There is underwear that might be fun to wear, underwear that is meant to entice and then there is the “Blast Boxers,” underwear developed by the British military to offer special protection down there! The U.S. Army apparently liked what it saw and has developed the Pelvic Protection System or “Kevlar boxers” or “combat underpants.”
The underwear might not reduce chafing or provide better support, but rather is designed to help dismounted soldiers from the devastating effects of improvised explosive devices. According to the U.S. Army, “Soldiers who stepped on an IED might suffer injuries that required amputations which didn’t leave enough of a limb for a prosthetic leg, for instance. But those Soldiers were also suffering extensive damage to the perineum region, the part of the body that includes the anus and reproductive organs.”
This system actually is more than just special underwear. It is actually two layers, with the Tier I protective under-garment, called the “PUG” (Personal Under Garment) and the Tier II protective outer-garment called the “POG” (Personal Outer Garment). Essentially the components are worn like shorts, with the PUG worn under the regular pants, either over the regular underwear or in place of it; while the POG is basically an added layer that can be worn under pants or even over for added protection.
The PUG features a breathable, moisture-wicking material on the outer thighs, while along the inner thighs is knitted Kevlar to protect the fleshy inner parts of the thighs and the femoral artery. Over the groin, there is even more knitted or woven Kevlar. The POG, as the Tier II, takes this up a notch features more protection. But because it is rigid it is recommended that the Tier I be worn under the Tier II to prevent chafing.
The Army reportedly first put the Pelvic Protection system into use last June, and it is now in use by more than 15,000 soldiers, with the typical issue including three PUGs and one POG. And while it might not be fun to wear, this is underwear most soldiers will likely be glad they had on!
[Via U.S. Army: ‘Kevlar underpants’ protect pelvic region]