The US Army wants new camouflage uniforms for snipers made from hemp

In the US Army’s constant search for ways to become more efficient, they are now considering the possibility of using hemp fiber to make uniforms that would better conceal them from enemies.

But army soldiers are banned from consuming hemp-derived CBD, even though it was legalized last year in 2018. Would they then be able to benefit from uniforms made from hemp?

Product Manager Soldier’s Clothing and Custom Gear has submitted a request for information to search for answers. “This effort is part of FY2022 efforts in support of Operational Clothing and Individual for the Improved Ghillie System (IGS). There is particular interest in a yarn/twine/thread used to break up the Snipers outlines made from jute, hemp or similar natural fibers,” it says.

The statement goes on to say that they need new uniforms that are better at concealing them. “The IGS is a new and improved sniper camouflage system designed to address the camouflage needs of the sniper community,” it reads. “The IGS must have changeable camouflage materials (e.g. jute, hemp or similar natural fibers) that can be used to change the sniper’s appearance. The IGS jute, hemp or other natural fibers will help conceal the sniper and scout during missions, allowing them to remain undetected in close proximity to enemy forces,” the statement said.

In addition, the new uniforms should not pose any health risks and should not pose a risk if there is long-term skin contact.

The request should be answered by the Ministry of Defense and other relevant authorities by July 27 at the latest.

It’s not the first time the military has expressed interest in using hemp.

Back in 2020, researchers at a Wisconsin university and some members of the military had discussions about the potential of hemp fiber as a replacement for polymer and polyester used in army vehicles. Researchers worked to make this possible, but it will require money — although two state legislatures helped give them the $250,000 grant needed to make it happen.

The military was interested in using hemp for things other than uniforms, like seat belts and seat covers. Even if they are not allowed to consume CBD, they are aware of the benefits of hemp. It would also be much better for U.S. hemp farmers, as they would benefit, as opposed to sourcing compounds from other countries with which the U.S. already has tensions.

State Rep. Tony Kurtz, a former US Army helicopter pilot and organic grain farmer, is a sponsor of the bill. According to Kurtz, the army and other military branches have their eye on hemp because the polyester blend is used in their uniforms, airplanes, and vehicles. “First, it actually has a shiny hue, and the enemy can actually see that shine from a long distance,” explained Kurtz, as reported by Hemp Industry Daily.

“The other thing about polyester… when polyester burns, it shrinks and shrinks down to bare skin. And so many, many soldiers and many, many Marines in recent years in Iraq and Afghanistan who were wearing polyester and were perhaps involved in an IED blast (roadside bomb) or some other type of blast that that material literally got into your skin would melt,” he added.

Kurtz says hemp doesn’t have the same effect.

The use of hemp to make textiles is ancient.

In fact, hemp has been used extensively in the manufacture of fabrics by some of the world’s oldest civilizations. There are records of hemp being used as early as 10,000 BC. in northern China, where it was grown to make sturdy rope. Around 2800 BC Emperor Shen Nung taught his people to grow and weave hemp, and to use it for clothing because of its sheer strength. A few years and centuries later, the strength of hemp fabrics became more widespread.

Today, it’s no surprise that even the military is interested in using hemp uniforms. Industrial hemp can be used to make more than 5,000 different textile products because of its durability and strength. However, the true potential of hemp was never realized due to prohibition and the war on drugs.

Due to budget constraints, our military wears clothing made by the lowest bidder, made of nylon, cotton, and other poly blends that we’re not even really sure about. No wonder uniforms break so easily. Military uniforms need to be much stronger, fire and abrasion resistant, breathable and porous – all at the same time. A big achievement if you ask us. But hemp offers all of these benefits and more.

It’s time we paid serious attention to using hemp to protect our Soldiers and Marines. While current research, anecdotal data, and historical uses already show that hemp would be the best alternative for army needs, more importantly – it can help save their lives while they are in the field.

In addition, hemp is so much more environmentally friendly to produce since no pesticides are required to grow it. In addition, hemp requires only half as much water as cotton, which is especially helpful in drought areas.

We hope that this request for information will be taken seriously by the government.

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