THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF SOLDIER TOUCH POINTS
Tactical Readiness and Effectiveness (MASTR-E) program, which uses various field simulations to collect human performance data and inform operational outcomes. Te MASTR-E program works with Army partners, including members of the 82nd Airborne Division, to carry out a range of stress tests, evaluating Soldier decision-making capabilities and physical responses through wearable devices and other data collection means.
“I do not believe there is a more important program the Army is doing, when we're talking about people first, when we're talking about being able to build resiliency, because this transcends the tactical fight. Tere is no more important program that takes what a Soldier is doing and allows us to be able to maximize the equip- ment that they're getting,” said Col. Phillip Kiniery, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division.
Touch points are an integral part of the Army’s modernization push and thus often focus on determining whether a state-of-the- art device works well in the hands of a small group of Soldiers, before the Army proceeds with rolling out the device to a larger group. However, some Soldier touch points also highlight needs
that are not yet addressed, which the Army then has the oppor- tunity to tackle creatively.
For example, the DEVCOM Soldier Center began issuing proto- type sports bras to female Soldiers in October and November as part of a touch point designed to assess whether new, high-impact sports brassiere concepts developed as part of the Army Tactical Brassiere (ATB) program would provide optimum support, dura- bility and comfort for combat and training use.
ATB development began with seeking input from female Soldiers on what type of functionality and preferences should be consid- ered during initial prototype design. Given that the ATB is a tactical rather than sportswear item, it will need to integrate well with equipment and body armor, providing enhanced protec- tion and performance in addition to an ideal fit. Tis means that designers are evaluating options such as the inclusion of flame- retardant fabrics and expertly layered compression, structural and protective materials while also taking into account the impor- tance of accurate sizing, reliable comfort, moisture management and breathability.
“Te overall goal is to produce garments that not only protect the user, but reduce the cognitive burden on the female Soldier caused by discomfort and ill fit,” said Ashley Cushon, clothing designer and project lead for the ATB at the DEVCOM Soldier Center. “Achieving this will improve the Soldier’s overall read- iness and performance levels, allowing them to focus on their mission,” she explained.
KEEPING THE PACE
Soldier touch points are key to enabling a persistent Army capability environment, as illustrated by the diagram, which also highlights development (Dev) and operations (Ops) elements. (Graphic courtesy of Army Futures Command)
Reaching this goal is a multiphase process that requires the involvement of designers, subject matter experts and Soldiers. “Developing well-fitting patterns is a skill that exists at the cross- roads of technical art and science,” Cushon said. “It requires understanding body shape, growth points and the relationship between 2D elements and 3D objects. Just as commercial sports brassiere items tend to cater to targeted consumer groups, design- ers worked closely with the anthropometrists and engineering psychologists to conduct pilot studies that helped to validate the size tariff within the female Soldier population and extract body scan dimensions to build out the first prototypes to fit the Army’s median size. Understanding that sports brassieres incorporate various structural elements as they increase or decrease in sizing, final results from the studies will inform [the Program Executive Office for] Soldier and ultimately the Army Uniform Board, so that a determination can be made on the Army’s path forward for best equipping female Soldiers for their missions.”
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Army AL&T Magazine
Spring 2022
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