Some 330 soldiers from various units in the Israel Defense Force are going to be testing new uniforms for the military in the next month.
The new combat uniforms, which sport a sort of “tiger-stripe” design, will be worn for a month-long trial by troops from the Air Defense, Bardelas Battalion, Home Front Command, Lions of the Jordan Valley, Paratroopers, and the Unit 8200 Intelligence Directorate, among others.
Each soldier will receive two uniforms to wear during operations with their unit.
The uniforms under consideration include three different camouflage patterns, a new trouser design with built-in elastic waistband, and two different shirt cuts.
The trial will also look at elements of comfort, functionality, suitability for various activities, and pocket placement, and will have the soldier’s rank, unit insignia and warrior’s patch.
The male troops in elite units are to receive uniforms that are fireproof and sweat-proof. They are intended to be more lightweight and durable, and won’t be used for training or routine operations, but rather for operational missions. They’ll also receive flexible kneepads, a headlamp designed for urban and tunnel warfare, and a shape-camouflaging helmet cover, as well as an attachable backpack.
Female combat soldiers will receive the lighter M-16 rifles instead of the heavier Tavor, along with smaller helmets and kneepads, and more closely, better-fitting tailored armored vests.
“This is an opportunity to improve the quality of the IDF combat uniform by adapting to operational needs, using new and advanced technological capabilities from the world of textiles,” said the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.