The fact that the soldier needs to be protected from so many different types of attack has caused problems with many of the earlier protective suits. For example, to resist the effects of nuclear or chemical weapons, an NBC (nuclear, biological & chemical) respirator is required. However, some of these cannot be worn fully effectively with a helmet. Some respirators make weapon sighting very difficult. The problem was mainly caused by one piece of equipment being designed without regard for other equipment which may be used with it.
Modern suits are now available which are designed to protect against almost anything. Sometimes known as an IPPS (integrated personal protection system), this type of suit is designed using all the benefits of modern materials. The undergarment is made of a carbon fibre material, is fire retardant, lightweight and quite comfortable to wear. The oversuit is made of a similar but more durable carbon fibre material, with flame retardant elbow and knee pads. Over this is worn a bullet proof waistcoat. This has a built in trauma liner, which absorbs shock and prevents internal injuries. To compliment this is a helmet, again made of carbon based material, typically Kevlar, which again features a trauma liner. The face is then protected by a respirator, which has a built-in microphone and darkened eye pieces to protect from flashes, grenades, etc. The air supply can then be either filtered air from the atmosphere or via a separate bottle held in the waistcoat. Ear defenders can be worn which allow all sounds through except those of explosions or gun shots. To complete the suit is a sophisticated communications system, often using a microphone built into the respirator.
The industrial protective suit is almost as formidable as the military suit but does not come supplied with the weapons impact protection systems. Industrial protective suits also tend to be in bright colours for easy spotting, obviously a disadvantage with military designs which are usually of a camouflaged nature!
