Emasculated soldiers

[arkfarmbear]

The Gaurdian is reporting that the troops are frequently encountering IEDs designed to destroy their testicles and penis, in addition to their arms and legs. The body armour currently available protects the genitals from projectiles coming from the front but none from below.
Some guys are issuing instructions to be allowed to die on the battlefield if their injuries include loss of their manhood.

 

[Charles Finn]

not cool

 

[MASSIVEPKGO_CHUCK]

Gee, I'm glad didn't have a lot to eat before reading this.....

 

[t1ctac]

Can't speak for the Army, but the Marine Corps has already started fielding protective undergarments currently issued by the British. Most of the genital damage from blasts is from sand and other fine particulates, so these reduce a great number of injuries. Sourcing options are being looked at for thicker over garment styles (like our current flak vests.)

 

[rawbone8]

The concept isn't really new.

"Bouncing Betties" or the "S-Mine" was a type of landmine first used by the Germans in the early years of the Second World War (and later copied by the US and other Allied forces) that sprung up to waist height and exploded metal projectiles, thereby maiming or killing its targets. The prospect of genital maiming terrified Allied soldiers.

S-mine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[D_Johnson Withernads]

Genital maiming...

*shudders*

 

[Shawn152]

Wow. This is crazy !

 

[Drifterwood]

A company in South Wales has developed kevlar underpants to help address the problem, but I don't think any of us would like an IED explodng into out bits.

 

[798686]

The Welsh love a bit of kevlar in their undies, Drift.

Seriously, tho - sounds awful.

 

[Bbucko]

I read about this earlier today from a couple of different sources. Am I the only one who wonders why it's taken almost ten years to address this issue?

And, FWIW, if I were a young man with that level of risk, I'd have DNR orders plainly and clearly in place.