Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST)
U.S. Army Equipment Information

Posted Saturday, October 15, 2005

When combined with the Chemical Protective Mask, the JSLIST provides protection against chemical and biological agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants.

The JSLIST is the product of a four-Service effort to field a common chemical protective clothing ensemble including a lightweight CB protective garment, multi-purpose overboots and gloves. Each component is based on state-of-the-art materiel technologies that have undergone extensive user evaluation and field and laboratory testing. JSLIST Program objectives included reduced heat stress, compatibility with all interfacing equipment, longer wear, and washability. The JSLIST replaces the Battle Dress Overgarment (BDO).

The JSLIST overgarment is a universal, lightweight, two-piece, front-opening suit that can be worn as an overgarment or as a primary uniform over underwear. It has an integral hood, bellows-type sockets, high-waist trousers, adjustable suspenders, adjustable waistband and a waist-length jacket that enhances system comfort, improves system acceptance and maximizes compatibility with the individual user equipment.

Apart from the integral hood, on the waist-long coat, a flap fastened with Velcro covers the zipper. The sleeves also have Velcro wrist-closure adjustment tabs, and the left sleeve has an outside expandable pocket with flap.

The JSLIST liner consists of a non-woven front, laminated to activate carbon spheres and bonded to a knitted back that absorbs chemical agents. Previously, the BDO liner consisted of charcoal-impregnated polyurethane foam and nylon tricot laminate. The BDO foam deteriorated as the soldiers rubbed against it, and that could become messy.

The bulky charcoal layer found in the older BDO is replaced with a selectively permeable membrane that is lighter and will block harmful substances, rather than absorb them. More perspiration will also be able to escape. Weighing just under six pounds, the new suit is about half the weight of the BDO. It is available in 4-color Woodland or a 3-color Desert Camouflage pattern. It can be worn in an uncontaminated environment for 45 days with up to six launderings or for over 120 days with no launderings. The JSLIST can be worn in a contaminated environment for 24 hours. Each soldier is issued two JSLIST.

The Multipurpose Rain/Snow/CB Overboot (MULO) replaces the older black vinyl overboot/ green vinyl overboot (BVO/GVO). The MULO is made by injection molding an elastomer blend, compounded to provide the characteristic chemical and environmental protection required. It incorporates two quick-release side buckles and is designed to be worn over the standard issue combat boot, jungle boot, and intermediate cold/wet boot. The MULO provides 60 days of durability and 24 hours of protection against liquid chemical agents. The MULO is capable of being decontaminated to an operationally safe level using standard field decontaminates. Environmental protection is provided against water, snow and mud, in addition to petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) and flame resistance.

The JSLIST Block 1 Glove Upgrade Program is seeking an interim glove to replace the current butyl rubber glove.