Military Clothing System

The operators clothing system discusses the many types of uniforms used by infantry based units. You can expect to be informative about what is primarily used for, materials used, and design features. Also, depending on your environment, these clothing items may protect you from temperatures ranging from +15°C to -40°C. The operator clothing system is an important part of the following:

## Base Layer Dress

1. The base layer is the layer closest to the skin and serves to insulate while managing moisture.
2. It's crucial for wicking moisture away from the skin to allow it to evaporate, preventing discomfort and hypothermia.

The first layer will be your shirt and underwear where its designed to to be light, allows for easy air circulation, absorbs and gets rid of moisture, and dries easily. The best materials are polyester or Merino wool. You can choose to wear shorter or longer shirts or pants. Depending on on how cold the temperature.

For above freezing temperatures, it is wise to plus up your clothing, here are the following items: mid weight undershirt (or fleece), drawers & balaclava. Ideally the conditions should be worn during dry to wet areas. The material should offer thermal insulation and be constructed out of 93% polyester and 7% spandex.

## Wind Layer

1. Does not restrict your movement
2. Not overly thick, not too thin material
4. Wind Cheater
5. ORC level 5 softshell

## Operational Dress

   The second layer could be your Operational Dress Uniform which could be found in cold weather and hot weather variants. It is ideal for daily wear, and it should fit comfortably on the wearer. It also should also stretch slightly for ease of movement. Although not waterproof, the uniform is treated for light water use. It is reinforced in elbow, knee, and seat areas, with a blend of 65% cotton, 35% polyester. The operational dress should come in a pattern that provides protection from observation by the naked eye and night vision devices, and help conceal the wearer against near-infrared optical devices.

## Mid Layer Dress

   The Fleece Jacket could be used for cool weather because the thermal insulation layer will help keep you warm. It has a thick fur design with it being made from 100% polyester (preferably Polartec Thermal Pro fleece). The jacket is designed to be used in conditions ranging from dry to damp.

## Wind and Rain Suit

    The Wind and Rain Breaker Suit protects against wind, sand, and light rain. The suit consists of a jacket, pants with suspenders. It should protect the wearer from light elements, but not not to provide temperature protection. The material is sometimes comprised of 98% polyamide, 2% elastane and or 8% nylon, 2% spandex. Overall its features include water-resistance, windproof, quick-drying, highly breathable, lightweight and packs easily.

Users should consider using leg gaiters made out of Nylon and Polyurethane.

## Winter Suit

    The winter suit, consisting of a soft shell jacket & pants provides heavy-duty cold-weather protection while remaining comfortably lightweight. It is recommended to wear when the weather is above freezing and worn with most previous layers in extreme cold. The fabric should wick away moisture and is designed to packed into a compression bag. The material is either a water-resistant nylon with a spandex mix or 100% polyamide.

The users should consider wearing appropriate winter gloves and a warm cap.

## Combat Dress

    The Combat Dress is a flame-resistant shirt as a supplementary addition to the Operational Dress. The shirt top of the Combat Dress is designed for use with chest rigs or plate carriers in warm and hot weather instead of the blouse. It is intended to greatly increase user comfort through the use of lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics. The main torso material consists of 80% Modacrylic, 15% Viscose, 5% X-Static. The main material of the sleeves: 50% Nylon, 50% Cotton, Ripstop. Some vairents of the combat shirt may have the ability to install integrated elbow protection.

## Head Wear

### Balaclava

The Balaclava is insulated for warmth, wind resistance, and moisture protection. It also provides additional insulation, and is lightweight, compact, and breathable. It has a composition: 70% wool and 30% polyamide.

### Insulated Hat

The insulated hat is for head protection in cold weather. The hat is modular as he can be transformed into a hat and the flaps can be pulled down to provide protection for the sides of the head. It is made out of 100% polyamide with PTFE membrane.

### Field cap

A field cap is a soft kepi style hat, constructed similarly to a baseball cap, with a stiff, rounded visor but featuring a flat top. It is suitable for use in warm weather (15 degrees Celsius and up). It protects the head from heat or rain, and it has a durable integrated visor protects from sun exposure. One variant of the cap is made out of 50% cotton, 50% nylon blend. Other caps may have materials of 65% cotton and 35% polyester Rip-Stop fabric (Herringbone) and lining is 100% cotton.

Users should wear this head wear in garrison or combat is not expected.

### Ballistic Helmet

The shell of the helmet sometimes made from many layers of Kevlar and possibly a ballistic aramid fabric treated with a phenolic resin system. For serious use, it is expected users should wear helmets rated at Threat Level IIIA or more. The helmet offers protection against shrapnel and ballistic threats. Some helmets have military specifications requirements such as the "1800 requirement of MIL-STD-662 E". Depending on the size of the helmet (small, medium, large) it can weigh around 3 lbs to 4 lbs.

Users should wear this head wear securely if combat is expected.