Chosen for its durability and high-performance characteristics, CORDURA^® NYCO fabric is being used to produce the next generation of highly advanced uniforms for the Royal Marines Commandos, designed and manufactured by Crye Precision and distributed by Level Peaks in a contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. 

The United Kingdom’s Royal Marine Commandos are considered amongst the most elite fighting units in the world. Capable of operating in a plethora of AOs; from polar regions through to the tropics, and everything else in between. From their beginnings as a Commando unit during WWII, in which they would perform daring raids into German occupied-Europe, through to present day where they were paramount in NATO successes in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Royal Marines Commandos have attracted attention on a global scale, and rightly so. 

To be considered amongst the greatest fighting forces of modern military history, it will come as no surprise that even the entry requirements are hard as nails. Those who are deemed good enough to join the Royal Marines Commandos then head off for 32 weeks of gruelling training at CTC-RM, in which the training team consistently churn out some of Britain’s most elite fighting soldiers. After ‘passing out’ and receiving the coveted ‘Green Beret’, Royal Marines deploy around the world, operating in a range of AOs. 

While the Royal Marines are often looked upon as an elite fighting unit, until recently, the equipment employed could honestly be looked at as substandard – at least when comparing said equipment to the elite level the Royal Marines are held to. We say until recently due to the ‘Future Commando Force’ initiative – in which Great Britain and NATO are looking to move the Royal Marines into the 21^st Century with a bold modernisation project that will see the creation of the ‘Vanguard Strike Company’. This new strike force will have access to game-changing technology and weaponry – a far cry from how the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces have operated in the past. 

FUTURE COMMANDO FORCE INITIATIVE 

One way in which the Royal Marines will look to modernise themselves is through the use of a new uniform, designed by none other than Crye Precision – a company synonymous with cutting-edge uniforms. The Royal Marines uniform has been designed and engineered by a company with unrivalled in-depth knowledge of the specific demands of combat and tactical operations. Crye Precision are the ultimate specialists in their field and work closely with global military professionals to develop new and technically superior generations of combat apparel and related kit incorporating unique technologies.

To ensure that the new uniforms from Crye Precision are capable of performing to the standards the Royal Marine Commandos hold themselves to, Crye chose to partner with the CORDURA brand, as stated by Gregg Thompson, Co-Founder of Crye Precision, as the “The next generation uniform is

always our focus, and the fabric is always the starting point. We need people who understand what we’re trying to do. Who are willing to partner with us to help us get there. For us, CORDURA^® is that partner. They set the technical standard and pretty much our entire line has some kind of CORDURA^® element in it. It’s so reliable, it just performs in every situation.”

Keen to ensure the uniforms were able to consistently perform at a high level, the CORDURA^® brand started work, pushing their usually stringent quality assessment even further – with a range of fabric test procedures than include aggressive abrasion testing to push durability to the limit. This is the key strength of the new uniform which comprises individual Combat and Field ensembles all made from Crye Precision’s comfort weave MultiCam® VTX Ripstop stretch CORDURA^® NYCO fabric using INVISTA’s T420HT high tenacity nylon 6,6 fibre blended with cotton. CORDURA® NYCO fabric offers long-lasting comfort and performance for the wearer. The uniform is printed with Crye Precision’s MultiCam® camo pattern by 1947 LLC through an exclusive international manufacturing license agreement.

Along with delivering the enhanced durability required for the Commandos in action, this fabric is a foundation for a new uniform that is lighter weight, has comfort stretch, has higher tear-strength, is faster-drying and is more breathable than typical 50/50 nylon/cotton uniform kit. Meaning it can be trusted and relied on in the most extreme and hostile environments on earth – from frozen wastes to jungle and deserts.

Allen Mortimer Military EMEA director for INVISTA CORDURA® concludes:

“Through close consultation with military experts – including experienced veterans – we are constantly evolving CORDURA® fabrics to face new scenarios in different theatres of conflict. We’re proud to know that this fabric now provides NATO troops with a tougher way to handle the toughest missions – and we salute the Royal Marines as the first unit to lead the way forward”.

MEETING NATO’s NEEDS

To ensure the Future Commando Force initiative is completed, a number of companies’ have joined forces asides from Crye Precision and the CORDURA Brand.

The new uniforms are supplied by Level Peaks under its five-year contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. This British company describes its central objective as the introduction of more effective, integrated uniform systems. Jim Clarke- Programme Director for Level Peaks says:

“We are very excited by this initiative. With Crye Precision’s world leading designs and CORDURA^® fabric technology we are able to supply troops with a solution that is lighter, stronger and more comfortable. It will be worn by troops rapidly deployed to war zones, combat missions, commando raids, or providing humanitarian assistance”

The Crye MultiCam® VTX printed fabric is exclusively supplied by 1947 LLC who are a full-service textile solution provider specializing in military, tactical, and industrial products. 1947 LLC have worked with Crye Precision since the pattern was originally developed and are extremely pleased and proudly support this opportunity to introduce this new and innovative fabric into the European theatre for the NATO forces. Ben Galpen co-Founder of 1947 LLC says: “Entering into a new market is always exciting for our company but this is especially rewarding as we are honoured to support NATO and its mission.”  

COMPANIES INVOLVED (CUT THIS IF YOU RUN OUT OF ROOM)

CORDURA® Brand – CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from casual apparel and activewear to footwear, backpacks, military/tactical wear, and workwear. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. 

For more information visit: www.CORDURA.com. 

Crye Precision – Crye Precision designs and manufactures truly innovative equipment for America’s fighting forces. Making uncompromising gear for uncompromising individuals. The team at Crye Precision works hard to provide smart, high-performance, long-wearing gear for people who demand the best.  Every item is designed to help people perform better.  

For more information visit: www.cryeprecision.com

INVISTA – From the fibers in your gear to the plastic in your automobiles, INVISTA’s commitment to continuous improvement has led its employees to develop some of the most durable, versatile polymers and fibers in the world. A subsidiary of KOCH Industries since 2004, INVISTA brings to market the proprietary ingredients for nylon 6,6 and recognized brands including STAINMASTER®, CORDURA® and ANTRON®. INVISTA also offers specialty chemical intermediates and process technologies. 

For more information visit: www.INVISTA.com. 

Level Peaks – For the last 10 years Level Peaks has strived to make the best systems available to UK armed forces. The introduction of a more effective, integrated uniform systems is a key objective for Level Peaks. 

For more information visit: www.levelpeaks.com/

1947 LLC – 1947 LLC is a full-service textile solution provider, specializing in military, tactical, and industrial products. Founded in May 2014 by two industry veterans with nearly 40 years of experience combined, 1947 LLC strives to deliver quality service and cutting-edge technologies, providing customers with the best solution for their fabric and technology needs as well as the flexibility to develop and test new products. 

For more information visit: www.1947llc.com