USMC FROG Flame and Cut Resistant Combat Gloves, Desert Tan, Unissued

Here’s something awesome! Unissued flame-, heat-, and cut-resistant US Marine combat gloves in Desert Tan. They are even water-resistant to some degree. Part of the USMC FROG system. We have no idea if we will ever get more of these, so jump the gun now if you want ‘em.

• Flame-resistant (ASTM D 6413)
• Heat-resistant (NFPA 1971-07)
• Cut-resistant (ASTM F 1790)
• Water-resistent (not waterproof)
• Lightly padded knuckle protector
• Extended cuffs and hook and loop adjustment
• Gun-cut finger construction
• Color: Desert Tan
• Made in the USA

History

According to the National Stock Number, these gloves were originally made for flying personnel. However, they were also adopted into the US Marine FROG system (Flame Resistant Organizational Gear) to be used as cut- and flame-resistant combat gloves. The FROG system was developed to reduce the number of burns due to the increased use of IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan. The first FROG gear was deployed to troops in 2007, but we don’t exactly know what year these particular gloves were made. Probably somewhere in the 2010s because, e.g., Wiley got the USMC contract in 2011.

Features

These gloves were designed to provide maximum hand protection without sacrificing operational performance. Of course, this is always a compromise since you cannot have everything, but they do give you quite a lot. NSN-number: 8415-01-536-2068 (Medium).

These gloves were made to meet the military flame (ASTM D 6413), thermal (NFPA 1971-07), and fabric cut-resistance (ASTM F 1790) standards. They should also be water-resistant (not waterproof). They have a gun-cut finger construction, but these aren’t customized shooting gloves. So, for just gun range use, you might want shooting gloves. They also feature leather-reinforced high-wear areas, a lightly padded knuckle protector, an extended forearm, and an adjustable cuff closure for a perfect fit. Inside, you’ll also find a loop for hanging. They come in Desert Tan.

This batch has gloves from at least two manufacturers: Wiley X and Ansell. Therefore, there are gloves under at least two names: Wiley X Mil-Spec Raptor and Ansell Hawkeye Combat GEC. It appears that CamelBak has also made these gloves under the name Max Grip NT, so don’t be bewildered if you meet those, too. The NSN is the same for all of these, so the most important properties should be the same, even though there are small differences in details.

The colors differ a bit, but they all fall under Desert Tan. The leather reinforcements can either be smooth or textured, and their shape can also differ. All are made in the USA.

Materials

The palm and the side of the thumb are made from soft yet durable, either digital-print or smooth goatskin leather, which provides a very good grip and tactile dexterity. Ergonomically shaped goatskin patches on the palm and the leather reinforcement on the thumb strengthen the high-wear areas and increase overall durability. The fingers, the back of the hand, and the lining are made from a very durable Nomex/Kevlar blend for thermal and abrasion protection.

At least these combos can be found:

• 60% Nomex, 32% leather,4% polyester, 4% Kevlar
• 55% Nomex, 27% leather, 8% Kevlar, 3% Spandex, 2% polyethylene

Size info

These use the simple sizes, and the fit is very snug. The material stretches to some extent, but because these provide all sorts of protection, very snug gloves are somewhat stiff. Because of this, the test person who normally wears the size Medium Mechanix gloves picked these in Large.

Condition

Unissued USMC surplus. These have not seen any action, so the condition is excellent.