Compatibility of Army Systems with Anthropometric Characteristics of FemaleSoldiers

摘要

Many Army Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE) systems used today weredesigned to accommodate male soldiers in the 5th-95th percentile range for critical body dimensions. Thus, female soldiers whose body dimensions are outside the design envelope may be compromised. This study was conducted to determine the compatibility of some currently fielded systems with body dimensions of female soldiers. Participation was limited to female soldiers whose height did not exceed 5' 5, the 5th percentile value of male soldiers' height. Tasks associated with the operation of five workstations were evaluated by 205 subjects. The workstations included a mobile kitchen, a fuel tanker, a fork lift and two other vehicles. Static and functional characteristics of 11 CIE items were also evaluated on 203 subjects. The workstation testing revealed difficulties, particularly among shorter subjects, in executing tasks involving overhead reach and in positioning vehicle seats for unobstructed outside views. Fit characteristics of 8 of the 11 CIE items were found to be unacceptable on more than 15% of the subjects. The best-fitting CIE sizes tended to be too large and long, particularly on shorter subjects. Potential solutions to the compatibility problems were developed and cost estimates were generated for implementing the solutions.