Gear Improved Chemical Warfare Suits Tested at Natick Recoil Staff July 8, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Chemical Warfare gear has come a long way since John Haldane developed the veil respirator during World War I, and further still since the soldiers in the trenches soaked cloth in piss and covered their faces in it. Although we don't deal with the same chlorine, phosgene, mustard and Lewisite they did, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) attacks are obviously still a concern in the military today. In many circles it's a topic of interest to civilians as well. One of the biggest problems with wearing a MOPP ensemble (or any of its predecessors) is how hot and stifling it is; what the military calls the “thermal burden.” According to Military.com, that thermal burden is the current focus of Army and Air Force attention. According to Kit Up!, NRSDEC (U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center) is working on newer, cooler chem warfare suits and are testing them at Maryland's Aberdeen Proving Ground. Say's KU's Mike Hoffman, “The effort is called the Integrated Protective Fabric System program…Engineers have designed a cooler suit by altering the fabrics where soldiers and airmen produce the most heat such as the chest and groin. Meanwhile the new suits reinforce areas where soldiers and airmen would likely come in contact with a chemical agent like the elbow or knee…” As with many things there is sure to be some sort of cross-pollination from military to civilian technologies (or vice versa) at some point. Read the article in its entirety here. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
