Military, Law Enforcement, EMS Shirts, Coats & Tops

Propper manufactures the highest-quality garments for military, tactical and law enforcement use. Products include BDUs, ABUs, ACUs, MultiCam™, Law Enforcement uniforms and clothing, fire-resistant military garments, headwear, and GORE-TEX® Outerwear.

NEAR INFRARED TECHNOLOGY

What is NIR Technology?

Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Management Technology is used by the U.S. Department of Defense to prevent detection by NIR Image Converters. These photocathode devices do not detect temperatures, but rather infrared radiation variances. NIR-compliant uniforms use a special fabric that allows soldiers to appear at the same radiation level as the surrounding terrain, thus making them more difficult to detect. NIR technology also make uniforms less visible in low-light environments by reducing the reflection of light.

To ensure that our military personnel avoid any danger connected to the use of uniforms, Propper has clearly labeled products on this website that are approved for military operations. Similarly, products based on military uniform designs (such as the ACU) without NIR technology are also labeled to prevent any error in purchasing. Look for these symbols to ensure you are purchasing uniforms that are designed for your specific application: NIR-Compliant Garment Approved for Military Operations Non-Compliant Garment Not Intended for Military Operations

UPDATE POSTED 6/13/08

Airmen can use regular detergent on ABUs

5/21/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Airmen are now authorized to wash their Airmen Battle Uniforms in regular detergent, regardless if the detergent uses optical brighteners announced Air Force leaders here recently.

On March 25, the Army released a memorandum concluding that ABUs laundered with detergents containing optical brighteners do not pose a detection threat to the wearer in an operational environment. "After reviewing Army test results and conducting follow-on evaluations we have determined that changes from laundering ABUs in detergents containing optical brighteners are negligible," said Lt. Col. Chuck Arnold, chief, recognition and uniforms branch, directorate of force development at the Pentagon.

While any detergent can be used to launder the uniform, fabric softeners or bleach should be avoided. The uniform should be tumble dried at the low heat setting, too.

The ABU, which replaces the temperate and hot-weather Battle Dress Uniform and the Desert Camouflage Uniform, made its first appearance in late summer 2007 when it was issued to Airmen deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan and Southwest Asia. It was also issued in October to basic military trainees in the initial-issue clothing bag. It was authorized for wear by all Air Force personnel, including Reserve and National Guard, in November.

The ABU, which was fit-and-wear tested in 2004 and altered based on feedback, is designed to be a wash-and-wear uniform. Starching and hot pressing is still prohibited; these procedures deteriorate the fiber in the uniform.

SOURCE: Air Force Link News Story



What if I still want to avoid using optical brighteners?

Many commercial laundry detergents use optical brighteners in their formulas but do not indicate their presence on the labeling. Optical brighteners are chemicals that absorb the ultraviolet and violet region of colors in a fabric. They "trick" the eye into seeing a brighter shade and reflect more light.