The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the global security situation. Readiness for action is now more than ever at the centre of security policy debates for European armed forces – an objective that has become even more urgent in light of recent developments in the US. However, armed forces often suffer from outdated technology, the modernisation of which is hampered by traditionally long procurement cycles and limited defence budgets.

A NATO report reveals that current equipment in many Member States is up to 20 years behind current technological standards. This both endangers the deployment capability of these forces but also puts soldiers at unnecessary risk. Industry could offer quick solutions and guarantee security of supply in many areas.

Thomas Meyer, an expert in military clothing and equipment at W. L. Gore & Associates, outlines four proposals from the example of the equipment and clothing industry that could be employed to speed up processes.

1: Modular protection for a wide range of applications

The land war has returned to Europe – with new demands on the national defence of European states, already starting on the NATO eastern flank. Soldiers will once again be increasingly deployed in cold, wet and Arctic climates where their stamina will depend on a modular clothing system that provides protection against cold and wet conditions. At the same time, deployment in hot regions will remain an integral part of their operations.

Insulation and functional layers that can be flexibly combined are essential to cope with extreme climatic requirements. Successful examples of a system such as this include the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) in Scandinavia, the Dutch DOKS, the German Armed Forces KBS SK, or the newly designed German Navy clothing system.

This clothing can be altered by quickly replaceable layers, which can be adapted with minimal logistical effort to the respective operational climate. A modular system is more than just efficient – it ensures that soldiers remain ideally protected and operational in all climatic conditions. 
A clothing system that is well coordinated in terms of compatibility, fit and the use of flexible materials increases the mobility of the individual soldier and thus the mobility of the entire force.

The use of flame-retardant materials can also protect soldiers from being injured by fire. Protection against this constant threat in the field of combat is therefore essential, but must never be at the expense of mobility and comfort. Only well-protected and highly mobile soldiers have good combat strength and significantly better chances of returning home in a healthy state.
 

2: Multilateral cooperation across borders

Many European countries are too small for stand-alone national military procurement. Joint procurement saves time, costs and human resources, despite the need for serious coordination, as demonstrated by multinational aircraft and tank defence programmes.

This also applies to clothing, where standardised finishes and materials ensure that soldiers from different nations can work together seamlessly. A high level of standardisation ensures interoperability between armed forces, facilitates the exchange of articles, and improves logistical flexibility. As true as this knowledge is in theory, it is difficult to implement in practise. The Nordic Combat Uniform is a successful model from the clothing segment, in which GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics is also involved. The future will show whether this cross-border project gains popularity in other countries as well.

3: Upgradeable clothing and equipment

“You train as you fight” – NATO armies are working hard to modernise their equipment to protect their soldiers as best as possible. Admittedly the rapid procurement of market-available technologies helps to quickly close inventory gaps, however this needs to be aligned with the integration of industrial innovations. Many systems are currently lagging behind in technological terms: by ten years within special forces, and by up to 20 years in the wider armed forces. One thing is clear: the aim must always be to reduce this innovation backlog to five to ten years in the interests of soldiers. This means better protection.

One example of this is a squad’s wet-weather clothing, which is often outdated. Modern materials could provide much greater comfort with less weight and greater freedom of movement.

Innovation clauses could ensure this. These clauses are contractually agreed with suppliers and require them to provide regular updates to maintain a technological lead. In the clothing sector, this could be done with high-tech systems, such as wet-weather protection or modular combat clothing systems, with the addition of individual elements. After all, only continuously modernised clothing will ensure soldiers' superiority in battle in the long term - today and in the future.

4: Thinking from the soldier’s point of view

In active service procurement, the focus is always on the soldier and their requirements. The basic principle of “thinking from the user’s point of view” is the reality here. Soldiers are closely and continuously involved in the procurement process at an early stage. This can prevent procurements overlooking the real and practical mission life of a soldier, and also enables soldiers to obtain the clothing and equipment they really need to fulfil their orders. Soldiers therefore need to have a clear voice and decision-making rights in the procurement process.

A good example of this is the equipping of the German Bundeswehr Armed Forces with the new combat boot concept, consisting of the heavy and light combat boots. Soldiers can choose from a range of renowned manufacturers’ models in terms of fit and look. Since the introduction of these boots about 15 years ago, the vexatious issue of fit, comfort and wet-cold feet has become a thing of the past. After all, the best equipment is the equipment designed with the people who use it day after day in mind – the key to protection and combat strength in every situation.
 

Conclusion:

Procurement processes need to keep pace with the speed of threats in a world where security risks are constantly on the increase. However, soldiers need more than just modern equipment – they need the confidence that their equipment will keep pace with the challenges and technological innovations. Modularity, innovation, international cooperation and deployment focus must lead the way. That way, active service procurement will ensure the safety of soldiers who guarantee our safety with their lives.

an adventure in the swiss alps

For the launch of GORE-TEX Stretch product technology (for defence use), I took part in a product field test with my defence colleagues in the Swiss Alps. The programme included two nights in a mountain hut in the canton of Schwyz, climbing up and abseiling down a steep cliff, and exploring the Hölloch cave in the Muotatal.

I have only been with Gore as a marketing associate for three months and this was a real baptism of fire for me!

We arrived at the hut on Wednesday around noon: a lovely six-bedroom wooden chalet in the middle of the mountains, with a modern kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and a well-stocked pantry for the occasion. Each bedroom had room for between two to four people (or five if you squeeze). The chalet was completely self-sufficient in energy and the electricity was produced by a water turbine, which was enough to light us and charge the phones. However, we had to compromise on cold water showers. On the first day, we took our bearings, the programme presented us with, and the household chores were divided: one team for the kitchen, another for the dishes, and a few early birds to prepare breakfast. It was also an opportunity to get to know my new colleagues, who had come from all over Europe, and even Korea.

Although I must admit that living in a refuge and sharing rooms was already a new experience for me (and slightly outside my comfort zone), the real adventure took place on the second day. Up early after a fairly short night for most of us, we were at the foot of a cliff by 8am equipped with ropes, carabines, helmets and harnesses. We were kitted out with GORE-TEX Stretch jackets and rain trousers. I'd like to explain here the ease with which I climbed up and then rappelled down the cliff in my new clothes. Unfortunately, my fear of heights overcame my sense of adventure, and I preferred to join a small group of cautious colleagues and admired the more adventurous of the group from a café opposite the cliff. We did a walk in the mountains before reaching the café and were able to experience the quality of the clothing which were very lightweight, easy to walk in due to stretch material and protected us from the wind. The feedback from the climbing team was unanimous: excellent comfort and freedom of movement when climbing and descending. The clothes are also very breathable which prevented us from getting too hot during the effort.

We spent the afternoon at Hölloch, a 200 km long and 1033 metres deep cave. Cave exploration was also a first for me, but it was a great experience which I was happy to share with my colleagues. We climbed, walked in the sand, climbed steps, slid down rocks on our bums and the protective clothing proved to be indispensable. I would like to thank our expert guide Pesche for his explanations on the discovery of the cave by a farmer in the last century. He also explained how the circulation of air works between the cave and the outside, the fact that the potential risk of the cave flooding depends on temperature and the formation of the different types of rock and the typology of the place. Pesche had even thought to bring a small stove and some broth to warm us up.

Despite some concerns before the event, I have good memories of this team building. I was very happy to meet my colleagues, all of whom were very friendly and warm, and attentive to each other when one of us was in difficulty. The GORE-TEX Stretch garments are fit for purpose: we put them to the test, and they came out without a hitch, like brand new. They were comfortable and lightweight, gave us a lot of freedom of movement, and kept us dry without sweating. Whilst this probably felt like a leisurely walk for some of my teammates who are used to spending nights in the snow and climbing more impressive peaks, it was a real adventure for me and I'm so glad I had the chance to participate. And I thoroughly enjoyed the hot shower when I got home.

The Milipol show in Paris is a key place for networking and exchanging latest innovations and future defence trends. Gore Associates Isabelle Lefevre and Dominique Bruyen, experts in the French military market, share their insights about trends in garments and footwear and how innovations from GORE-TEX Professional can help.

What are the current garment trends in the French military? 

Isabelle Lefevre: Ergonomics is a priority issue: softer materials, cuts that fit closer to the body, and that adapt to movement.
Fire protection is recurring need: this protection must not compromise durability and comfort.
Intercompatibility of equipment: it's important that new equipment is compatible with all the others.

What is the biggest need for garment protection of soldiers? 

Isabell Lefevre: As operating grounds have moved to a continental climate, there is a need for protection against wet, cool to very cold weather.
Protecting against the cold without inducing discomfort is essential: the layers of clothing worn by the soldier must be adapted to each other in terms of ergonomics and thermal comfort.

How can GORE-TEX Professional support the French soldiers through innovative technologies? 

Dominique Bruyen: The footwear must be fore the military, light but robust, offering a high level of protection, ergonomics and climate, and in which comfort and safety suffer no compromise. Today's French army sources its footwear from manufacturers of the highest quality. We are particularly proud to work closely with them to constantly improve the products.

GORE-TEX Professional launches new EXTRAGUARD upper material for defence use: how will this support the soldiers?

Dominique Bruyen: Until now, we've offered a range of linings (with different levels of insulation) and adapted technologies. Now we're breaking new ground with a highly resistant, lightweight, waterproof and breathable upper material that doesn't absorb water even in extreme wet conditions. Its use on the upper of the shoe, instead of a traditional construction, provides even more durable waterproofing and saves a considerable amount of weight. The shoes will be much lighter, and will stay light.

Protection in cold environment is a key requirement: How can GORE-TEX Professional support the French soldiers through innovative material?

Dominique Bruyen: It's very important for us to understand the end-use and the intended purpose. We have been working on thermal comfort and insulation for many years and are constantly looking for new solutions to meet changing needs. New materials and technologies mean that our footwear offers lasting insulation without increasing volume, while remaining very light. Our aim is to offer optimum insulation even in extreme wet and cold conditions, while remaining highly tactical.

Visit us at MILIPOL in Paris and contact Isabelle (ilefevre@wlgore.com) and Dominique (dbruyen@wlgore.com) who will be at the booth to answer your questions.

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