Uniforms are largely designed for the boys, but the military is working on something for the girls… well… girls.
The Army Tactical Brasserie is a product being tested at the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center.
In the fall, the Soldier Center’s Design Pattern Prototype Team is expected to present an initial evaluation to the Army Uniform Board, which would establish the Army Tactical Brasserie as its official program.
“If the AUB makes a program out of it, we would like to promote it as a [Soldier Center] achievement and victory for female soldiers throughout the Army,” Jeff Sisto, a public affairs officer at Soldier Center, wrote in an email to the Army Times.
The bra’s development began with a survey of female soldiers about the type of functionality and preferences to be taken into account during initial design. It has been labeled a “tactical rather than sportswear item,” according to Soldier Touchpoints.
It is intended to integrate into existing body armor and give an extra level of protection to female soldiers.
“This means designers are evaluating options such as incorporating flame retardant fabrics and expertly layered compression, structural and protective materials, while also considering the importance of accurate sizing, reliable comfort, moisture management and breathability,” Touchpoints noted.
“The overall goal is to produce clothing that not only protects the wearer, but also reduces the cognitive load on the female soldier caused by discomfort and poor fit,” said Ashley Cushon, clothing designer and project leader for the ATB at DEVCOM. Soldier Center. Achieving this will improve the Soldier’s overall readiness and performance levels, allowing them to focus on their mission,” she explained.
This effort is part of an ongoing campaign to adapt military uniform options to different body types. And there are currently four prototype models. Concepts A and B are respectively padded pullover sports bras with structured seams and a plank style. Concept C is a compression bra with crossed straps at the back. Concept D features a front zip with contoured seams and adjustable crossover straps at the back.
Soldier touchpoints give our engineers and scientists the opportunity to see first-hand how new technologies integrate with existing soldier clothing and equipment, and how they fit in or improve [tactics, techniques and procedures] and mission-specific tasks,” said Al Adams, Team Leader of the Soldier Clothing, Footwear and Integration Team at the DEVCOM Soldier Center.
DEVCOM’s researchers work in their lab to ensure that the latest and greatest uniform technology is combined with the wants and needs of soldiers in the field.
“Until you have the system in the field with Soldiers, you don’t know what critical considerations you might have missed,” Adams added.
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