In the civilian world, PPE often refers to hard hats, hi-vis jackets and face masks, but in the military, it’s considerably different, and in this blog, we explore the PPE used by UK service personnel in the Army, Royal Navy and RAF.
Please note: due to continuing advances in technology and budget, equipment may vary. This information is correct at the time of writing.
What is military PPE?
The MOD defines PPE as all equipment intended to be worn or held by staff in the workplace that protects them against one or more risks to their health and safety. This covers environmental, biological, chemical, radiological and physical hazards.
Under JSP 375, the MOD Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Policy, commanding officers are responsible for ensuring PPE is assessed, issued and maintained, as well as ensuring that personnel are properly trained on how to use it.
Military PPE is also to be provided at no cost to the service personnel.
At the current time, the legal framework sits within the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, and since Brexit, the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018. These govern the standards applied to equipment placed on the GB market.
What are the different items of military PPE?
There is a wide range of military PPE issued for members of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. From armour to breathing apparatus, and from footwear to eye protection, we’ll explore them in more depth below.
Ballistic protection: Body armour
Body armour is perhaps the most recognisable element of military PPE. The British Armed Forces currently use the VIRTUS system as the primary body armour, helmet and load carriage system across all service branches.
The VIRTUS system
The VIRTUS system was introduced in 2015 and has been progressively rolled out to all infantry and DCC (dismounted close combat) users. In 2019, VIRTUS was confirmed as the primary system for all regular and reserve service personnel.
The key features of VIRTUS include:
- Integrated soft body armour with ballistic plate pockets
- A modular load carriage system with MOLLE/PALS webbing
- A QR (quick release) mechanism for quick release in water or confined spaces
- Compatibility with the current VIRTUS helmet
- Designed to improve the three NATO soldier domains: Survivability, mobility and sustainability
In 2022, the MOD confirmed that VIRTUS complies with all current UK Health and Safety at Work legal requirements and was consistently rated more favourably than systems that preceded it during trials.
The MOD continues to procure and develop the system with an ongoing contract worth up to £350m running until June 2026.
Head protection
VIRTUS helmet
The VIRTUS helmet has now replaced the Mk7 General Service Combat Helmet that was introduced in 2009. Weighing 350g less than the Mk7 and with improved protection to the sides of the head, as well as the ability to be fitted with both mandible guard and visor for added protection, it’s now deeply entrenched in the British forces.
Eye and face protection
Goggles and ballistic eyewear are also issued for a wide range of tasks from vehicle operations to dismounted patrols. Selection is governed by risk assessment, with the requirement that any eye protection is compatible with other PPE worn at the same time.
CBRN protection
CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) threats remain one of the highest-risk categories in the British Armed Forces. As a result, a comprehensive suite of CBRN PPE is made available to protect the military personnel.
GSR (General Services Respirator)
The GSR has been in use since 2010 and replaced the S10, which was in place for more than twenty years. The GSR has several advantages over the S10, showing why it is now the preferred respirator for military personnel.
| Feature | S10 | GSR |
| Continuous use rating | 4 hours | 24 hours |
| Filter system | Single canister | Twin canisters (easier to change in CBRN environments) |
| Vision | Dual lenses | Single visor (wider field of view) |
| Water intake rate | Standard | Improved drinking system |
CBRN protective suit
Also known as the Noddy suit, the British Armed Forces CBRN suit is made of reinforced nylon with charcoal-impregnated felt. Unlike older rubber designs, it is breathable but does have a shorter operational life and, as a result, is replaced more often.
It protects against direct contact with and contamination by chemical, biological and radiological elements.
The full CBRN kit includes:
- GSR respirator with spare canisters
- CBRN oversuit
- CBRN gloves
- CBRN overboots
- Detector paper and decontamination kit
Hearing protection
Noise-induced loss is one of the most common occupational injuries in the armed forces, and hearing protection is a significant area of military PPE.
Personnel are issued hearing protection where appropriate to their role and environment. This means the following items may be provided:
- Passive ear defenders: For ranged and noisy maintenance environments
- Active hearing protection: Restricts noise from gunfire or explosions but does not reduce situational awareness
- Custom-moulded plugs: For those needing long-term ear protection or working in specialist roles
JSP 375 requires the chain of command to consider the impact hearing protection has on communication before selecting it for any given task. This would include the ability to hear alarms or instructions, for example.
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Separate from the CBRN respirators, general respiratory protective equipment is used across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF for occupational hazards such as dust, metal fumes, chemical vapours and biological agents.
Under JSP 375, there are two classifications:
- Filtration RPE: Either passive, where they rely on lung function, or powered, where they use positive pressure systems. Powered systems are often preferable for those with beards or any other attributes that may affect the sealing of the mask.
- Breathing apparatus (BA): Used in confined spaces or those where there is an immediate danger to life or health, they provide breathable air from an independent source.
Fit testing for all RPE can only be conducted by a competent person with the Fit2Fit Scheme setting the standards for RPE fit testing competency in the UK.
Foul weather and environmental PPE
Members of the Armed Forces can be deployed to almost any part of the world, meaning that operations can take place in highly variable and volatile climates. With personnel in the Arctic and also the desert, it’s important that they can conduct their work safely and comfortably.
- MTP waterproof smock and trousers: Introduced in 2010/11 for all services
- Thermal underlayers: For cold-weather operations
- UBACS (Under Body Armour Combat Shirt): A moisture-wicking shirt designed to be worn under body armour, reducing heat stress
- High-vis clothing: Required when working near vehicles, on airfields or during construction and engineering tasks
What are the British standards for military PPE?
PPE used in violent situations – including by military personnel- is governed by BS 7971 series, a set of eleven British standards overseen by the BSI technical subcommittee PN3/12. These standards were developed to cover protective clothing and equipment for anyone required to deal with violent situations, including police, prison officers, military peacekeepers and security personnel.
Key standards within the BS 7971 series relevant to military personnel include:
- BS 7971-1: General requirements and test methods for protective clothing and equipment
- BS 7971-4: Shields for personal protection — requirements and test methods
- BS 7971-8: Footwear for riot and public order situations — requirements and test methods
The BS 7971 series sets out requirements and test methods across a wide range of categories, some of which won’t apply to military personnel and are more suited to police or security roles. The framework applies wherever the personnel face a violent threat in the course of duty.
For military personnel, PPE must meet product safety legislation under the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and carry either a CE or UKCA mark. Both are accepted under JSP 375 guidance. MOD procurement policy requires all PPE to be sourced in accordance with the Defence Clothing catalogue and to carry out appropriate conformity certification.
Who is responsible for issuing military PPE?
Under MOD policy, the following are responsible for military PPE for British forces:
- Commanding Officers: Must ensure risk assessments are in place and PPE is properly issued and maintained
- The chain of command: Officers and NCOs with duty holder responsibility are responsible for selecting appropriate PPE and ensuring full training in its use is given
- Procurement teams: Must ensure all PPE meets the required safety legislation and is obtained from the correct sources
- Personnel: Must report any defects and wear PPE when required
As stated in JSP 375 Vol 1 Chapter 15 (v1.4, December 2024), “PPE, where required, shall be provided to staff at no cost to them”. Contactors working on military premises are responsible for providing their own PPE, but the relevant duty holder must ensure that the contractor’s PPE is suitable for the job.
How Trinity helps you protect your kit
While PPE is provided and maintained by the MOD, there is a wealth of other kit you’ll be using when in the armed forces. Some of it is supplied to you, and other bits you’ll supply yourself. Our blog about the differences between issued, temporary and personal military kit helps to explain what you’ll be given and what you’ll provide. Regardless of who issues it, though, Military Kit Insurance remains essential. At Trinity, we provide specially tailored policies with £20,000 Licence to Occupy cover as standard. Designed to help you in the event of loss, damage or theft of your personal or issued kit, your items remain covered whether you live in SLA or SFA. Get a call back from our team today to receive your free, no-obligation quote.