This week’s equipment piece of the week is the Chemical Protective Clothing. Read on!
The Chemical Protective Undergarment (CPU) is a two-piece “form-fitting” design worn under the combat vehicle crewman (CVC) or aviator uniform. When worn with a new duty uniform, the system will provide 12 hours of liquid and vapor protection from chemical agents. The CPU is snug-fitting and air permeable. The CPU is also worn with the Toxicological Agent Protective Ensemble by Department of the Army civilians who are engaged in routine surveillance, demilitarization, and destruction of chemical agents inside the United States. In addition to the shirt and drawers worn by CVC, Army civilians wear socks and gloves made from the same material to provide enhanced protection.
The U.S. Army Firefighter’s Integrated Suit-Combat (FIS-C) protects military firefighters in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards and provides CB protection during firefighting. The FIS-C consists of proximity coat, proximity trousers, gloves, helmet, standard firefighting boots, Nomex balaclava, self-contained breathing apparatus with chemical kit, Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) overgarment, CB gloves/liners, and carrying bag.
The Suit, Contamination Avoidance, Liquid Protective (SCALP) is an impermeable, lightweight, inexpensive disposable ensemble that provides supplemental protection when worn over standard chemical protective garments. SCALP consists of a jacket, trousers, and two footwear covers worn over the chemical protective overgarment and overboots. All components provide protection from liquid contamination for up to one hour.
The Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) ensemble is the first DoD managed CB protection overgarment. The JSLIST is a two-piece garment worn over the standard duty uniform with butyl rubber gloves, Black Vinyl Overshoes or Alternative Footwear System overboot and the M40 or M50 chemical protective mask. The JSLIST provides the Soldier with 24 hours of chemical protection in a contaminated environment after 45 days of wear and six launderings.
The Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) Chemical Biological Coverall for combat vehicle crewmen (JC3) provides CB protection for CVC. The JC3 is a one-piece coverall and is intended to provide petroleum, oil and lubricant, and fire resistance. The JC3 provides the Soldier with 16 hours of chemical protection in a contaminated environment after 30 days of wear. The JC3 integrates and is compatible with legacy and new CB clothing items and chemical masks.
The Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) is a one-piece coverall that provides CB protection and fire resistance for aircrews. Army aviators wear the JPACE with a vapor protective neck dam to provide added protection in the head/neck region. The JPACE provides the Soldier with 16 hours of chemical protection in a contaminated environment after 30 days of wear. The JPACE integrates and is compatible with legacy and new CB clothing items and chemical masks.
Containment is one of the major factors at work for protective clothing and the only way to contain the person safely inside the clothing is to ensure that directions are followed regarding how to close and wear every piece.