Comfort and Benefit: Tactical Gloves for Military Personnel
Machine gunner in tactical gloves. Photo by Kalashnikov Concern
The equipment of a modern soldier includes a lot of different products and accessories for different purposes. In recent years, so-called tactical gloves have become widespread in such systems. These accessories are created taking into account special conditions of use and are designed to protect the soldier's hands from various impacts and factors. In addition, they increase convenience and comfort when performing various jobs and solving problems.
External influences
During combat work or performing other tasks "in the field", the hands of a serviceman, regardless of his specialty, face various risks and negative factors. First of all, this is the enemy's fire impact in the form of bullets, shrapnel and blast waves. In addition, various debris, terrain elements, etc. can cause injury.
In field conditions, there are also other phenomena and factors that do not pose a direct danger to the fighter's hands, but interfere with his work. These may be extremely low or high air temperatures, precipitation, dust, dirt, etc.
Soldiers in the Ratnik gear. The shooter in the middle uses standard 6Sh122 gloves. Photo by TsNII Tochmash
All these factors can make it difficult to work with the equipment and interfere with the execution of the assigned tasks. For example, moisture interferes with the normal grip of the shooting weapons or manipulation of other systems, which reduces the accuracy and effectiveness of fire. Low temperatures negatively affect the dexterity of the hands and fingers, and also create a potential health hazard.
All such negative factors, from damaging elements to uncomfortable conditions, can be leveled by introducing appropriate hand protection. In modern armies, so-called tactical gloves are used for this purpose, which have a special design and a set of additional elements.
Common features
There are many different tactical gloves on the market from different manufacturers. They differ from each other in their cut, materials used, additional details, functionality, etc. At the same time, all such products have several basic features related to the intended area of application.
Most often, we are talking about full-fledged closed gloves, but fingerless products are also quite popular. Some models provide soft or semi-rigid hand protection. Winter gloves with thicker fabric and insulation are also produced.
A Russian artilleryman prepares a propaganda shell. Gloves provide comfort. Photo by the Russian Defense Ministry
Manufacturers use a standard size grid based on the width of the palm. No innovations are required in this area. There is also a classification of gloves by protection level. Class 1 provides hand protection only from moisture or dust, while Class 3 allows you to avoid injuries from mechanical impact.
Gloves can be made from different materials. Synthetic fabrics, natural and artificial leather, neoprene, etc. are used in production. Protective gloves can have soft inserts made of Kevlar fabric or polymer pads. Manufacturers combine different materials and manufacturing technologies in different ways, based on the purposes of a particular model.
The back of the glove is intended primarily to protect the hand from external impacts. It is made of thicker material and may be insulated. The back of the palm and fingers may have Kevlar anti-fragmentation inserts. Gloves are produced with polymer shockproof pads in the form of individual prisms or ridges.
A U.S. soldier wearing tactical gloves with knuckle protection. Photo: U.S. Department of Defense
The front side is usually made of a thinner material. This is necessary to maintain tactile sensations in all conditions. The thinnest material is used on the fingertips. Due to the widespread use of touch screens, the fingers may have special inserts for working with them - if the base material does not have this ability. The palm may have a texture or relief that improves contact with objects.
Products on the market
For a number of reasons, tactical gloves of a modern appearance appeared abroad and were first distributed in foreign armies. Russian servicemen began to master such accessories relatively recently. However, the obvious benefits contributed to the rapid spread of gloves of all types.
There are currently a large number of tactical gloves on the market from different manufacturers. American manufacturers were among the first to master this direction. Thanks to their leadership, successful products and advertising, they now occupy a significant part of the market.
For example, Mechanix Wear, Inc. offers several lines of tactical/shooting gloves that differ in materials, level and means of protection, season, etc. Naturally, products are produced in different sizes and colors. It is interesting that this company started with the production of gloves for industrial workers. Later, its products interested the military, and then a specialized line appeared.
Mechanix M-Pact gloves are made in the USA. They provide impact protection and a coating for working with touch screens. Photo by Mechanix Wear
In Russia, the production of tactical gloves has also been mastered, and such products are supplied to the army. First of all, it is necessary to note the 6Sh122 gloves from the Ratnik equipment. They take into account all the needs and requirements of the infantryman, as well as threats to his hands and other negative factors.
The 6Sh122 glove is made of waterproof fabric or has a membrane insert. The back side is reinforced with Kevlar to protect against fragments. Impact protection is provided. Under the designation of gloves from "Ratnik" different companies produce structurally similar products with some differences. They can be sewn from other materials, receive other protection, etc.
In recent years, against the backdrop of the current Special Operation, the topic of tactical gloves has attracted the attention of domestic manufacturers. Various organizations and factories have begun to develop and produce their own models of such accessories or copy ready-made samples.
The efforts of domestic enterprises have yielded the desired result. They have allowed to cover part of the needs of the active army, as well as reduce dependence on imports. In addition, military personnel have a wider choice and the opportunity to find gloves that more fully meet their needs and wishes.
A Stinger MANPADS crew uses gloves for protection. Photo: US Department of Defense
Obvious benefit
Any military equipment has several basic functions. It must protect the soldier from various external influences, including enemy fire. It must also simplify the performance of combat missions, interaction with various materiel, etc. Finally, the equipment must make the soldier's work convenient and comfortable.
Tactical gloves generally have all these functions. Such an accessory protects from cold, wind and moisture, and can also withstand the impact of fragments, debris, etc. At the same time, it helps to hold a weapon or work with equipment regardless of external conditions and factors.
It should be noted that in most cases and situations a serviceman can do without gloves and operate with bare hands. However, the comfort of personnel and greater ease of operation are also important in the context of performing tasks. Even such trifles can affect the overall result.
All these factors previously contributed to the emergence of specialized tactical gloves, and then helped them gain widespread distribution. Such accessories have found their place in the equipment of almost all modern developed armies and are unlikely to go out of circulation now.
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