From order to operations: Focus on the new combat clothing
The Swiss Armed Forces has gradually been introducing the Modular Clothing and Equipment System (MCES) since 2023. It combines combat clothing, ballistic body protection as well as storage and drinking systems, thus offering more protection, functionality and flexibility. Altogether, the Armed Forces are investing 347.8 million Swiss Francs in this system. The focus of this introductory article is on the combat clothing. The project managers will then describe the journey from the order to the final system in a series of interviews.
Fabio Winkelmann, Specialist area Communications, Strategic Staff
The MCES clothing is based on the proven «onion-shell principle»: It is constructed on a modular basis in several layers, so that soldiers can adjust their clothing flexibly to the weather and the operating situation. This concept improves comfort and protection for the members of the Armed Forces.
Overview of the layers of MCES combat clothing:
The combat clothing also contains several pieces of headwear, a buff and braces.
In this interview, Oskar Hollenstein provides insights into how everything comes together in the MBAS project to ensure that equipment reaches army personnel on schedule.
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Ursula Spycher knows every detail of the Modular Clothing and Equipment System MCES. As a technician and b project manager, she accompanied its development from the first idea to practical solutions.
In this interview, Daniel Rölli, QM project manager at MCES, explains why trust only grows through inspection, which details often cause problems and how his team places quality above quantity, even where a high number of units are concerned.