WASHINGTON, D.C. (Army News Service, Sept. 4, 2013) — Whether in rugged mountainous terrain, low valleys, deserts, wetlands, wooded areas, or open fields, Soldiers spend a considerable amount of time outdoors. The Army wants them to know just how their uniforms are protecting them from insect-borne diseases.
To accomplish that, the Army’s Public Health Command recently launched a website about Army Combat Uniforms, or ACUs, that have been factory-treated with permethrin.
The ACUs treated with permethrin — an insect repellent and insecticide — replaced the non-permethrin ACUs in Army Military Clothing Stores in October 2012. In February 2013, ACUs treated with permethrin replaced the non-permethrin ACUs in the Army clothing bag issued to new Soldiers.
The uniforms are a safe and highly effective way to protect Soldiers from insect-borne diseases, some of which can be deadly, said Margaret Tippy, a spokesperson with the Army Medical Command and Office of the Surgeon General.
Protection against disease-carrying insects and nuisance insects is critical to force health protection and readiness, Tippy said.
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