Marines test new fast-drying uniforms, boots for jungle warfare: ‘You’re going to get dirty’

The U.S. Marine Corps is testing new quick-drying uniforms and boots at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan.

Increased deployments to the Asia-Pacific region have prompted officials to ask ReadyOne, an El Paso-based military garment manufacturer, to come up with a uniform that dries in a hurry. Four boot manufacturers,  — Original Footwear, Bates Footwear, Belleville Boot Co. and Rocky Boots — have also fielded products for testing.

“You’re going to get dirty, you’re going to get wet, you’re going to be miserable. You’re going to be carrying a lot of weight,” said Cpl. David Knight of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines told the newspaper of JWTC training.

The 400 Marines who will test the new gear will be from the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Regiment.

“[JWTC has] some of the filthiest water I’ve seen in my life. You’re low-crawling through it. It almost to your mouth when you’re low-crawling,” Pfc. Justin Oates said.

Officials are looking for a uniform and boot that can stand up to the rigors of training while also giving Marines an edge in tropical environments.

ReadyOne spokesman Pat O’Connor said its product uses nine materials that include “nylon, a fire-resistant cotton, cotton/nylon rip-stop fibers, a polytetrafluoroethylene blend, and a polyester mix.”

The uniforms will also be treated with permethrin to help repel insects.

Lt. Col. Rob Bailey told the newspaper that he expects the tests to provide “good feedback on the effectiveness, durability and other characteristics of the boots, and will help to inform the development of performance specifications.”