Defence

Defence Science and Technology Organisation

Delivering optimal protection and maximum performance

With global terrorism and national security high on the agenda, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) facing an intensified operational tempo, Defence has an increased requirement for support from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), particularly in relation to the protection and performance of Defence personnel. Simon Oldfield explains.

DSTO-developed camouflage seen through night vision goggles.
Photos by provided by DSTO

DSTO’s newest division, Human Protection and Performance Division (HPPD), has been growing rapidly to meet this demand. The number of staff in the area has almost doubled in recent times. Our human protection and performance capability has a unique role within the Australian science community. Growing out of the old Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defence Centre, its research focuses on an integrated systems approach to the individual, specifically, mechanisms for individuals to achieve optimal performance, while also being protected from enemy and environmental threats, including CBR. The HPPD has developed to serve an important niche within DSTO, meeting the protection and performance needs of the individual war fighter.

The two main research capabilities in HPPD are CBRN Defence and Individual Protection, Nutrition and Performance. This Division is the only research group in Australia that focuses on defence against the use of CBRN threats and works to counter these threats and their impacts. Its unique partnership with the Incident Response Regiment (IRR) has enabled the IRR and HPPD to explore and understand the challenges of working and managing the CBRN environment. HPPD provides direct support to the IRR with a deployable Science and Technology Cell. During the 2006 Commonwealth Games HPPD provided direct support for Operation Acolyte. HPPD’s key role was in support of the IRR. In this capacity HPPD provided incident hazard modelling. HPPD’s chemical warfare agent analysis facility was also available around the clock. This facility, together with the reachback arrangements that it has in place with the IRR, were an essential part of the operation. This role is a fine example of how our CBRN Defence research can be practically applied during operations. In addition, HPPD provides research, advice and training in support of government agencies involved in civilian counter terrorism.

Food rations entering the freeze dried process.

While there have been significant advances in the application of systems approaches to modern defence platforms, such as the Joint Strike Fighter, there is now a growing awareness that the ensembles and equipment of the individual war fighter require the same systems integration methodology. The modern warrior needs to be able to perform the complex roles required of them with protection optimised to ensure maximum performance. Weight, thermal load, fit and integration are all issues that come into play.

ADF and civilian first responders need to wear clothing and equipment that provide a high level of protection against a range of threats. While this equipment provides protection it also adds an additional physiological burden on the individual. Heavier loads, more restriction on movement and heavier clothing, which traps body heat and prevents natural cooling, will limit the ability of the individual to operate for long periods of time. HPPD conducts research to identify the physiological response of an individual operating in harsh environments wearing individual protective equipment (IPE). This research determines the effects of these additional burdens and how they reduce the overall physical capability of individuals. Some specific examples of this type of research includes work rest tables (heat injury management) and physical employment standards, as well as load carriage studies.

Fundamental to any soldier’s ability to perform is nutrition. To supplement the above performance based research HPPD also has high quality staff and facilities in Scottsdale, Tasmania that undertake nutrition, dietetics, food science and technology research, as well as running the production line for freeze-dried meals for the ADF.

A soldier in a DSTO-developed one-piece chemical and biological assault suit. The suit provides protection against chemical agents, is breathable and reduces the onset of heat stress, allowing extended operational capability.

A critical element in a soldier’s protection or armory is the ability to operate with a low detection profile. An effective camouflage scheme will ensure that an individual is difficult to see and, therefore, difficult to detect and target. HPPD research contributes to this capability by designing camouflage schemes for uniforms and equipment that reduce the signature of an individual soldier in a range of different environments, across a broad range of electro magnetic spectrum – the different types of energy that make us visible by a range of imaging technologies. An example is the well known DPCU uniforms and equipment patterns that were designed by HPPD to suit specific operational environments. Another example of this type of research and development is the Prototype Visible and Near Infra Red Signature Managed Camouflage Face Paint (SMCFP) for the ADF combat soldier. The SMCFP product provides a significantly improved and enhanced product compared to what is currently used by the armed forces. The SMCFP has been evaluated in the field with the users to determine soldier acceptability and safety criteria. The new cosmetic formulation provides additional performance enhancements that allow for ease of application and removal while providing improved camouflage through signature management of colours. These signature-managed colours prevent detection in both the visual and the infra red spectrum.

Looking forward over the next few years, the Division will be focusing on further developing the following capabilities to support Defence: CBRN support to the Defence Intelligence Organisation; building a whole-of-ADF CBRN Defence capability through the CBRN Major Project JP2110; and, growing our hazard modeling capability. HPPD will also increase its efforts in the performance-based research areas, such as heat and other types of injury remediation.

During such interesting times it is all the more vital for the ADF to be comprised of men and women who are fitter, healthier, better protected and prepared. The valuable research conducted within HPPD is a mechanism to achieve this vision.

Simon Oldfield is Chief HPPD, DSTO

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