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Navy reviewing safety of flammable camouflage working uniforms

Posted at 8:19 PM, Jan 11, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-11 20:19:01-05

On Friday, the Navy said it's reviewing whether its camouflage working uniforms are safe for sailors after a test revealed exactly how flammable the material is.

The 50/50 cotton-nylon blend uniforms worn by most sailors aboard ships will burn and melt until they`re completely consumed.

In contrast, Army and Marine combat uniforms are designed to be self-extinguishing and are made of a mix including flame-resistant rayon.

The test results did not surprise Navy leaders.

The Navy removed the requirement for all sailors to wear flame-resistant uniforms at sea in 1996.

Sailors in specific jobs are still issued flame-resistant clothing.