# Brit Chem suit question 1991 vintage **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 29, 2003, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315 "2003-10-29T21:24:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/1 "2003-10-29T21:24:33Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2003, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/2 "2003-10-29T21:34:43Z")
Just a WAG. They’re “chemical detector patches”? [http://www.allthingsmilitary.co.uk/ishop/800/shopscr1555.html](http://www.allthingsmilitary.co.uk/ishop/800/shopscr1555.html) > [@](#): > > Bellows type pockets are provided on each thigh, together with detector patches. > **[How to survive a gas attack: 'First, stop breathing'](https://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1031/p07s01-woeu.html)** > > A reporter learns how to don a gas mask in nine seconds and gets a sobering reality check . > [@](#): > > You walk until the chemical detector patches on your suit tell you that you are safe… [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/orl-asec11warquestion22032203mar22,0,2844631.story](http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/orl-asec11warquestion22032203mar22,0,2844631.story) > [@](#): > > the 80 to 100 pounds of gear that a soldier carries is equipment for nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, known as an NBC suit. This includes a hand-held detector that can identify chemical agents, and chemical-detector patches on the suit indicate when an area is safe. Did your suit come with instructions? ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2003, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/3 "2003-10-30T02:39:48Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2003, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/4 "2003-11-01T05:06:31Z")
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](http://www.entrygear.com/nbcsuits.htm) > [@](#): > > Other features include two breast pockets, detection paper sleeve patch, a sleeve pocket and hook and loop tabs for easy fastening… It also says the suits are supposed to have a chemical warfare life of 10 years. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/5 "2003-11-10T16:30:18Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![meatpropeller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/839c29/32.png) [@meatpropeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/meatpropeller)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/6 "2003-11-10T18:05:08Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-chem-suit-question-1991-vintage/210315/7 "2003-11-10T18:42:58Z")
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.