What is NIR Technology? Near Infrared (NIR) Signature Management Technology is used by the U.S. Department of Defense to prevent detection by NIR Image Converters. These photocathode devices do not detect temperatures, but rather infrared radiation variances. NIR-compliant uniforms use a special fabric that allows soldiers to appear at the same radiation level as the surrounding terrain, thus making them more difficult to detect. NIR technology also make uniforms less visible in low-light environments by reducing the reflection of light.
To ensure that our military personnel avoid any danger connected to the use of uniforms, Propper has clearly labeled products on this website that are approved for military operations. Similarly, products based on military uniform designs (such as the ACU) without NIR technology are also labeled to prevent any error in purchasing. Look for these symbols to ensure you are purchasing uniforms that are designed for your specific application:
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NIR-Compliant Garment
Approved for Military Operations |
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Non-Compliant Garment
Not Intended for Military Operations |
What laundry detergents are safe to use with these garments?
Many commercial laundry detergents use optical brighteners in their formulas but do not indicate their presence on the labeling. As a result, servicemen and women could be placing their safety at risk by using detergents that contain optical brighteners. Always use detergents without optical brighteners since one-time use of these changes the NIR properties of a uniform permanently.
Optical brighteners are chemicals that absorb the ultraviolet and violet region of colors in a fabric. They "trick" the eye into seeing a brighter shade and reflect more light. The Near Infrared, or NIR, capability of military uniforms is degraded when washed with optical brighteners.
The following detergents were recently listed as being free of optical brighteners by the Air Force Uniform and Recognition Programs and are safe to use with NIR-compliant uniforms:
- Cheer (liquid and powder)
- Cheer Free
- Exchange Select Cold Water Wash
- All Detergent Free Clear
- Country Save Liquid Detergent
- Allens Laundry detergent (power and liquid)
- Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Detergent (powder and liquid)
- Charlie's Soap (powder and liquid)
- COS Free and Clear Laundry Detergent
- Mountain Green Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Nature Clean (liquid and powder)
- Oxy-Prime Powder
- Planet Ultra (liquid and powder)
- Seventh Generation Laundry detergents
- Sportwash
- Sun and Earth Liquid
- Surf Powder (not Surf Liquid)
- Washeze
- Woolite, original and dark
To preserve the expected life of your uniform, always follow the care instructions provided on the labeling inside the garment. |
