Mission: PILGRIM / Operation: SHIELD

 Mission: PILGRIM

Unit identifier: ...kruse

Operation: SHIELD incept date 01/07/2019    End date 01/07/2020
Various sites, UK only.

The unit spent 9 weeks walking and travelling around various locations in the UK. Urban and rural landscapes traversed; including coastal, moorland, low mountainous and farmland.

PILGRIM mission was undertaken in late spring and early summer. The UK is in a temperate zone so fluctuations in conditions were relatively minimal. Recorded temperatures ranged from a low of 6C to a high of 26C. Light frosts were experienced on two nights at the start of the mission.

No severe winds were encountered. Coastal areas were consistently breezy, with wind speeds averaging between 1.2mps and 5mps. Severe wet conditions were experienced in Northumberland and Gloucestershire in May. 

Results of field test assessing effectiveness of standard unit coverings to regulate temperature and provide waterproofing.
The PILGRIM mission was on the whole an effective opportunity for testing body apparel. The unit experienced a good range of weather conditions and temperatures, within temperate, 3 season ranges. Further testing of updated kit will be performed during the winter 2019/20.

The unit field tested commonly obtainable, standard outdoor coverings. Our intel indicated that synth fabrics out-perform plant and animal derived fabrics (linen, cotton, wool etc). Prior to PILGRIM the unit had experience of using woolen and linen garments in the field and found that these performed well. However, the woolen garments it used were bulky and heavier than similar synth garments.

Subjective (...kruse) assessment of phase 1 kit - Standard issue:
Jacket - Peter Storm, Stormshield Pros: Comfortable. Excellent wind protection. Cons: Hip pockets difficult to access when wearing rucksack. Mild condensation issues.  Rain ingress around shoulders and arms.

Trousers - Rohan Roamers
Pros: Comfortable, easy to wear. Quick drying after washing. Cons: Hip pockets difficult to access if wearing coat and rucksac. Thigh pocket with vertical zip difficult to open one handed, items placed in pocket tended to slip round to back of thigh. Hot in warmer weather. Fabric showing signs of wear.

Trousers - Mountain Warehouse waterproof trousers
Pros: Comfortable. Excellent thigh pocket with horizontal zip, large enough to carry phone. Warm and windproof. Nice sensation of invulnerability especially good for traversing through wet brush and brambles. Cons: Noisy. Hot in warmer weather. Mild condensation issues. Difficult to wash.

Boots -Peter Storm, Brecon
Pros: Good grip. Waterproof. Cons: Not very comfortable, struggled to find inserts that worked with the boot. Frustrating to lace. Quite heavy. Have contributed to nerve irritation in left instep.

Fleece - North Face
Pros: Warm, very lightweight. Easy to wash, quick drying. Cons: Poor moisture wicking. Made of plastic. Fabric showing signs of wear.

Assessment:
Temperature regulation is vital to the efficacy of the biological unit. This was most noticeable at night and during strenuous activity, when the biological unit’s temperature fluctuates rapidly. Regulating temperature is most effective with the use of thin layers. Recommended layers after undergarments are;

    a lightweight long sleeved top, 

    leggings or trousers, 

    over tunic, 

    lightweight long sleeved jacket with removable sleeves, 

    gaiters, 

    heavyweight jacket,

    knee length raincoat with hood. 

Accessories: 

    headscarf, 

    knit hat, 

    lightweight gloves, 

    waterproof gloves, 

    silk socks,

    wool socks.

During very hot weather the tunic can be worn on its own. The tunic, jackets and raincoat should all have pockets. Pockets on the fore and upper arms are recommended.

The unit’s secondary function during PILGRIM was to clear plastic debris from coastal sites. As a result of this activity, and further intel obtained from various scientific papers and media, the Crone recommends that synth fabrics are used only where natural, sustainable fibres are not compatible with the objectives of warmth and waterproofing. Synth fabrics are problematic due to the shedding of microplastics in their production and washing. Research indicates Linen, Ramie, Bamboo and Wool are appropriate natural fibres. These fibres are sustainably produced, use less water in growth and processing than cottons and synth fibres.

The unit’s primary objective was to record data regarding flora and fauna and weather. Stealth tactics must be used for effective documentation of most birds and animals. Apparel must be silent. Recommended colours are greys, greens and browns. A variation of these colours is recommended and should provide effective camouflage. Military style camouflage is not recommended for garments that may be used in urban environments .

Operation SHIELD objectives:
To design & build armour and apparel for ...kruse within the following specifications:
Must enable the unit to maintain a working temperature across range -10C to 32C.
Must keep unit dry in wet conditions.
Must be made of sustainably produced and/or recyclable materials.
Must be repairable by the unit.
Electronics must operate on recyclable batteries or solar/kinetic power.
Armour must assist unit to move effectively and provide protection for unit’s most vulnerable areas (eyes, lungs, joints)
Design must contain stealth properties: be quiet and provide camouflage in natural surroundings.

Phase 1 research for operation SHIELD is now complete. 

Design and manufacture of garments can proceed with referral to the recommendations outlined above. 

Finance has cleared purchasing of fabrics to complete: 1 tunic, 1 pair leggings, 1 pair gaiters, 1 pair wool socks, 1 lightweight long sleeved top.