DLA TROOP SUPPORT
PROTECTING AMERICA’S WARFIGHTERS Gearing Up for Mission
Tactical gear is among some of the most critical items C&T provides, potentially standing between life and death for its wearers. C&T provided more than $121 million in personal armor items to warfighters around the globe in fiscal 2017, including body armor, helmets and accessories. Innovation in tactical gear and personal armor requires significant logistics support as the military services focus on improving these life-saving items. Recent updates in personal armor items include improved design for unisex wear and lighter weight for warfighters to carry on the frontline, without compromising protection. Optimal protection requires a dedicated team fulfilling warfighters’ needs around the clock. DLA Troop Support works with its military customers to meet their requirements, including working with vendors, facilitating testing and transporting items. Military customers interested in buying organizational clothing and individual equipment such as body armor and helmets may place requisitions via FedMall or through wholesale supply systems that synchronize daily with the DLA Enterprise Business System. Troop Support regularly coordinates with customers on needs and availability as some items are deployment and theater specific.
Partnering for Readiness Industry partners can learn about C&T’s and its military service partners’ future requirements and business opportunities for clothing and individual equipment at the annual Joint Advanced Planning Brief for Industry. This year’s event will be held November 15-16 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Collaboration with Troop Support’s military and industry partners is key to its mission of warfighter support, especially when it comes to introducing new items into the supply chain. Military services typically conduct research and development, while DLA supports item sustainment.
Current and Future Sustainment Tactical Gear Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) Generation IV:
The IOTV protects against shrapnel and handgun rounds. When used with the enhanced small arms protective insert and enhanced side ballistic insert hard armor plates, the IOTV provides additional rifle protection to the front, back and side of a warfighter’s torso. DLA Troop Support is positioned to support the newest version of the IOTV for the Army and Air Force. The IOTV Generation IV is the first version to utilize the operational camouflage pattern and has the lightest ballistic performance requirement. This IOTV is unisex and designed to better fit all body types. A reduced weight from previous generations coupled
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with the lowest areal density requirement for IOTVs, 0.88 lbs. per square foot, further reduces weight for the user. DLA Troop Support has a contract in place for the IOTV Generation IV. Production of end items is currently underway.
Plate Carrier (PC), Generation II: The PC Generation II, to be fielded to Marines and sailors, features modifications in its design to better fit for all body types. The PC is comprised of a vest with removable soft armor, accepts ESAPI plates, and provides both direct and indirect fire protection. The total weight and associated thermal burden are also minimized to enhance the individual wearer’s mobility and lethality. DLA Troop Support has awarded a contract for the PC Generation II which is currently undergoing first article testing.
Multiple Purpose Hydration System (MPHS): The MPHS is a chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear resistant hydration system. It is intended for use by service members in a CBRN hazardous environment to hydrate when wearing a M40 or M50 series gas mask. The MPHS also replaces the one and two quart canteens for CBRN protection. DLA Troop Support is in the initial stages of providing the Army with sustainment support for this CBRN hydration system.
Family of Concealable Body Armor (FoCBA): The FoCBA is worn by military police and corrections
officers around the globe, providing increased concealment, protection, comfort, fit and function over the legacy concealable body armor. DLA Troop Support is in the initial stages of providing the Army with sustainment support for the FoCBA.
Protective Under Garment (PUG): The PUG is a lightweight undergarment that
provides wound mitigation for warfighters subject to improvised explosive attacks by protecting the skin in the groin and upper leg area from dermal insertion of sand and small debris. In addition to its ballistic capabilities, the undergarment is antimicrobial, has flame resistant properties and allows for the transmission of water vapor. It is also air permeable, made of stretchable fabric and requires no special care or handling. DLA Troop Support is in the initial stages of providing the USMC and Navy with sustainment support for the PUG. For more information visit www.dla.mil/TroopSupport
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