The story goes...
In 2002, a member of the Special Operations Forces made a call from a crater in the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan to the SOF Special Projects Team at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Mass: "Send warm clothing."
Unfortunately for that soldier, but representing quite an achievement by the developers, the Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) was delivered, replacing the Lightweight Environmental Protection (LEP) system less than one year later. PCU is a 16 piece, 7 level clothing system that can be worn "layers-appropriate" for the mission, ranging from -50° to 40°F (-46°to 4°C).
090408-N-3714M-083 KODIAK, Alaska (April 8, 2009) SEAL Qualification Training candidates wade out of the Buskin River after spending five minutes in the near freezing water during a re-warming exercise. Candidates completed the re-warming exercise after spending 48 hours in the Alaskan mountains learning how to navigate through the rugged terrain and survive the frigid conditions. The 28-day cold-weather training course taught in Kodiak is part of a yearlong process to become a U.S. Navy SEAL. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erika N. Manzano/Released) www.navy.mil/
Instead of finding existing military systems as a starting point, Richard Elder from the Special Projects Team looked to COTS (civilian off the shelf) outdoor gear. After taking recommendations from Master Chief Scott Williams and consulting with extreme alpinist Mark Twight, PCU block 0 was born. Adhering to the Berry Amendmant requiring the DoD to give preference to American produced products, Nextec's Epic, and Malden Mills' polar fleece were utilized. ORC Industries produced levels 4, 5 and 6. SEKRI produced levels 1, 2, 3 and 7. Other companies contributing to the military's PCU system include YYK (zippers), Travis (Materials), 3M (insulation and Melody Miller (design).
Even though there are seven layers in the system, it is not expected that on the coldest day you would wear all 15 items and then shed layers as it got warmer. Instead, PCU is most efficient when items are mixed and matched to cater to the anticipated conditions and activities of the operator.
090408-N-3714M-045 KODIAK, Alaska (April 8, 2009) A cold weather training instructor monitors SEAL Qualification Training candidates while they spend five minutes in near freezing water during a re-warming exercise. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Erika N. Manzano/Released) www.navy.mil/
Elder stated that "The key to staying warm is moisture management." The latest Polartec fabrics by Malden Mills insulate and wick moisture away from the skin, while outer garments made with silicone-encapsulated fibers (called Epic by Nextec Applications, Inc.) allow sweat to escape while being highly water and wind-resistant. The idea is to remove moisture faster than you can produce it.
Army Rangers, Marine Force Recon, Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs successfully evaluated the Block 0 uniforms in Alaska in August, 2002. When the Block 1 system was officially fielded in 2006, PCU had been upgraded several times, and a vest was added to the extreme cold level. Any operators in the field between the years of 2002 and 2006 wearing PCU were part of the trial run, and their comments and critiques were incorporated into Block 1.
In 2004 Patagonia introduced their Military Advanced Regulator System (MARS) which includes a number of the PCU levels. They were also rumored to have been the designers behind the current PCU designs.
In 2004 Patagonia introduced their Military Advanced Regulator System (MARS) which includes a number of the PCU levels. They were also rumored to have been the designers behind the current PCU designs.
090406-N-6224W-025 KODIAK, Alaska (April 6, 2009) A SEAL Qualification Training candidate checks the gear of another member of his squad during a long-range land navigation exercise. (U.S. Navy Photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Scott Williams/Released) www.navy.mil/
In July of 2008, ADS and Beyond Tactical announced that they were offering the entire 7-level system in both alpha green and coyote tan in either the complete system or as individual components. On top of providing standard sizing, Beyond Tactical customizes some of the garments to custom fit their customers. ADS also offers a DVD and a pocket guide to describe the PCU components and properly layering the system.
In 2012, Soldier Systems had the opportunity to see the development of the block 2 prototypes and reported on some of the upgrades to the various levels.
In 2012, Soldier Systems had the opportunity to see the development of the block 2 prototypes and reported on some of the upgrades to the various levels.
Other companies that have in the past or currently manufacture the various levels of PCU include: Blackhawk! Industries, Insport, Patagonia, Propper, Ready One and Steps Inc.
The 16 garments that make up PCU
1. Crew neck silkweight T-Shirt (lvl1)
2. Silkweight boxer shorts (lvl1)
3. Long-Sleeve top (lvl1)
4. Long underwear (lvl1)
5. Long-Sleeve top (lvl2)
6. Long underwear (lvl2)
7. Mid layer jacket (lvl3)
8. Soft windshirt (lvl4)
9. Softshell top (lvl5)
10. Softshell pant (lvl5)
11. Hardshell top (lvl6)
12. Hardshell pant (lvl6)
13. Insulated coat (lvl7)
14. Insulated pant (lvl7)
References
http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-17.htmhttp://soldiersystems.net/2008/07/24/pcu-alternate-source-of-supply/
http://soldiersystems.net/2012/01/26/pcu-block-2-preview/
http://www.backpacker.com/august_2003_feature_special_forces_gear_test/articles/6543
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/U.S.+Military's+Special+Operations+Introduces+New+High-Tech+Combat...-a098113043
ReplyDeletejoin paf as airman
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. indumenti per protezione dal calore
ReplyDeleteThis is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. indumenti per protezione elevate temperature
ReplyDeleteنحن نمتلك مجموعة من الخبراء والمتخصصين فى شركة تنظيف بابها ونحن نستطيع التعامل مع كافة المساحات المختلفة فلا يهم ان كنت تمتلك منزل او فيلا فأن لدينا خبرات كبيرة تمكنا من تقديم خدماتنا على اكمل وجه ولدينا عمال وفنيين محترفين ولهم خبرات مختلفة نقدم ايضآ تنظيف لواجهات الشركات والفنادق. فكل ما تحتاجه من معدات واجهزة ومنظفات ذات جودة عالمية موجودة بشركتنا فنحن نسعى فقط لارضاء العميل أولآ واخيرآ
ReplyDeleteشركة عزل خزانات بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات بخميس مشيط
شركة غسيل مجالس بخميس مشيط
شركة غسيل خزانات المياه بخميس مشيط
شركة غسيل خزانات بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف شقق بابها
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Top Northern Virginia Lawyer
ReplyDeleteشركة كشف تسربات المياه بأبها
ReplyDeleteشركة كشف تسربات المياه بأحد رفيدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه ببيشة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بأبها
شركة مكافحة حشرات بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تنظيف بخميس مشيط
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف خزانات بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف خزانات بمحايل عسير
شركة تنظيف خزانات ببيشة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تسليك مجاري بأحد رفيدة
شركة تنظيف منازل بابها
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف بابها
شركة تنظيف منازل بأحد رفيدة
شركة تنظيف بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تنظيف منازل بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تنظيف منازل ببيشة
ReplyDeleteشركات نقل عفش فى خميس مشيط
شركة تسليك مجارى بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف بابها و بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف بالخميس
شركة تنظيف بخميس
شركة كشف تسريبات المياة وارتفاع فاتورة المياه
شركة تنظيف المنازل والفلل
شركة تنظيف بخميس مشيط
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف خزانات بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف خزانات بمحايل عسير
شركة تنظيف خزانات ببيشة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تسليك مجاري بأحد رفيدة
ReplyDeleteشركات نقل عفش فى خميس مشيط
شركة تسليك مجارى بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف بابها و بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف بالخميس
شركة تنظيف بخميس
شركة كشف تسريبات المياة وارتفاع فاتورة المياه
شركة تنظيف المنازل والفلل
فنحن نقوم بكافة أعمال التنظيف للشقق والفلل والقصور نعمل على تنظيف كافة المنزل بداية من الأرضيات سواء كانت بلاط أو سراميك أو رخام و أيضا نقوم بتنظيف فرش الأرضيات سواء موكيت أو سجاد بأكثر من طريقة سواء باستخدام البخار أو بجهاز الرغوة الالية أو باستخدام الفرشاة الاليه. كما نقوم بتنظيف الأثاث بأجود المواد التي لا تؤثر على درجة الالوان أو حالة الأخشاب كما نقوم بتلميع الزجاج ممها بلغ ارتفاعة.
ReplyDeleteشركة غسيل موكيت بابها
شركة عزل خزانات بابها
شركة تنظيف خزانات المياه بابها
شركة تنظيف كنب بابها
شركة رش مبيدات بابها
شركة رش مبيدات بابها
شركة مكافحة الحشرات بابها
شركة تسليك مجارى بابها
ReplyDeleteتنظيف منازل بابها
شركة تنظيف منازل بابها
شركة عزل خزانات بابها
شركة نظافه بابها
شركة نقل اثاث بابها
شركة تنظيف منازل بابها
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف بابها
شركة تنظيف منازل بأحد رفيدة
شركة تنظيف بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تنظيف منازل بوادي بن هشبل
شركة تنظيف منازل ببيشة
افضل خدمات المكافحة ورش المبيدات بخميس مشيط وابها بافضل المعدات والاجهزة العالمية
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف موكيت بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات بابها
شركة مكافحة حشرات بخميس مشيط
شركة رش مبيدات بابها
شركة رش مبيدات بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات ببريدة
شركة مكافحة الارضة بجازان
ReplyDeleteشركة مكافحة الحشرات بجازان
شركة مكافحة النمل ابيض بنجران
شركات نقل عفش بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف منازل بخميس مشيط
شركة نقل عفش بخميس مشيط
ReplyDeleteشركة مكافحة حشرات بالجبيل
شركة رش مبيدات بالجبيل
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالجبيل
شركة مكافحة فئران بالجبيل
Mult-Use Style Band Uniforms - Commonly known as a "tux-overlay," this style manages the cost of the school two uniforms. houston embroidery
ReplyDeleteشركة عزل اسطح بابها
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف مجالس بابها
شركة تنظيف موكيت بأبها
شركة تنظيف موكيت بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف مجالس بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف مكيفات بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بأبها
ReplyDeleteشركة كشف تسربات المياه بأحد رفيدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه ببيشة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بأبها
شركة مكافحة حشرات بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات بوادي بن هشبل
A portion of the significant brands making leather jackets incorporate Schott, Andrew Marc and Jhane Barnes. yellowstone jacket
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing post, how beautifully you explained this is remarkable.
ReplyDeletehoneycomeb necklace
Regardless of whether you have had past experience in buying band uniforms, it's consistently fitting to work with experts. Keeping you prompted on latest things in plan, texture use, new highlights, development/fitting strategies and references is just a part of their duty to you and the organization they address. distressed leather jacket
ReplyDeleteVery good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts. neak oknha chen zhi cambodia
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant blog! I'm very happy with the comments!.. prince holding group
ReplyDeleteyeezy shoes
ReplyDeletekyrie 7 shoes
yeezy shoes
kevin durant
kyrie 7 shoes
curry 6
yeezy
moncler jackets
off white
off white shoes
it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. 團體服製作
ReplyDeleteThanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.풀싸롱
ReplyDeleteI’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this website.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?강남안마
Regardless of whether you have had past experience in buying band uniforms, it's consistently fitting to work with experts. Keeping you exhorted on latest things in plan, texture use, new components, development/fitting techniques and references is just a part of their obligation to you and the organization they address. black leather jacket mens
ReplyDeleteIt is to their greatest advantage to serve and survey all your necessities, from plan to conveyance to the fitting of your band uniforms. As such, they offer master counsel beginning to end. Choosing a maker and delegate is a significant part of beginning. leather jackets in germany
ReplyDeleteyeezy shoes
ReplyDeletecurry shoes
hermes birkin
golden goose shoes
golden goose
off white shoes
supreme
yeezy boost 350
curry 7
supreme clothing
golden goose sneakers
ReplyDeletekyrie shoes
off white nike
jordan shoes
stone island sale
kd shoes
nike sb dunks
kyrie irving shoes
moncler jackets
kyrie 7
On the off chance that the wedding is as yet a couple of months to a year away you can begin now as of now by setting some cash to the side every week/month. This way you will have a decent sum to work with once you are prepared to buy. Remember about including your adornments into the financial plan. kolkata printed kurtis
ReplyDeleteRegardless of whether you have had past experience in buying band uniforms, it's consistently fitting to work with experts. Keeping you exhorted on latest things in plan, texture utilization, new elements, development/fitting strategies and references is just a piece of their obligation to you and the organization they address. b3 jacket for sale
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. learn more
ReplyDeleteWhatsapp Number Call us Now! 01537587949
ReplyDeleteEnglish sex video
iphone repair United States
Company Registration in Bangladesh
Freezing Ambulance Service
careful
Online Shopping Bangladesh
I encourage you to read this text it is fun described ... check this link
ReplyDeletedig this original site their website check that Recommended Site like it
ReplyDelete