SOUTHERN REPATRIATES | RETEXTURES

HISTORY

The LCH is a steel combat helmet of the Eastern Armed Forces, Early Militia and then USRF. The helmet derives its design from the pre-Flash American PASGT, although mass produced with cheap materials as a result of supply shortages across the Eastern Union and later the Northeast Union. The helmet weighs in at around 2.8 lbs, and protects the wearer from impact shock and steel fragments (shrapnel).

HISTORY

The ELCH is a modernization of the LCH which installs an aramid fiber lining inside the helmet, as well as the addition of a night vision device mounting bracket. As a result, the mass of the helmet is increased to 3.3 lbs. The ELCH protects the wearer against impact shock and shrapnel, but also against pistol and revolver bullets.

HISTORY

The XMBAS (experimental MBAS) is an aramid-fiber helmet, and the first iteration of the MBAS system. While considered a downgrade from the IBAK system before it, the XMBAS helmet remains in service in backwater divisions as a surplus piece of equipment issued in lieu of modern MBAS variants. Though incredibly uncomfortable due to the two-point strap system it uses, the XMBAS has proven to be near impenetrable by grenade shrapnel and provides more than ample protection against impact shock and small arms fire, including some modern rifle calibers. Most XMBAS helmets in use by the Lakeside Division are units that have been removed from storage and refurbished following the Second Canadian War, resulting in the majority of them being far more worn down than contemporary helmet systems, like the ELCH, though their protective qualities have not been compromised.

HISTORY

The successor to the XMBAS helmet, the modern MBAS system comes with a proper four-point retention strap system, alongside a lower weight thanks to material updates to the helmet's aramid-fiber composite. Similar to the XMBAS system, it proves effective at protecting against impact shock, shrapnel, and small arms fire, including some rifle cartridges. The majority of helmets in use by the Lakeside Division are instances refurbished at Fort Cormier following the Second Canadian War, resulting in most of them being far more worn down than contemporary helmet systems, like the ELCH, but their protective qualities have not been compromised.

HISTORY

The DH-132, also known as the Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet system, was originally produced by Gentex Corporation back in the 1970s to be used alongside American vehicles such as the M60 and M1 Abrams MBTs, nowadays NEU based company STRYKER has relaunched reproductions of the helmet system. The liner of the helmet features the communications headset with the ability to be used with a vehicle's intercom and/or radio and serves as the basis for the shell.

HISTORY

The DH-132, also known as the Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet system, was originally produced by Gentex Corporation back in the 1970s to be used alongside American vehicles such as the M60 and M1 Abrams MBTs, nowadays NEU based company STRYKER has relaunched reproductions of the helmet system. The shell is made of ballistic Kevlar and also has bump-protection properties.

HISTORY

A reproduction of the old GI Sun, Dust, Wind Goggles (SDWG) which is often issued alongside the STRYKER Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet systems. The goggles first saw use in the Vietnam war mostly by personnel in motorized, mechanized and airborne battalions.

HISTORY

A simple patrol cap that has colloquially been nicknamed the "Veteran's patrol cap" by servicemembers, due to its association with the Early Militia and Thirty Year War. It is still authorized for wear, although it is primarily issued to poorly funded units and, ironically, despite the name, to conscripts and draftees. Thousands of these patrol caps are in circulation and may even be found worn by wastelanders.

HISTORY

The Robber Cap was originally issued to Early Militia units but continues to be worn by USRF soldiers to this day. It is a simple knitted beanie that can be worn under combat helmets to provide extra warmth and comfort. The Robber Cap is standard issue for all servicemembers, regardless of unit, rank or affiliation.

HISTORY

A simple cap often used by USRF servicemembers on patrol. Given to USRF units as their standard issue soft cover, its mostly common to see these used by soldiers on base, in low-risk areas of travel, or by units that may have limited numbers of helmets issued to them.

HISTORY

The Southern Hat, simply an ushanka or trapper hat (depending on who you ask), was amply named such by USRF service members due to its historical Russian significance. The Southern Hat was first issued to servicemembers in Appalachia and later became the standard issue for all (now defunct) Border Service officers. It is commonly used even to this day today and keeps the wearer plenty warm in all kinds of weather. It usually starts being worn by USRF servicemembers around Fall season.

HISTORY

The Bush Hat, otherwise known as the Boonie, is another timeless design that has made its way into the post-flash military world. It first saw use during the Thirty Year War and the Southern conflicts, but an official design was not mass produced until the outbreak of the Canada War in the 2150's. The Bush Hat comes in 5 variants: Black, Green, W62, Leaftarn and Navy Blue. It protects the wearer from the sun, rain, and also the wind.

HISTORY

An XTryx™ tactical ball cap with an adjustable hook and loop strap on the back. It is made with 100% cotton material and has a Velcro panel in the front to allow the wearer to rock a patch. The ball cap saw some use during the Southern War but was truly popularized after the invasion of Canada. The USRF has a contract with XTryx to supply these caps to most units. Most prefer wearing caps over other soft covers as they screen the wearer from the sun and makes them look cool while doing it. 

HISTORY

NEU forces have worn balaclavas to obscure their identity since the conception of the NEU, predating the now enforced Mantle Act. Even before the USRF, soldiers in the Early Militia preferred wearing face coverings in battle, as it provided protection against the elements, and in some cases, it also protected against radstorms. 

HISTORY

The M20 gas mask is a pre-war design that saw use to combat radstorms, typically in conjunction with a balaclava worn underneath for maximum effectiveness at insulation. Its reliability has seen it continuing to see use even within backwater units within the USRF by soldiers despite the design's age.

HISTORY

The Southern War era revolutionized USRF design philosophy, leading to the government procuring more comfortable solutions for common design face coverings. Knit balaclavas were largely replaced by the comfortable and much more breathable fleece balaclavas. As a bonus, these balaclavas are slightly water resistant and suitable for warm and temperate environments.

HISTORY

A small number of changes were made between the balaclavas worn during the Southern War and those that were issued to soldiers fighting in the north. The balaclavas issued to these service members have warmer materials, allowing the wearer to comfortably operate in cold and temperate environments. These balaclavas may be too uncomfortable to wear inside for a prolonged time, though.

HISTORY

XTryx™ is a premier company headquartered out of New Manhattan in the NEU. The company designs sports performance equipment and lifestyle pieces such as sunglasses, snowboard goggles, watches and shoes. In 2156 they won a contract to produce the USRF's next eye protection gear, as part of the MASS modernization program. The XTryx™-2000 anti-flash goggles work to protect the wearer's eyes from debris, foreign bodies and, like the name implies, flashes/strobes of light.

HISTORY

A pair of sunglasses commonly associated with the 50-year-old parent attending a New York Titans game. Protects the wearer's eyes from the sun's UV-rays and also keeps debris out of the eyes, but most importantly it makes you look highspeed.

HISTORY

Another pair of tactical eye pro acquisitioned by the USRF in 2157 from XTryx™. The glasses are very popular in civilian circles and have been observed in all corners of the North American continent, even seeing some use with the Southern Army.

HISTORY

The Nocturne™ NV-11 is the first night vision device to enter USRF service, designed in 2119 and fielded in the same year. Its design philosophy prioritizes functionality and affordability over aesthetics, resulting in a rugged, boxy and low-fi appearance. The NV-11 uses white phosphor tubes which provides a more natural and nuanced perception of the environment, allowing for greater visibility at the cost of a grainier image. The NV-11 is built to withstand the harsh conditions of the wasteland, with the outer casing resistant to dust, moisture and drops against hard surfaces. The device is powered by small readily available cylindrical batteries. 

HISTORY

Auricular™ is a company headquartered out of Douglass in the NEU. It started as a hearing health care company that produced hearing aids and audiometric equipment but soon became a defense company producing a wide array of products, ranging from acoustic weapons to active hearing protection devices. The X-22s are the culmination of decades worth of research, protecting the wearer from loud sounds, like gunfire and explosives, while simultaneously amplifying silent sounds, such as footsteps and human speech.

HISTORY

The RN/PRC-130 translates to "Reclamation/Navy, Portable, Radio, Communication". It is a man-portable combat-net radio device put inside of a manpack. It is colloquially referred to as an "Uplinker" by USRF service members. The RN/PRC-130 allows USRF squads to communicate beyond the line of sight. Having a Comms Specialist is mission critical as it allows the squad to radio back to BMC during an emergency.