The already flame resistant combat uniforms of U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy sailors has been improved to prevent more serious burn injuries in and outside of combat.

Leathernecks and sailors will soon receive the new uniforms, called the Enhanced Fire Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE). EFRCE is currently in production and some 70,000 of the new uniforms are scheduled for issue in 2017.

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EFRCE comes in four camouflage patterns: Woodland and Desert, Navy Working Uniform Type II and NWU Type III. The new fabric is a blend of nylon, cotton and meta-aramid fibers, a material highly resistant to high temperatures, chemical degradation and abrasion.

The design on the EFRCE combat shirt was also improved to better fit under the Plate Carrier Generation III body armor. EFRCE's combat trousers are similar to the current Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform and Navy NWU trousers.

It's the latest upgrade to the Marines' Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (FRCE) inventory. EFRCE updates a long-sleeve shirt and trousers with a new flame resistant material that allows the uniform to self-extinguish reducing the incidence and severity of burn injuries. The design and fabrics used to construct the FRCE have been modified to increase durability.

EFRCE is part of the Marine Corps' Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) system.

FROG consists of a combat shirt and trousers; gloves; inclement weather combat shirt (worn over the EFRCE blouse during inclement weather) and balaclavas that work together to protect the wearer from head-to-toe. 

"By late fiscal year 2017 we are expecting to have all issues of EFRCE produced and in inventory to replace the current supply of FRCE," said Louis Curcio, ICE clothing designer. "The new uniforms will replace the legacy as the inventory decreases."

As the lead for development of the EFRCE system, the Marine Corps partnered with Navy Supply Systems Command to field the uniform system to Navy expeditionary forces.

"Marine Corps Systems Command conducted industry research and found that there are better and more durable materials available that did not sacrifice protection or comfort," said John Bauer, textile technologist for Infantry Combat Equipment at MCSC.

"This means that instead of issuing four uniforms to every Marine for every deployment, we can now field two that will last for the same period. This lightens the load for Marines and saves money."

The system upgrade was developed in partnership with the Navy and will be issued to Marines and Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Naval Special Warfare Command as they deploy. 

TagsU.S Marines, U.S. Navy, flame resistant combat uniforms, Enhanced Fire Resistant Combat Ensemble, EFRCE, Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble