The US Army Wants to Make Sniper Uniforms Out of Hemp

The US Army has expressed interest in using hemp in the construction of ghillie suits for its snipers, says a recent request for information. The next step is to investigate whether hemp fibers can help camouflage the army’s snipers better and to investigate any potential health risks the fibers may present. If all passes, we could soon see (or perhaps not see) snipers decked out in hemp.

In a Request For Information (RFI) published last week, the US army said it wanted to explore alternative materials to improve the uniforms used by snipers for camouflage.

For more of the latest on hemp and cannabis, download our free cannabis news app.

US Army Could Use Hemp for Ghillie Camouflage

Hemp and jute are among the materials the military says could be used as a backing for “Operational and Individual Garments for Ghillie Camouflage (IGS).”

“The interest is specifically in a yarn used to break the silhouette of snipers, made from jute, hemp, or similar natural fiber,” the notice reads.

Army Has Specific Requirements

The division of the army in charge of the management of the products for the clothing of the soldiers and the personal equipment is “looking for a yarn of jute, hemp or a similar natural fiber, of a weight of 48 lbs, 3-ply, natural color,” the review continues. “Current demand for jute/hemp yarn is 400,000 yards” or 366 kilometers.

A New and Improved Concealment System

“The IGS is a new and improved concealment system developed to meet the concealment needs of snipers. The IGS features changeable camouflage materials (e.g., jute, hemp, or similar natural fiber) that snipers can use to change their appearance. Jute, hemp, or other natural fiber from the IGS will help conceal the sniper and scout during missions, allowing them to remain undetected near enemy forces.”

The United States federally legalized hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. And while many have come to associate the crop with its derivatives like CBD oil, there is growing interest in its other industrial applications, mainly due to its exceptional durability, versatility, and low environmental impact.

Army to Investigate Potential for Concealment

Now the US military wants to see if this culture has the potential to better camouflage its snipers. The RFI specifies that hemp yarn can be spun in the country or imported from other countries, unlike jute which must be produced in the United States even if the fiber comes from a foreign source.

“The material must not present a risk to the soldier’s health and must show its compatibility with direct and prolonged contact with the skin,” specifies the text. Also, the material cannot “add a significant amount of weight” to uniforms. Responses to the request for information are expected by July 27.

—

(Featured image by Specna Arms via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published by Newsweed, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.