Quality > Cost: A Case for Specialised Technical Apparel For Military Personnel

The standard personal equipment-issuing process for military personnel in the UK is due an overhaul. For decades, the routine procedure for equipment acquisition involves the issuing to all personnel of relatively low-quality equipment and apparel to see them through training and operational activities.

Running parallel to this procedure is a long-entrenched mindset for which the military is renowned. Embedded within the highly structured Defence system is a culture of fierce attention to detail and an emphasis on impeccable appearance. Every element, from the crease of a trouser to the shine on a pair of boots is subject to intense scrutiny, and a practice of meticulous personal admin is drilled into recruits from day one of their military careers.

This highlights a curious discrepancy within contemporary military life and the world of defence procurement. A deeply embedded mindset of exemplary personal presentation runs parallel to an apparent neglect of long-term equipment care, in favour of a culture of disposability. It’s 2024, and whilst there has been some progress towards improvements in this area, our defence system is largely still entrenched within an archaic cycle of inefficiency which disregards longer-term sustainability. The resulting outcome is costly on two fronts: reduced effectiveness of personnel thanks to less-functional gear, and the repeated investment in low-quality, replaceable apparel. The system is broken, and it’s time we fixed it.

Uniformity - not always effective

You wouldn’t dream of wearing flip-flops to climb a mountain. Whilst admittedly this is a rather crude analogy, it’s one which nevertheless has some merit in illustrating the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach. An approach which is championed by many modern military bodies. From chefs to frontline soldiers, all personnel are issued with the same, standard equipment and apparel, and whilst this may be perfectly fine for wearing and working around camp, there are clearly significantly different requirements for operating out in the field and on operations.

We can take cues here from the outdoor industry, a sector which has long understood the gains to be reaped by taking a more specialised approach. By investing in targeted solutions which are fit-for-purpose and environment-specific, we stand to not only enhance the performance of personnel but also to extend the longevity of the investment. Equipment and apparel designed and utilised for specific purposes will endure a longer lifespan than jack-of-all-trades solutions that are deployed for everything, from existing on camp to frontline combat, reaping improved returns in efficiency, effectiveness and overall longevity.

“Buy cheap, buy twice” - the value of high-quality equipment

In the wider conversation around contemporary warfare, the importance of high-performance apparel and equipment may seem like a negligible detail. This is something that we’ve spoken about at length in previous articles , touching upon theories such as the aggregation of marginal gains to drill home the important takeaway - that smaller details such as innovative performance apparel make a big difference. We’ll spare you more of the same here, but all of this is to say that there’s a compelling case to be made for investment in higher-quality equipment and apparel for use on the battlefield. However, investment alone is not enough without comprehensive education on how to properly look after it.?

Damage to high-quality apparel such as waterproofs, sleeping bags, insulation layers and combat uniform typically occurs in two ways. Factors like sweat, smoke, moisture, and chemicals can all degrade the performance of technical fabrics and waterproof apparel. On the flip side, household detergents and fabric softeners can also wreak havoc on technical apparel. Regular detergents contain harsh chemicals that can diminish fabric properties, while fabric softeners leave a coating that inhibits functionality. These risks aren’t merely an inconvenience either. Over or harsh-washing of any camouflage material can actually serve to reduce the NIR disruptive composition, which could stand to impose significant risk to the wearer.

“Make Do and Mend” in 2024

The term ‘Make do and Mend’ was coined by the British government as part of a campaign during the Second World War to encourage people to get as much wear as possible out of the clothes they already had in the midst of strict wartime rationing. It’s a phrase which has become less relevant in a landscape where rapid innovation often takes precedence, but this sentiment is one that we might do well to re-adopt in today’s world of highly innovative, technical performance apparel.

These adjustments are easily implemented. Regular, meticulous maintenance is already routine when it comes to weaponry and technical equipment. Simple practices such as cleaning technical apparel with gentle detergents designed for outdoor gear and the use of re-waterproofing treatments could serve to reduce the degradation of the waterproofing and maintain the garment’s effectiveness for a longer period of time. If comprehensive care practices such as re-waterproofing were given the same attention as ironing and boot polishing, we might expect to see a potential increase in garment lifespan of as much as 8 years. A significant margin, not to be overlooked.

An Instrumental Shift

Shifting our procurement approach from the current “disposable model” to one that prioritises the strategic acquisition of high-quality, durable, comfortable apparel, and uniting this with a “make do and mend” attitude would mean that personnel are equipped not just with gear that consistently meets their demands, but with the knowledge and responsibility to properly look after it. In doing so we could stand to truly propel the operational effectiveness of our frontline troops.

“When considering the example of a technical waterproof jacket, its waterproofing relies on the membrane of the product. However, many assume that the jacket's performance is compromised once it stops repelling water and begins to absorb it. While this does decrease performance, it doesn't render the jacket useless. Rather, it becomes less breathable, resulting in more moisture buildup and added weight.

Regular maintenance and reproofing can help maintain water repellency, particularly as modern DWR coatings are not as robust as they used to be. This principle extends to all equipment, from waterproof jackets to boots, and complements an effective layering system underneath for optimal moisture management.”

- Jonathan Hayward-Browne , Brigantes Technical Product Expert

Trials and Trade-Offs

We don’t live in an ideal world, and naturally, there will always be trade-offs in any procurement sector. For the individuals making these decisions, many of whom lack first-hand military experience, this is a careful balancing act. When considering equipment and apparel for the military, the procurement balancing act revolves around a few key factors. Namely, performance, durability and cost.

For several decades the defence industry has prioritised cost, opting for inexpensive solutions that simply get the job done - an approach that has yielded satisfactory results. Our armed forces represent a community of individuals whose resolve and determination outweigh minor kit niggles and “less than ideal apparel” - it’s what they’re trained for, and they are first-class. However, times are changing and the landscape of our global security is evolving at pace. Recent reports have highlighted the UK’s standing as not the military superpower it once was following decades of spending cuts. Calls from several MPs earlier this year warned of the risks of our increasing reliance on Allied forces in the face of expanding global threats, with Head of the Army General Sir Patrick Sanders calling for more to be done to equip and modernise our armed services.? There is an increasingly urgent need to adapt and equip serving personnel with superior-functioning apparel so that they can continue to exceed expectations and perform at their best. Following last week's announcement that the Government plans to increase defence spending by 2.5% by the year 2030, it would appear that these cogs are already in motion, and it's crucial that we execute a strategic approach to ensure our armed forces remain at the forefront of global security.

A Win-Win Solution

By shifting the existing procurement approach and opting for a short-term “higher cost” trade-off, whilst cultivating a culture of proper equipment care, the Defence sector could position itself in a win-win situation. To do so could unlock the ultimate trifecta of enhanced performance, comfort and durability, ultimately saving on cost and propelling serving personnel to unlock their full potential.

If you would like to learn more about how our solutions could propel your operational capability, get in touch with us today.

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