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Ballistic Combat Uniform TM Information Current issue combat uniforms such as the Army Combat Uniform and Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform do not provide any protection from the deadly fragments and projectiles produced by weapons the insurgents are using against Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Besides IEDs, these weapons include roadside bombs, rocket propelled grenades, land mines, hand grenades, booby traps, mortars and rockets. As of 2007, it costs the US taxpayer around $17,000 to provide a Soldier with body armor and equipment. By 2014, the price per Soldier is projected to increase to $30K-$60K. Like the current Army Combat Uniform, the Future Force Warrior uniform will provide the Soldier with non-ballistic foam protection for the elbows and knees. Replacing the foam inserts with ballistic ones would be sensible and cost effective. The US has suffered over 25,000 casualties so far during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Ballistic Combat Uniform TM will reduce casualties by a substantial amount if it is adapted by the Army and Marine Corps. I have also provided each member of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services a presentation on the BCU asking that it be given further consideration. Click on the picture below to see a modified Army Combat Uniform that has 13 Shrapnel Shield TM ballistic panels inserted. This version of BCU provides over 5 square feet of ballistic protection from high velocity fragments and projectiles. Add a Kevlar helmet and torso protection and a Soldier is more combat effective and will be less likely to be seriously wounded or killed during combat. The BCU does not interfere or alter the proper placement of unit patches, name tape, rank insignia, qualification badges or awards.
BCU Characteristics
Item Kevlar layers Protection Level Bullet stopped Size Weight ACU Jacket, modified - - - Large/ Regular 2 pounds 2 Shoulder pocket inserts 16 IIA .38 5 x 8 6 ounces 2 Elbow pad inserts 24 II .357 5 x 6 9 ounces 2 Hip inserts 16 IIA .38 7 x 10 15 ounces 1 Kidney insert 24 II .357 7 x 10 10 ounces Weight of BCU coat with inserts 4 lbs 8 ounces ACU Trousers, modified - - - Large/ Long 2 pounds 2 Thigh inserts 16 IIA .38 13 x 10 x 10 1 lb 7 ounces 2 Knee pad inserts 24 II .357 5 x 8 9 ounces 2 Shin inserts* 16 IIA .38 5 x 8 8 ounces CAT tourniquets, modified* - - - - 6 ounces Weight of BCU Trousers complete - - - - 5 lbs Weight of BCU complete is around 9 1/2 pounds * Not available for purchase at this time
The BCU is Patent Pending and I am interested in licensing my invention to manufacturers who can produce it for sale to members of the US Armed Forces. I am confident that the Department of Defense will eventually incorporate the novel IED protective characteristics of the BCU into current and future combat uniforms including those worn by Air Force (Airman Battle Uniform) and Naval personnel. The protective features of the Ballistic Combat Uniform TM are also suitable for law enforcement uniforms worn by SWAT and Hostage Rescue Teams.
Lifesaving Protection The Ballistic Combat Uniform TM provides the survivability needed to save lives and reduce the severity of wounds suffered in combat. IED resistant Shrapnel Shield TM ballistic inserts protect various areas of the body to include the upper arms, elbows, hips, lower back, thighs, knees and shins. Protection levels and ballistic material used can vary depending on requirements. Lightweight The Ballistic Combat Uniform TM is comfortable and adds only a few pounds to the combat load that Soldiers and Marines are required to carry. The BCU in the picture above is a modified Army Combat Uniform and the ballistic panels inserted into their respective pouches and detachable tourniquets add around 5 pounds when all are inserted or attached. Versatile The Ballistic Combat Uniform TM is designed to be worn with vests such as the Interceptor Body Armor (IBA). Leaders and subordinates can tailor the level of IED protection by the number and type of Shrapnel Shield TM panels that are inserted into pockets specifically designed for that purpose . It can be modified based on mission requirements, weather and terrain, and is also suited for garrison and administration duties. Mesh ventilation panels help keep the wearer cool when wearing the warm weather version of the BCU. Integrated Tourniquets Detachable tourniquets are located on the Ballistic Combat Uniform TM above the elbows (not shown) and knees. These tourniquets enable the wearer or a buddy to quickly reduce the loss of blood following a serious IED wound or other injury to the arms or legs. They can also be rapidly moved up or down the wounded limb for proper placement. Cost The current price of the Army Combat Uniform at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is around $36.95 each for the ACU jacket and the ACU trousers. Modifying the ACU to the BCU would increase the cost of the uniform for the Soldier by only a moderate amount. The US Army would provide each Soldier the required number and type of Shrapnel Shield Ballistic Inserts TM based on the combat environment and threat level. The lives saved and the wounds and injuries prevented by Soldiers being issued the Ballistic Combat Uniform TM would be well worth the cost. US Military projects 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. Both the Land Warrior and the Future Force Warrior would benefit greatly by integrating the novel combat performance enhancing characteristics of the Ballistic Combat Uniform. Army Combat Uniform information- PEO Soldier provides FAQ for the Army Combat Uniform, the Advanced Combat Uniform and other equipment. 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.
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