Fashion forward: IDF upgrades fatigues for elite fighters

Army has also been revamping uniforms of regular combat soldiers.

New combat uniforms for elite IDF units announced on February 25th, 2018. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
New combat uniforms for elite IDF units announced on February 25th, 2018.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Troops in the IDF’s elite units will be receiving new combat uniforms in the coming months, the army has announced.
The uniform is being given to the troops as part of a broad process to improve ground warfare, the statement announced, adding that “the uniform will improve the effectiveness as well as the operational performance of the soldier over time and will help strengthen the survivability of the forces.”
It will be specialized to each soldier’s unique combat equipment characteristics and will have a rigid, fireproof and sweat-proof fabric. It will also provide built-in protection layer for the soldiers’ knees and is designed ergonomically to prevent pressure to certain points on the body.
New combat uniforms for elite IDF units announced on February 25th, 2018. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
New combat uniforms for elite IDF units announced on February 25th, 2018. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The IDF has begun revamping uniforms and gear of regular combat soldiers at a significant cost in order for it to be more convenient for infantry soldiers on the battlefield.
The new uniforms, which are lightweight and more durable in harsh terrain, will be given to combat soldiers for operational missions and not for training or routine operations.
Infantry soldiers will also be equipped with new modern tactical vests with an attachable backpack, a helmet that gives better protection and a shape-camouflaging helmet cover, knee guards that bend according to the movement of the soldier as well a headlamp designed for urban and tunnel warfare.
Changes are also being made to the equipment of female combat soldiers.
This includes replacing the heavy Tavor assault rifles for lighter M-16 rifles, smaller kneepads, helmets and armored vests, which will fit women’s bodies better.