PROTECTING THE TROOPS

The shooting has stopped in the Gulf War, but U.S. briefers warn that the battlefield continues to be a dangerous place. Apart from the obvious threats of still-armed enemy soldiers and unexploded mines, the desert is a formidable environment. From head-to-toe, the equipment worn by U.S. troops are believed to offer greater protection and comfort than their Vietnam-era precursors: HELMET BACKGROUND: The Army’s new Kevlar helmet was developed by the same man who, in the 1950s, worked on a baseball helmet with earflaps for Little Leaguers. Dr. Creighton Hale, a former professor of physiology, was chairman of the national committee that developed the Army’s new plastic head covering.

DESIGN: Helmet, based on dimensions of the male skull, offers 12% more head cover than its metal forerunner. Among its features: * First worn by U.S. troops during the Grenada invasion of 1983, where it was credited with saving at least two lives. * Two times stronger than the old “steel pot” type. * Weighs about the same as its predecessor, 3.3 pounds. * Design allows for greater air circulation. * Plastic soaks up less heat than the metal version. * Worn with desert or jungle camouflage cloth covers. OF NOTE: * Unlike the steel helmets, the Kevlar model cannot double as a soup pot and wash basin. * First worn by U.S. troops during the Grenada invasion of 1983, where it was credited with saving at least two lives. COST: $100 each BODY ARMOR BACKGROUND: Kevlar fragmentation vests, which look like sleeveless outdoors wear, are standard infantry issue. The body armor protects the upper torso against most bursting munitions, which account for a majority of battlefield casualties. The vests, unlike those worn by police officers, are not designed to provide protection against bullets.

DESIGN: The garments fiber, are greatly improved from the nylon vests worn in Vietnam. Among their features: * Lighter, better vented and more comfortable.

* A size medium vest weighs 9 pounds, thre-fourths the weight of its predecessor. * Covers area from the hip to the neck as well as throat.

* Designed to work in conjunction with the Kevlar helmet. * Worn with replacable cloth desert or jungle camouflage cover. OF NOTE: * Vest stopped AK-47 rounds in Grenada, where it was first worn.

COST: $250 BOOTS BACKGROUND: U.S. troops arrived in the searing heat of the Saudi Arabian desert wearing boots designed for combat in the muddy jungles of Southeast Asia. The polished black leather canvas-topped boots with steel-plated soles quickly soaked up heat and sand, increasing the discomfort level. A concerned Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf personally helped modify the boots. DESIGN: The new boot is designed to be lighter and cooler than its jungle counterpart. Unfortunately, only a limited number of these boots arrived in the Gulf in time. Among the new, sand-colored boot’s features: * Lightweight soles * Ankle-supports * Soft padded “collar” that prevents sand from pouring in at the top. * Speed lace system, allowing wearer to put on boots in about 15 seconds. * Thermal barrier, to insulate foot from desert heat OF NOTE: * The new boot is informally known as the “Schwarzkopf Desert Boot. * Available in 105 sizes COST: $50.00