The Toy Soldier & Workshop Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) Set - (2006)

Figure 1: Toy Soldier Protect Combat Uniform (PCU) Set, Level 5 Protection.

Overview:

Released from Toy Soldier (TS) this August is the Special Operations Forces (SOF) - Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) Level 5 set, Generation 1.  The SOF – PCU is a multi level clothing system designed to provide warm and protection in a multitude of environmental climates.  Actually when you look at the PCU Level 5 set you wonder how it is fundamentally used.  For the most part, it looks like an expensive jogging suit.  To assist you with this enigma, I did a little research on the SOF - PCU to help you understand how this line of clothing is employed and mindset behind USSOCOM development of this uniformed system of subsystems.  This information was gathered from various websites to include the Army Programs, Polartec® manufactures and Military Morons pages.

The Toy Soldier Protect Combat Uniform (PCU), Level 5 Protection Set is made up of 1 each (ea.) PCU Jacket with hood and 1 ea. PCU trousers.  The MSRP on this item is $14.99.  I purchased my copy of this item from Echo Based Toys.

Background

The US military is an evolving entity that quickly applies the lessons learned from the many and varied operations that it is currently engaged in.  Not only must the tactics and unit organization structure change to meet the growing and diverse challenges the services face, but also the equipment and uniforms employed that are the foundation of any military.

Over the past decade, the military has taken notice and adopt some of the advanced technology/high performance fabrics and clothing that civilian mountaineers and backpackers have been using for quite a while. Lighter, more compressible, breathable, quick drying and wicking fabrics now clothe the soldier, doing their part to make a tough job a bit more efficient and a bit less uncomfortable. Clothing the soldier presents a unique challenge as temperatures in certain regions may range greatly over a 24-hour period, or missions might start off at low altitudes and end up much higher.  Soldiers most often have to be self-sufficient, carrying everything in their ALICE packs/rucksacks and/or on their person.  So, lightweight items and clothing versatility rank high in importance. Unlike most sporting events, the soldier might have to wear the same clothing for days or weeks on end, and subject them to abuse that civilian use would not.

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has been at the forefront in the development of uniforms, equipment and weapons systems to support the needs of the Special Operations (SpecOps) individual, which the US Army (seeing the benefits) have quickly adopted.  The SOF – PCU is an interchangeable 15-piece, seven-level ensemble that can be worn in layers appropriate for the mission.  The PCU system was initially develop for the extreme temperature variances found in such locations as Afghanistan.

Figure 2: One-to-One SOF – PCU Level 5 Complete Outfit, Generation 1

The PCU will replace the existing Lightweight Environmental Protection (LEP) developed under the Special Operations Forces Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR), a program to produce modular equipment systems that focus on mission tailoring, enhanced survivability, and enhanced mobility while reducing weight, bulk and heat stress.

The LEP consists of light and mid-weight underwear, medium stretch bib overalls, pile jacket and wind-resistant jacket along with the outer water-resistant shell of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing (ECWC) System parka and trousers. SpecOps operators' other option was to purchase commercial items on their own.

Figure 3: SOF – PCU Level 5 Jacket, Generation 1

The PCU takes cold-weather gear to the highest level.  Wearing the PCU is a matter of mixing and matching the garments according to the anticipated conditions and activities of the user. Comfort levels range from minus 50 to 45 degrees F, and although there are seven levels of protection, clothing in each level is not progressively added or removed the colder or warmer the environment.  Levels are match to conform to the environment to which the soldier is operating.

Figure 4: SOF – PCU Level 5 Trousers, Generation 1

The key to staying warm is moisture management. The latest Polartec fabrics by Malden Mills insulate and wick moisture away from the skin, while outer garments made with silicone-encapsulated fibers by Nextec Applications, Inc. allow sweat to escape while being highly water and wind-resistant (as apposed to water and wind proof). The idea is to remove moisture faster than he can produce it.

Figure 5: SOF – PCU Level 5 Trousers, Generation 1

The product also breaks new ground for military protective clothing with anti-microbial fibers, a stretch shell, and a design that functions as a complete system through its seaming, grading and fabrics.

Army Rangers, Marine Force Reconnaissance, Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs successfully evaluated the uniforms in Alaska in August 2002. By the time the uniform officially fields in 2006, the product will have been upgraded several times with another shell system and alternate vest as part of a catalog of components to further adjust to the specific mission. Until full fielding, those who need the uniforms are getting them and are involved in the evolution of the design with their comments from the battlefield.

ORC Industries will be ending their production run of the PCU L4 and L5 items.  The Polartec Company is continuing the contract and will introduce their alternative, dubbed the Modified Combat Uniform (MCU).  ORC's MCU L4 and L5 evolved from their PCU line, with a few minor changes, and will be offered to both Military personnel and civilians. PCU was not available in Army Universal Camouflage (ACU) pattern, but MCU will be available in both Alpha Green and ACU (as an alternative to the equivalent ECWCS Gen III items).  Below is a narrative of the various PCU levels.

Protective Combat Uniform levels

Level 1

Worn next-to-skin, a durable, silkweight Polartec Power Dry fabric worn next to the skin wicks away moisture and dries fast. It consists of a crew neck T-shirt and boxer shorts, or is available in long-sleeve top with invisible zipper and pants, built for comfort and minimal weight.

Level 2

A long-sleeve shirt and pants made from Polartec Power Dry fabric are worn next to the skin for extra warmth in extreme conditions, but still wicks away moisture quickly from skin and dries fast. An inserted side panel of Polartec X-Static fabric enhances fit and flexibility. The top has a front 15-inch zip for extra venting and a soft lining around the collar. Comfort features include an articulated side seam on the pants to minimize chafe on the kneecap.

Level 3

An insulative mid-layer jacket made from Polartec Thermal Pro fabric is water-repellent yet breathable. It is worn as an outer jacket in mild temperatures or as a heavy insulative layer in extreme cold. Seamless shoulders minimize chafe, which are then lined for extra warmth and padding for heavy pack straps.

Level 4

The soft wind shirt is made from an encapsulated micro fiber that repels water but also breathes for a variety of conditions. It's designed to pair with a next-to-skin layer for intense activity in cooler temperatures or with the Level 5 soft shell as a mid-layer. It stuffs into its own pocket for easy packing.

Level 5

The key to the entire system, this soft shell fabric jacket and pants are made with fibers encapsulated with silicone that are highly stretchable, windproof, water repellant and breathable. They are paired with Level 1 or 2 next-to-skin layers, ready for any cold weather aerobic activity.

Level 6

A lightweight waterproof and coated nylon hard shell is slightly oversized to fit easily and quickly over gear. The jacket features water-resistant zippers and armpit zips for maximum ventilation, pocket openings to quickly access inside layers and a hood that incorporates a stiff brim. The pants borrow the same design from Level 5 but provide waterproof protection.

Level 7

For extreme conditions, this lightweight, loft-insulated level in a jacket, vest and pants has the feel of down but retains its warmth when wet. Silicone-encapsulated fabric sheds water and is paired with Primaloft insulation for maximum warmth while the liner pulls away moisture.

Level 8

SOF-CCU (Close Combat Uniform) - Basically a RAID-type BDU.

Figure 6: Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 Complete Outfit, Generation 1

Product Description:

Toy Soldiers (TS) version of the SOF – PCU was modeled from the initial development (Generation 1) of the Level 5 garment manufactured by ORC Industries in 2002.  Therefore, when you see a different version (Generation 2 and above) of this product not only in the Alpha Gray but in the Army’s Universal Camouflage, do not be alarmed.  The SOF – PCU has gone through several upgrades since 2002.

Figure 7: Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 Uniform Detail, Generation 1

The TS SOF – PCU uniform set is a very good likeness of its one-to-one counterpart.  Naturally the materials used a different however, the level of detail is amazing.  The TS PCU Level 5 jacket is wonderful.  Like is full grown brother, the jacket has functional zippered front pockets with a mesh inner shell, functional sleeve pockets, a usable hood that can be stowed in the collar of the jacket, draw strings in all the appropriate places, Velcro closures on the sleeves, and a zipper front with an over lapping wind panel.  The length of the sleeves and fullness of the jacket is very accommodating.  You will not have a problem making the jacket fit a wide range of 1:6^th scale figures.

Figure 8: Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 Uniform Detail Trousers, Generation 1

The TS PCU level 5 trousers are just as detailed as the jacket.  This includes a rear exposure flap to cover the back of the figure when bent over and the PCU jacket raises up, suspender loops, top side and bottom zippers with Velcro closures, side cargo pockets with Velcro closures, Cordura panels, belt loops, and articulated knee dressing.  I was quiet impress with the level of detail that TS employed in this uniform set and how close it mimics its one-to-one counterpart.

Figure 9: Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 Uniform Trouser Detail, Generation 1

I also tried this item on several different body types available to the 1:6^th scale hobbyist.  This includes BBi’s G3.5 and G1, Hot Toys, DML, Armoury, Hasbro, Toy Soldier, and 21C Superbody.  I every case the uniform jacket had sufficient room for full movement and was long enough coming right at the hips on each of the various body types tested.  The PCU trousers also fit each figure well and are long and roomy enough in the leg to accommodate each body type providing a natural fit and look.  TS has placed elastic in the cuff of sleeves, and at the waist and bottom of the trousers that provide a snug fit to the garment, which also reduced the stress placed on the Velcro tabs.  All pockets are functional so you can use them as you may.  There is even a drawstring at the bottom of the PCU jacket and on the hood to provide a more secure fit as needed.  I also liked the extra step TS took in finding a material similar to the Cordura panels on the inside bottom of the trouser legs.  A very nice touch.

Overall Rating:

Overall I have to give the Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 set a ten (10) out of ten (10).  I have nothing to complain about.  The quality of the needlework was very good, the detail was wonderful, and the fit was superb.  The bottom line is that the Toy Soldier PCU Level 5 set is excellent and gives you another options for modeling a modern US military figure.  As far as the cost of the item, given the level of detail, I think it is right on the mark.

As a side note, a similar items is about to be released by Saturday Toys.  The item is advertised as PCU Level 5 Uniform Set, Generation 2.  From my initial intelligence gathering, the uniform set will be offered in two versions.  Version One will offer the PCU Level 5 uniform set with jacket, trousers, black watch cap, and black LEP Fleece jacket.  Version Two will offer the PCU Level 5 uniform set with jacket, trousers, London Bridge Trading (LBT) 1499D Armor Plate Carrier in black, and a OD Green watch cap.  More to follow as I am able to secure a copy.

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