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thedrifter
07-27-07, 08:13 AM
FROG leaps into Marine Corps' arsenal
Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 27, 2007) -- Marine Corps Systems Command announced recently that Flame Resistant Organizational Gear, or FROG, will become standard issue this summer for Marines headed into combat zones.

The initiative to develop FROG began in 2006 to address the need for protection against burn injuries caused by improvised explosive devices and other types of explosives.

The Corps plans to issue about 120,000 of the new uniforms this year, and all Marines in the U.S. Central Command theater of operations should have the uniforms by September, according to John M. Hernandez, a FROG project officer for the Infantry Combat Equipment Office, MARCORSYSCOM.

According to the System Command Web site, the gear is separated into two levels. The first level includes flame resistant Nomex gloves, a balaclava and a long-sleeve undershirt that is designed to be worn with the utility uniform or other flame resistant gear. The balaclava will come in two different forms, one for cold weather and one for hot weather.

The second level includes a flame resistant combat shirt and trouser assembly intended for use in combat situations. For garrison environments, flame resistant coveralls or a flight suit will be issued.

Early reviews of the gear have been positive.

"I personally love the gear," said Cpl. Justin Converse, a member of the Camp Foster Provost Marshal's Office Special Reaction Team. "The gear is far lighter than the combat utilities and allows for greater freedom of movement."

U.S. Central Command began fielding the first level of gear in January and is scheduled to be complete by September. Fielding of the second level began in April and is scheduled to be complete by April 2008.

Information about the new gear can be accessed at the MARCORSYSCOM Web site www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil.

Ellie