Brit Chem suit question 1991 vintage

Factual Questions
1

Hello all,

This is probably more specific to British military and ex-military dopers, but I’ve a question.

I’ve been using these NBC suits for hunting, as the charcoal layer inside keeps human scents down. Since I started wearing them, I’ve noticed black patches on the outside of the camo pattern fabric layer. One patch one each knee, and one on each forearm, and pocket on the upper arm.

Any ideas on what these patches may be? I’m thinking some sort of visiblity thing for identification of friendly troops while using some sort of an IR system. Yes? No? Decoration?

Thanks
-butler

2

Just a WAG. They’re “chemical detector patches”?

http://www.allthingsmilitary.co.uk/ishop/800/shopscr1555.html

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/orl-asec11warquestion22032203mar22,0,2844631.story

Did your suit come with instructions?

3

So I knew a doper would know… now for more… does that pad change color to indicate toxic substances? If so, what kind(s), and colors?

Nice to see that they can be worn for a month though… makes me more certain I can use it for an entire season… the waterproof was very nice hunting in the rain.

4

I don’t know, I’m just guessing. “WAG” means “wild-ass guess”.

Does it look like you can slide a piece of paper into the patches? You maybe are supposed to put special chemical-detecting paper in there.

http://www.entrygear.com/nbcsuits.htm

It also says the suits are supposed to have a chemical warfare life of 10 years.

5

these patches are sealed around 4 edges. No room for paper testers.

I think your WAG is right on by the way.

The mystery goes on… perhaps one of the Queen’s soldiers will see this and clue us in.

-Butler

6

personal chemical testers in the military are usually just a matchbook of papers to test for different chemicals (barring newer electronic type handhelds). i’ve never heard of one that would be sewn in as part of a suit that would also be reusable.

is it possible that they are just there to add durability to high wear-and-tear areas(knees/elbows) of the suit? penetration is a big issue for an nbc suit and you don’t want wear or tear of fabric that is protecting you from outside elements.

7

I’d agree that they may be for durability, but they aren’t near, nor big enough to cover, any of the “joint” areas on my body.

another good guess, but I’d say the question is still open.