Head of the IDF Technological & Logistics Directorate Lt.-Colonel Liron Segal announces that members of elite and specialized IDF units will be receiving customized uniforms that promise to be more operationally effective than the current standard issue. Many of the unique features that are incorporated into the new uniforms are from lessons learned in Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza in the summer of 2014.

Unquestionably comfort is a major factor in the design of the new apparel, which is made of high-performance fabric intended to keep perspiration away from one’s body and help it to evaporate. The buttons were removed from shirts since experience has taught the IDF that one can sustain injuries from buttons if such shirts are worn under flak jackets.

One biggie being revealed are the pants with built in knee pads, hence eliminating the need for soldiers to continue using the external ones. The new helmets are lighter and stronger, providing improved protection with less weight. The first units to receive the new uniforms are Rimon (Naval commandos), Oketz (K9 dog handlers), and Yahalom (Combat Engineers).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)