Collaborative research on and successful implementation of factory-level repellent-treated Marine Corps combat utility uniforms from 2004-2007

In August, 2003, a mission to protect an airfield in Monrovia, Liberia failed after 80 of 150 multi-force personnel were infected with the malaria parasite. Over 70 of these personnel were United States Marines. In October, 2003, the representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps requested assistance in determining the efficacy of their permethrin-treated uniforms and the exploration of factory-level of treated uniforms as an alternative to field treatment of Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs).

From 2004 to 2007, there were three distinct phases of research. The first phase (2004) focused on evaluation of MCCUU retention of permethrin in the uniform and biological efficacy of the permethrin treatment when a permanent press finish was also applied. The second phase involved refinement and standardization of laboratory efficacy and establishment of minimum chemical and biological efficacy criteria. During this second phase (2005-2006), commercial companies experimented and optimized the factory-treatment process for application of permanent press and repellent finishes. The final phase (2006-2007) was the “First Article” qualification to evaluate if vendors met the chemical and biological criteria to supply factory-produced repellent-treated MCCUUs. As of February, 2007, all Marine Corps uniforms are factory-treated with permethrin.