Officials Call for Navy Uniform Changes
May 2014 will bring about a series of changes in regards to the uniforms for female Navy officers and enlistees. The announcement was made by Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus last Christmas Eve, and came as a shock to many. The general census among military personnel is that a change to the female uniforms is not necessary. However Mabus explains the reasons for the uniform change in the following statement:
“These changes ensure greater uniformity in our service and ceremonial dress, but more importantly, they send a clear signal that we are one in dress, one in standard and one in team. As you look out across a group of Sailors, you ought to see, not female and male Sailors, but Sailors,” Ray Mabus, SECNAV.
A survey with over 1,000 female Navy personnel conducted in the spring of 2013 concluded that military women welcomed the changes to their uniforms as a means to resemble the male uniforms. However, survey respondents were adamant about the fact that they wanted a quality manufacturing and redesign of their uniforms as opposed to just being forced to wear the male uniforms.
One of the changes to the uniforms include the redesigning of the Service Dress Blues for female Navy personnel ranked E1-E6. The new design for the dress blues was made to incorporate flexibility, functionality, and comfort all while maintaining the traditional sailor image. The ultimate goal of the redesign, as mention in Mabus’ statement above, is to modify the female dress blues so that they closely resemble the male uniforms.
The other change that is being made to the female Navy uniforms is for those who are ranked an E7 or above. This change consist of the redesigning of the combination covers and again are being made to look and operate very similar to the male combination covers. The new version of the female combination covers will be identical to the men’s but will be more fitted to the proportions and body type of women.
The new styles of both the service dress blues and the combination covers are currently going through an extensive fitting and evaluation process. The goal of this process is to not only make sure that these items are comfortable and suitable for women, but also to ensure that durability and functionality of the items perform properly.
Once the final designs are set and approved by military officials, the manufacturing efforts will be underway. The thorough testing and creation of the new uniforms is set to be completed by the spring of 2014, after which a formal introduction and implementation of the suits will ensue in May of 2014.
For timely updates and more information on this matter click here.
United We Stand
For centuries America has been known as the “home of the free, and the land of the brave”; and it is a number our brave men and women who are currently leading the relief efforts in several recently devastated parts of the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan plowed through much of the region nearly a week ago.
The “super Typhoon”, as many are referring to it as, brought an unimaginable amount of destruction to the area, resulting in over 3,600 confirmed deaths. While the number of fatalities continues to rise each day, the reality of the devastation caused by the Typhoon is becoming overwhelming for most. In addition to the high death toll, the disaster also left over 12, 000 people injured, nearly 600, 000 homeless, and several thousands of individuals still unaccounted for.
Our U.S. Marines and Navy personnel are helping aid members of the community that were affected by the typhoon by supplying food, water, personal items, and helping build temporary shelters. Food and medical assistance are high in demand, however volunteers, officials, and medical staff are working hard to meet the needs of each individual. A large amount of the U.S. military are also assisting in the search for all those who are still missing, which is a reported 1,179 people.
Filipino government officials expressed their gratitude for the U.S.’s timely response to the worst natural disaster, ever recorded in the history of the Philippines. “Having the U.S. military here is a game-changer. For countries that we don’t have these kinds of relationships with, it can take a while to get help. But with the U.S., it’s immediate,” said a representative for the Filipino military. Indeed this is what our country is all about; selflessly assisting others during dire times of need, uplifting the distraught citizens of surrounding countries, and lending a helping hand whenever possible. In addition to constant military presence, we as a nation have contributed over $22 million to go towards relief efforts.
Our dedicated men and women never hesitate to offer their assistance whenever and wherever needed. As they stand tall in their combat coveralls and Nomex flight suits, which we of course manufacture, their humble service to the Filipino civilians is much appreciated, not only by the government of the Philippines but by their friends, family, and an entire nation back home.
The generosity that our great nation has shown towards the Philippines during this tragic time will be forever remembered. I’m sure I can speak for our entire nation when I say that we are proud of our military troops, and we stand behind them as the lead relief efforts in the Philippines. To unite during tragedy is perhaps the greatest display of support. As the famous saying goes, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided”.
2013 Brings in over $20 million in Contracts
The Kentucky division of Carter Industries, Inc. was recently awarded a $9,244,800 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of improved combat vehicle crewman universal camouflage coveralls. Production efforts, by Kentucky and New York, are set to be completed by June 30th 2014 and will be sponsored by the Defense Working Capital funds.
The ICVC coveralls feature a flame-resistant material that ensures versatility and breathability. The quality material and adjustable waist allows for tremendous comfort and durability. In addition the coveralls are equipped with 11 zippered pockets to ensure easy accessibility and optimal convenience. These coveralls are available in a variety of sizes and lengths. Like all other Carter Industries products, the ICVC coveralls meet all standard military qualifications.
This $9 million contract is just one of two major contract deals in the year 2013. The other contract, which was awarded earlier this year in April, was a $12, 441,600 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of the 27/P Nomex Flight Suit. The completion date for this contract is set for April 15, 2014 and is also funded by the Defense Working Capital funds.
The Nomex Flight Suits are of unmatched quality. These suits are made up of flame-resistant material yet are extremely breathable. The two-way zipper and six functional pockets make for a number of convenient compartments. The solution dyed fabric prevents the suits from fading and the adjustable waistband allows for a more tailored fit. As with the coveralls, the Nomex Flight Suits 27/P come in a variety of size, length, and color options.
For years we have been recognized as the leading manufacturer of ICVC coveralls and Nomex Flight Suits. Our commitment to providing quality products to the U.S. Defense Forces and the U.S. Military allows for the receipt of extensive contracts such as this most recent one. For more information on our products or to contact us for business inquires, click here.
Nomex Flight Suits – How does Nomex Protect
Although uncommon, fires do occasionally break out in the cockpit and other areas of planes. Soaring at tens of thousands of feet high leaves little room for error, and a fire certainly complicates things. It is of utmost importance for the professionals aboard airplanes to be assured that they are protected in the event of flash fires and heat malfunctions. The clothing that flight personnel wear must be of the highest quality and offer the greatest protection possible. One of the leading materials in the industry is Nomex. For more than fifty years Nomex has been protecting those in the US Military, as well as other markets as well. It is highly regarded for both its functionality, providing superior flame and heat protections, as well as its comfort and ergonomics.
In the late 1960s a researcher at the DuPont Company, Wilfred Sweeny, first developed the material now known as Nomex. A large number of race car drivers dying from intense burns and heats from crashes prompted the team at DuPont to start looking for fire protective clothing. Since its early beginnings, Nomex has been continually tested and updated to ensure that it delivers the greatest protection from flames, chemicals, and intense temperatures. Flight suits made from Nomex, especially the CWU 27 /p suit, are perfectly optimized to defend the human body. Made from 92% Nomex, with the remaining 8% comprised of the bullet proof Kevlar and anti-static fiber, these flight suits exceed the standards for fire-retardant clothing. For this reason the US Military chooses Nomex flight suits when equipping its pilots. But the suits are not reserved exclusively for pilots though. Realizing the potential of the protective material, the US Military also outfits overseas ground troops with Nomex suits to protect from the harsh environments they encounter.
Nomex is engineered from synthetic aromatic polyamide polymers, creating extensive chains of highly durable fibers. Although many only know polymers to be plastics, there are other forms of them that can make material such as Nomex. During manufacturing, Nomex is produced as either large sheets of fabric or as individual fibers that are subsequently woven into a fully fire-resistant cloth. These fabrics lie at the center of what makes Nomex so adept at defending against fire. Material made from Nomex can catch aflame, like many other fabrics, but that’s where it stops. Unlike other materials, Nomex extinguishes itself. When a part of the suit is charred or enflamed, the heat will not harm the rest of the suit, and protecting the person wearing it. Even better, if the suit does catch alight, an additional layer of protection is added. That is, when the Nomex suit is burning, its fibers absorb the heat and swell, adding a layer of insulation between the wearer’s skin and the heat.
One of the most popular flights suits is the CWU 27 /p. It is much beloved not only for its life saving protective features, but also for its comfort, lightweight, and durability. The US Military has far expanded its use beyond the air force, providing the suits for ground troops as well. They are widely used in tank deployments, offering protection from the heat released from explosions, chemicals, and even some radiation. The unique blend of the suit’s material also prevents accidental bursts of flame occurring, utilizing the anti-static material to prevent this. The zippers are also a favorite, made from high quality brass to prolong the life of the suit.
There is no wiggle room when manufacturing clothing to protect people’s lives. Only the best material will do when one is talking about protecting a human being, and Nomex has long been regarded as that material. The last half century has shown that Nomex protects best, and the US Military only chooses Nomex for that reason.