14 Wing members add input at travelling prototype sessions
A “show and tell” May 2 introduced 14 Wing Greenwood personnel to proposed new Flying Operational Clothing Ensemble (FOCE) and All Temperate Layered Aircrew System (ATLAS) prototypes.
14 Wing Captain Jess Anders is particularly excited to see the development of a maternity flight suit.
“(The maternity flight suit) is crucial for female crew. Pregnant members are allowed to fly until they reach 24 weeks, and there’s currently no uniform to accommodate them.”
The lack of a maternity uniform limits female aircrew functionality as their size changes: they cannot wear a combat uniform or civilian attire while operating the aircraft, and trying to make an oversized flight suit work is impractical and potentially unsafe. Pregnant female aircrew may be forced to stop working – potentially impacting mission success, simply for lack of something to wear. For Anders, the flight suit is her uniform.
“As soon as I can’t wear my uniform, there’s this feeling that I’m (separated) from the rest of my team.”
Some pregnant CAF members are concerned with potential stigma their pregnancy may prevent them from doing their job. The design of the proposed maternity line is identical to that of the day-to-day uniform, providing pregnant members the freedom to choose when to share the news of their pregnancy with their coworkers.
While the creation of a complete maternity line may seem costly, the CAF will financially benefit in the long-term: right now, supply technicians alter regular combat uniforms to fit pregnant members, and most altered uniforms don’t get re-used. A dedicated line would enable Wing Supply to reuse clothing and reduce the current amount of damaged equipment. Personal alterations, though discouraged, are also a cause for current uniform waste, as many members perform their own alterations on issued gear, reducing the product’s lifespan and creating costly replacement requirements.
The FOCE and ATLAS projects, which started eight years ago, aims to provide all CAF members with a uniform that not only meets current operational requirements, but also suits the daily needs of all CAF members. The proposed modifications include considerations for different body sizes and shapes, as well as left-handed individuals.
A Vector Check initiative, submitted by Sergeant Reid Bellamy a year ago specifically on the ATLAS design, allowed the wider ATLAS and FOCE project to gain traction. The implementation of new dress regulations in Fall 2022 further bolstered the proposal. Bellamy was happy to find the new policy complimented their initiative.
“That was the approach from the start; the new regs provided more ammo.”
FOCE and ATLAS samples on display in Greenwood included the different proposed cuts of base layers. The new lines, which will be offered in straight, contoured and maternity cuts; will come in four different weights, providing members with a wider range of function in various environments. The head designers, through their experience with high-performance outdoor equipment companies such as Arc’teryx and Under Armour, have incorporated a wealth of knowledge on current technologies in outdoor activewear. Some of the modifications include the use of antimicrobial materials and merino wool, air pockets that provide insulation, moisture wicking capabilities – even thumb holes. All models are dual-layered and, recently, passed the required military burn tests.
In March, the line completed a three-month-long trial in winter field conditions, performed by the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, including a 25 per cent female tester sample. By working closely with the Defence Women’s Advisory Group and the Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernisation project, the trial team was successful in finding testers for their proposed maternity line. Further heat resistance trials are planned for next summer, but current feedback on thermoregulation capabilities has been positive.
Meeting members’ needs doesn’t stop after work hours: there have even been considerations on washing of the clothing to ensure maintenance doesn’t require special laundering. While this may not seem like a big issue, the prototype work recognizes members have responsibilities outside of work, and may not take the time at home to cold wash and hang dry their uniform pieces.
Master Warrant Officer Eric Lemieux notes the project’s ongoing success is due to the collaborative work of multiple organizations, as well as the input from CAF members themselves.
“Everyone involved wants to be behind this change.”
Support from members has been overwhelmingly positive, and the team has been able to gather real, factual feedback from current users. Vector Check-facilitated communication between users and developers has continued to address concerns. Lemieux also believes in-person focus groups, such as the ones held in Greenwood, are the project’s most significant success.
Synergy was also instrumental in the development of all the prototypes. The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army pooled resources, both in design and testing phases, to divide the workload toward the prompt creation of a new line of clothing that will better meet the entire CAF’s current and future needs.
Although the current base-to-base tour focusses on FOCE and ATLAS prototypes, the eventual ideal is to produce a new, complete uniform line that includes better gloves, socks, jackets and a new line of undergarments. The proposed new line of underwear and bras will not affect members’ current purchase entitlements; rather, the intent is to offer a wider range of options for members.
The inclusion of a continuous improvement clause in any eventual clothing contract will also ensure the CAF may make ongoing adjustments as needs evolve, keeping up with future technological advances. The result? The CAF should be able to provide more up-to-date clothing to members in less time, without initiating a new project; at less cost. And, while the new FOCE and ATLAS lines are still undergoing testing, this clause will allow the team to continue trials with the roll out of the clothing on the Combat Online site. CAF members will be able to receive the new items, participate in the testing and give their feedback during continued development.
“The industry improves, and we all benefit,” says Lemieux.
The team hopes to have the new FOCE and ATLAS lines available for order as early as fall 2024. CAF members are invited to join the on-going discussion on the HANGAR app thread.
