The U.S. Army wants to make its sniper uniforms from hemp

In a Request for Information (RFI) published last week, the U.S. Army stated that it wanted to explore alternative materials to improve the uniforms used by snipers for camouflage. Hemp and jute are among the materials that, according to the military, could be used as substrates for «operational and individual garments for Ghillie camouflage (IGS).».

«The focus is specifically on a thread used to break up the silhouettes of snipers, made from jute, hemp »or a similar natural fiber," the notice states.

The army division responsible for managing products for soldiers« clothing and personal equipment is »seeking jute, hemp, or a similar natural fiber, weighing 48 pounds, 3-ply, in its natural color,« the notice continues. »The current demand for jute/hemp yarn is 400,000 yards,” or 366 kilometers.

«The IGS is a new and improved concealment system developed to meet the concealment needs of snipers. The IGS features customizable camouflage materials (such as jute, hemp, or similar natural fibers) that can be used to alter the sniper’s appearance. The jute, hemp, or other natural fibers in the IGS will help conceal the sniper and scout during missions, allowing them to remain undetected in the vicinity of enemy forces.»

The Hemp has been legalized at the federal level in the United States as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. And while many have come to associate the plant with its derivatives, such as CBD oil, there is growing interest for its other industrial applications, particularly because of its unique durability, versatility, and its low environmental impact.

Now, the U.S. military wants to see if this crop has the potential to provide better cover for its snipers. RFI notes that hemp yarn can be spun domestically or imported from other countries, unlike jute, which must be spun in the United States even if the fiber comes from a foreign source.

«The material must not pose a health risk to soldiers and must be compatible with direct and prolonged contact with the skin,» the text states. Furthermore, the material cannot «add a significant amount of weight» to the uniforms. The responses to the request Reports are expected by July 27.