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Backgrounder
Ballistic Eyewear
32646-600-20 CTS - August 25, 2003
INTRODUCTION
Canada has a requirement to maintain multi-purpose, combat-capable forces that are equipped and structured to meet security and defence objectives. To fulfill this role, the Canadian Forces (CF) must provide items of operational necessity to address the many physical threats that characterize modern, year-round, global operations.
THE CLOTHE THE SOLDIER PROJECT
In September 1996, Treasury Board formally approved the Clothe the Soldier (CTS) project with the mandate to acquire and issue, as expeditiously as possible, the highest priority items of individual operational clothing and equipment for CF personnel conducting land operations. The project was funded to enhance survivability and sustainability by providing improved items that offered upgraded protection, greater comfort, flexibility and compatibility with other items in the operational inventory. Ballistic Eyewear (BEW) is one of 24 compatible items that the Department of National Defence (DND) is procuring under the CTS project.
BALLISTIC EYEWEAR
Studies have indicated that foreign particle and fragmentation account for approximately 10% of all head injuries. Ocular trauma, apart from physiological damage, often imparts psychological morbidity that can immediately render a soldier ineffective for combat. The introduction of BEW will provide ballistic protection against low energy fragments and measurable improvements in solar and ultraviolet protection over existing eyewear. BEW will be issued to all CF personnel conducting land operations.
ReVision Eyewear Incorporated of Montreal, Quebec will deliver 80,000 pairs of Ballistic Eyewear commencing in 2004. The eyewear system consists of a tinted lens for solar and ultraviolet eye protection during daylight hours and a clear lens for use at night.
CONCLUSION
The CTS project is committed to ensuring that CF personnel conducting land operations are properly equipped. Ballistic Eyewear is the 14th item under this project to reach contract award.
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