The Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) is a multilayered, versatile, flame resistant system.Its unique individual layers are adaptable into multiple system configurations.This flexibility allows the Soldier greater uniform/personal protection choices.These choices are critical in responding to the current engagement threats while facing extreme climate conditions.
The riggers belt is made of flame-resistant, heavy-duty fiber webbing. It comes equipped with a reversible, quick-fit slide buckle for easy fitting.
The lightweight protective hood is a fire-resistant, no-melt, no-drip head and face covering that provides the Soldier with protection from thermal threats and minimizes heat stress in hot-dry climates while providing limited heat retention in cool climates.
The FREE system t-shirt and boxer briefs next-to-skin layer is constructed with a tri-blend of lenzing FR rayon fiber, wool, and nylon. This layer is extremely lightweight and breathable to allow high moisture movement and quick drying.
The FREE system undershirt and drawers base layer is constructed with a lightweight moisture wicking and breathable lycra mesh fabric made with DuPont Nomex fiber. This base layer provides maximum comfort and excellent recovery properties in hot climate, and can be worn under other layers like the mid-weight shirt and drawers for additional protection for cold weather.
The FREE system mid-weight shirt and drawers base layer is constructed with a quick-drying, high loft Polartec thermal FR fleece made with DuPont Nomex fiber for optimal warmth and breathability without weight. This fleece layer provides maximum comfort when worn over base layers and underneath the uniform.
The FREE system light weather outer layer (LWOL) soft shell jacket and trousers are constructed with a lightweight, windproof, waterproof, breathable Massif Elements Lite 4-way stretch fabric made with DuPont Nomex fiber. The jacket features high collar for added protection, zippered chest and sleeve cargo pockets, and two flapped double pen pockets. The LWOL jacket is also engineered with an easy-cinch draw cord and adjustable wrist cuffs for variable fit and warmth, a pass-through flap for CVC extraction strap access, and velcro loop for name, rank, flag, and unit tape round out the LWOL's functionality.
The FREE system intermediate weather outer layer (IWOL) jacket, vest and trousers are constructed with an abrasion resistant Massif Elements 4-way stretch fabric made with DuPont Nomex fiber. Its windproof, waterproof, and breathable membrane helps to keep elements out without trapping sweat and soft fleece interior keeps the war-fighter warm and protected from the elements. The IWOL jacket and vest also feature velcro loops for name, rank, flag, and unit tape.
The FREE system extreme weather outer layer (EWOL) parka, fleece liner, and trousers are constructed with a lightweight, windproof, waterproof, and breathable Gore-tex fabric that combines the DuPont Nomex fiber outer material and the Gore-tex membrane. The EWOL jacket features a removable roll-and-stow hood and zip-in liner constructed from Polartec thermal FR fleece. The EWOL serves as the most external layer in the clothing system and is available in OCP or UCP.