CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 JEREMY L. KLEESPIES
181st Infantry Brigade
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring the safety of Soldiers conducting maintenance operations in Army motor pools. However, a concerning trend persists: combat-issued gear is regularly used in place of proper maintenance PPE — a practice that introduces unnecessary risk. While designed for battlefield conditions, combat equipment is not optimized for industrial hazards commonly encountered in garrison maintenance shop environments.

Despite existing safety regulations, substituting combat gear for shop PPE remains widespread due to availability, familiarity and leadership perceptions. This article examines the shortcomings of combat-issued PPE for maintenance work and provides actionable recommendations to mitigate injury risks, improve compliance and enhance operational readiness. What this article does not explore — but is worth noting — is the high frequency of accountable combat-issued equipment being damaged or lost, the financial burden placed on Soldiers, impacts on individual combat readiness and the unintended influence these factors have on individual PPE use avoidance.

Combat equipment vs. proper PPE

Combat gear prioritizes durability and protection in tactical environments but fails to meet the demands of industrial safety. Issued gloves, ballistic eyewear and ballistic helmets lack the specialized protections required for maintenance work. Key limitations include:

• Combat gloves: Reduced grip, minimal cut resistance and low chemical protection
• Ballistic eyewear: Insufficient shielding against grease, chemicals and high-intensity lighting compared to industrial goggles
• Ballistic helmet: Heavy, cumbersome and ineffective against typical shop hazards, such as falling objects or sparks

Despite these shortcomings, combat gear remains widely used in motor pools due to standardization, availability and cultural perceptions of adequacy. Many Soldiers and leaders consider the issued equipment "good enough" without realizing the risks associated with improper PPE use.

Increased injury rates and long-term health risks

Improper PPE use contributes to avoidable injuries that may appear minor but have long-term consequences. Reduced dexterity from combat gloves increases the likelihood of dropped tools and hand injuries, while inadequate eyewear exposes Soldiers to airborne debris and chemicals. Without proper protection against hazardous conditions, personnel may face chronic medical conditions appearing over time. Army safety statistics indicate maintenance-related injuries rank among the top five non-combat mishaps across motor pools. Historical reports illustrate the correlation between inadequate PPE compliance and increased safety incidents, reinforcing the urgency for proper protective equipment.

Adopting industry-standard PPE

Equipping Soldiers with maintenance-specific PPE will mitigate risks, improve compliance and enhance operational safety. Recommended alternatives include:

• Shop gloves: Improved grip, cut resistance and chemical protection
• Safety goggles: Enhanced shielding against debris, fluids and welding hazards
• Hard hats: Lightweight helmets designed for industrial environments, reducing fatigue and offering better impact protection

Army regulations already outline PPE requirements for motor pool operations, but implementation remains inconsistent. Leadership must ensure that proper equipment is available, accessible and integrated into daily maintenance protocols.

Policy changes and leadership accountability

To reduce injuries and improve operational efficiency, Army leaders must enforce strict PPE policies, including:

• Mandatory PPE training for motor pool personnel
• Supply chain adjustments to ensure proper equipment distribution
• Leadership accountability in enforcing PPE standards

Conclusion

Proper shop PPE enhances both Soldier safety and equipment longevity, reducing unnecessary injuries and costs. By shifting the culture away from combat-issued gear for maintenance work, the Army can ensure readiness and risk reduction in motor pools across all units.