The uniforms of the military in different countries of the world differ in their appearance, color, cut. But there are general characteristics, without compliance with which no army will adopt this or that suit, shoes or underwear. The form should be practical, comfortable, easy to wash and dry quickly, provide comfort at extremely low or very high temperatures; help disguise. On long campaigns, the military does not have the opportunity to repair uniforms or wait for the socks to dry, which means that the equipment must be durable, it must be easy to drain moisture, not rub your feet, and not restrict movement. The comfort of a fighter is the key to a successful military operation, therefore, designers and apparel designers regularly modernize military uniforms, use the latest production technologies, develop universal kits, and test new samples. The testing process identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the uniform.
But improving the quality of clothing for soldiers should not lead to an increase in the cost of uniforms. Regular testing in conditions close to combat helps to find the best value for money for military uniforms.
The review is devoted to the modern uniform of the servicemen of the Ukrainian army. Things were thoroughly tested by the team of the Autonomous Club from Nikolaev.
Summer field suit
In 2014, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine decided to modernize the military uniform for the Ukrainian army. This is how the standard suit of the combined-arms APU of the so-called. pixel color sample of 2014 MM-14.
The kit was discontinued and out of use in 2019.
The suit is completed with a windbreaker and khaki trousers. T. N. Pixelated color for reliable camouflage in mixed or rainforest environments.
The windbreaker is made in the classic military style. Stand-up collar with sticky fasteners, securely held open and closed.
Breast patch pockets are conveniently secured with a button and a sticky closure.
The Velcro fastener is equipped with a special tape that allows you to quickly open the pocket without wasting time and effort.
There are three ways to button your jacket.
1. On buttons with an eyelet ("British type").
2. With a zipper on two "runners".
3. On Velcro fasteners made of durable textile.
Inside the jacket there is a special pocket with a white tag, information about the owner is applied to it. Contact information, personal data, etc., in case of an emergency.
The sleeve of the jacket is equipped with special pockets at the top. Each has two compartments inside. On the pockets there are special Velcro fasteners for attaching chevrons, insignia, patches. The elbow is reinforced with pads. They allow you to insert protection that will protect you from injury, shock, cuts.
The width of the trousers at the waist is adjusted with a belt equipped with flaps with sticky fasteners. The belt is fixed with two British-style buttons (eyelet on the leg) and a zipper. Outside there are 6 slots, their width is 5 cm. The upper patch pockets are open. Inside the right one is a secret compartment. Suitable for carrying a compass, a folding knife, an individual instrument for measuring background radiation.
A personal information label is located on the left pocket.
On the side pockets, there is a convenient flap fixed with 2 buttons.
Pockets are closed with elastic bands. This design allows the contents to be kept dry when it rains.
On the side of the legs, at the bottom, there are small pockets. They can easily fit personal hygiene products, medicines.
The knees are reinforced with special pads. It is possible to insert a protection into them, which is fixed with Velcro fasteners.
There are anthers on the bottom of the trousers, which are fixed with ropes.
The lower hem of the trousers is pulled together with an elastic cord, equipped with hooks for engaging with the lacing.
The trousers can be easily adjusted to the size of the wearer, thanks to the special side braces.
During the tests, it was found that in dry heat conditions, the combined fabric from which the suit was made practically did not drain sweat, did not allow the body to breathe, which caused the so-called "greenhouse effect", the body was dehydrated. Heatstroke was avoided by the testers thanks to the additional intensive ventilation.
Thus, according to the results of tests, it was revealed that the suit is not suitable for use in areas with hot climates and dry air.
The functionality of the jacket was excellent.
A strong fastener, tightly covering the clothes, reliably kept heat inside the suit, preventing the tester's body from hypothermia.
In the heat, the testers recommend to button the windbreaker only with buttons, not to use a zipper. This will leave room for ventilation.
British buttons have proven to be practical, comfortable and durable. The testers did not have any complaints about them.
The suit does not meet the requirements and when it is used in an area of low temperatures and high humidity.
Shoes. Lace-up boots with a high bootleg (army ankle boots)
The new model of boots was made by the Ukrainian company "Talan" for the needs of the Ukrainian army.
Boots are made of high quality leather, have a high bootleg (tibia). The standard shoe color is brown.
Special inserts made of Cordura material are provided in places where creases, abrasions are formed, in areas where moisture is released.
The boots are printed with the Talan logo, above which the customer will see the Gore-Tex label. This means that in this model, the manufacturer used a membrane from this company. On the inside there is a label containing information about the model and its manufacturer.
A loop is attached to the heel of the ankle boots, making it easy to put on the boot without the use of shoulder blades and tongues. The socks are reinforced with a padding that protects against external influences.
Reinforced cape will save a pedestrian's foot when hitting stones. Lacing is designed for 7 pairs of loops, laces are highly durable, 2 meters long.
The shoe has a wear-resistant lining with special inserts that allow a person not to experience discomfort during long crossings over rough terrain.
The ankle boots have interchangeable insoles produced by the Slovak company Vildona. The structure of the insoles is multi-layered. They actively absorb and retain water and sweat for up to 24 hours. The insole is completely dry for one to two hours; it is not necessary to remove it from the shoes. The manufacturer guarantees the absence of unpleasant odors.
The sole of the boots is made of durable composite materials. Used for the manufacture of polyurethane and elastomer.
The boot protector is clear, embossed.
Shoe details, stitched with strong double thread. There are no defects on the seams, the firmware is clear, neat, even, without defects.
Field tests of footwear were carried out in a temperature “fork” from minus 3 to plus 35 degrees.
At first, the shoes were worn out at sub-zero temperatures, then they were used in the Asian tropics. According to the testers, the ankle boots are comfortable to lace up and easy to put on. Tests have shown that a buttonhole on the back of the boot helps to do this without problems, but the manufacturer would be happy to increase the size of the buttonhole for more convenience.
The testers noted that the ends of the laces and the knot were tucked away in a convenient pocket.
According to the test results, it turned out that temperature differences and high humidity do not affect the comfort of the legs. The soles and shins were kept dry. Shoes easily wicked sweat out, did not let external moisture inside.
To prevent rubbing of the feet with new boots, the testers recommended removing the insole.
According to experts, shoes of this class should be worn in two pairs of socks.
Demi-season underwear
A sample of demi-season underwear was provided to the center of expert testing of the Autonomous Club for testing the functional features, quality and practicality of underwear, which is used by the military personnel of the Ukrainian army, The all-season kit was handed over by the Main Directorate for Development and Support of Material Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The set is represented by demi-season pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt. Model in dark yellow color, made of cotton fabric and elastane. Composition 95% cotton, 5% synthetics.
The linen complies with the dimensions stated on the marking, the seams are smooth, flat, made without tears, and have no visible defects that affect the quality of the garment.
The set of all-season underwear has been tested for more than a year in harsh climatic zones. "Run in" in the hot climate of the Sahara and cold taiga air.
The temperature range of tests is from minus fifteen to plus thirty-seven degrees.
According to experts, on a hot day, a sweatshirt shelters a soldier from the sun's skin, and underpants can replace training pants during stops and outdoor recreation.
The kit, pre-treated with repellents, protects against mosquitoes, midges, midges and other annoying insects.
In winter, it is recommended to use underwear under outerwear.
In the Sahara Desert, in conditions of high temperature values, the kit successfully protected the subjects from burns.
Experts noted that underwear is well ventilated, but tends to accumulate moisture in the back and armpits.
Dries quickly in dry air, but does not give a feeling of coolness.
In the off-season, a T-shirt and underpants were used on a hike in the Swedish taiga. The set was worn as a first layer under the main clothing. Tests have shown that this time frame is suitable for wearing pants and raglan.
According to the testers, the underwear copes well with the task of thermoregulation, but it has the peculiarity of accumulating moisture during active movement, physical exercise; dries quickly at rest.
In winter, the subjects wore underpants and a T-shirt as a base for multilayer clothing; they were insulated on top with thermal underwear. The third layer is a light fleece jacket. Further, insulated outerwear.
In this combination, the underwear, according to the testers, showed average results. The sweatshirt and underpants did not cope with the removal of moisture to another layer. There was a greenhouse effect and, as a result, discomfort. Of the positive qualities, it was noted that during the tests the kit did not rub the body anywhere. The lack of a fly, according to experts, is not critical and does not affect the functionality of the linen. Experts noted that the sleeves of the T-shirt can "bulge" when putting on the following layers.
Functional socks with thermal zones
The socks were provided for testing by the Ukrainian company TREKING.
Protective socks made of synthetic fibers are presented in 3 models:
- without pagolink, - with a short fitting part, with
- the long, tight-fitting part of the sock.
Made in 4 colors: gray, blue, orange, green.
Main characteristics:
• The socks have 3 points for a snug fit and fixation.
• They provide insulation and reliable protection for the Achilles tendon.
• Protects feet from chafing in the area of the foot and toe.
• Have ventilation zones.
• Packed in a cardboard package containing information about the operation, composition, the company that produces the product.
Testing was carried out in the Cambodian Republic, in a hot tropical summer. Temperature range plus twenty, up to thirty-five degrees.
Tested with hiking boots designed for cross-country trekking. The subjects did not take off their shoes and functional socks for 24 hours.
The socks are stretchable to fit in 4 sizes.
The foot of the product, painted in a non-marking black color, allows the sock to keep its neat appearance for a long time.
Experts have found that a properly selected product fits the feet securely and prevents chafing. No discomfort was observed during the first fitting.
During the multi-day hiking trips, the subjects never rubbed their feet or toes.
Feet remained dry in the hot tropics. The socks diverted condensation to the top layer of the boots.
The synthetic composition of the socks did not affect the skin condition of the testers, did not cause unpleasant odors from the feet. An important note from testers: The boot must not be flush with the rim of a boot or trainer.
In synthetic fiber, moisture does not accumulate, but evaporates. Condensate drainage is carried out through special zones.
It has been experimentally established that socks dry out without problems if the shoes are comfortable. They do not fall down from brisk walking or running - this is facilitated by three elastic bands.
This product washes quickly and easily. Experts recommend paying attention to the recommendations for washing and drying, which are contained on the packaging.
Based on the testing results, the experts of the Expert Testing Center made conclusions about the quality of the presented clothes, linen, shoes, socks.
So, when examining the standard suit of the combined-arms APU of the pixel-colored model of 2014 MM-14, the experts of the expert testing center concluded that this product is not recommended for use in extremely low or high temperatures. The optimal period is off-season. Suitable for short hikes and comfortable conditions.
The footwear, according to experts, is durable, reliable, and of good quality. Actively drains water. Applicable in the temperature range from stable minus to high plus. The membrane protects against moisture ingress. The practical last optimizes and distributes the load, the outsole cushions the foot.
Tests have shown that the demi-season T-shirt and pants are highly effective in the off-season and in hot weather. In such conditions, they breathe, fit the figure well. Disadvantages: retain moisture in the fibers of the fabric.
The socks, according to experts, are functional and do a good job of thermoregulation in shoes. Protect feet from overheating, chafing, corns.
Thus, the test results showed that the things used in these tests generally correspond to the declared functionality and can be used in the active army.
