatically increases the combat soldier's lethality, battle command compatibility, survivability, mobility, awareness, sustainability and combat effectiveness.   

Future Force Warrior (FFW)- is the Army's flagship Science and Technology initiative to develop and demonstrate revolutionary capabilities for Future Force Soldier systems. An integrated system of systems approach is being employed to support the army transformation to a Soldier-centric force. The Future Force Warrior is a major pillar of the Future Force strategy, complementing the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.

Army Combat Uniform information- PEO Soldier provides FAQ for the Army Combat Uniform, the Advanced Combat Uniform and other equipment.

Other Ballistic Extremity Protection Options

 

QuadGuard

 

 

 

 

Contact Information

You can contact me via email with any questions or comments. Please address it to Matt at  tacarm@aol.com. I can also be reached at 910-672-0027.

 

 

Ballistic Combat Uniform   
Designed for Combat. Worn for Life TM 

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