The Pentagon has increased the production of new chemical and biological protective suits by more than 10,000 units per month, according to Pete Aldridge, the Defense Department’s acquisition chief (see GSN, Nov. 27, 2002).

Congressional officials have criticized the Pentagon for deploying soldiers with older, bulky suits that in some cases have proven defective (see GSN, Oct. 2, 2002).

As of December, defense contractors are producing 90,000 of the lighter and more effective suits per month, up from 79,000 per month.  Each soldier being deployed to the Persian Gulf region is given two of the new suits.

“As the inventory builds up, they will be given more, but that’s sufficient for the time being,” Aldridge said.  “I don’t know what more we can do.  We’d like them to have four,” he added.

The Pentagon had received 1.8 million of the new Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology suits by the end of January, Bloomberg.com reported.  The suit, which is worn over combat clothing, is designed to last up to 45 days and can go through six cleanings.  After a chemical or biological attack the suit provides 24 hours of protection, Bloomberg.com reported (Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg.com, Feb. 20).

Meanwhile in Washington, Pentagon security officials will begin distributing emergency escape hoods to building employees Monday, the Associated Press reported.

The hoods provide protection from a chemical or biological attack for about one hour, AP reported.

The Pentagon has also positioned chemical, biological and radiological sensors inside and outside the building, and samples are tested daily, according to officials (Pauline Jelinek, Associated Press/Philadelphia Inquirer, Feb. 21).

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