4 Common Characteristics Of A Great Military Shelter System

There are many kinds of military shelter systems. Many of them are made to provide temporary refuge, while others are used as a base camp for long-term shelter active troops can use. These shelters may be designed to weather the wind and rain, the heat and cold, or both.

A military shelter system can include anything from simple military tents to more complex and permanent structures. One of the most common military shelter systems is a shelter half. It’s simply a large rectangular piece of camouflage fabric that’s divided into two identical parts. Each piece can be fastened together like a tent. It often has grommets sewn into the corners and uses pegs to help secure it to the ground to prevent dangerous wind strengths from toppling the fixture.

There are many other common military shelter systems such as plywood huts or pre-fabricated metal buildings. Ultimately, the choice depends on the soldiers, the climate where they’re stationed, and their needs. 

What Characteristics Should Shelter Systems Have

Military shelter systems need to meet specific standards before being allowed for use. The most common standard is the requirement for protection against different kinds of warfare. Other characteristics are enumerated below.

• Provides Protection From Outside Elements

There are many instances that soldiers are exposed to harmful or toxic elements while on duty. In cases like these, it’s always best to change locations to ensure everyone’s safety.

But how about if the elements aren’t toxic, but might as well endanger your troop’s health—such as being drenched in the rain because of a faulty shelter? If so, a great shelter is necessary to keep out the wind, rainwater, and sunlight while allowing breathability. These characteristics are essential as they help keep troops in top health.

It’s also important to remember that the protection from the elements you’re looking for will vary depending on where your troops are stationed. A soldier stationed at a very wet location won’t need shelter that protects against wind. However, they’ll need one that’s good at repelling rainwater.

• Durable And Guaranteed Long Lifespan

A great military shelter system needs to be durable, too. Therefore, it needs to withstand multiple uses and challenging conditions for your troops to use as their shelter. It’s required that your shelter system be constructed of high-quality materials that can stand up against years of constant use and exposure to harsh weather elements while still providing a measure of flexibility when needed.

This characteristic may also mean that the shelter system must have certain features to ensure they last longer. Using grommets may help handle the forces of the wind without the tent tearing up or breaking apart. Also, using zipper closures can help ensure that the fabric doesn’t unexpectedly tear when soldiers carry it.

Remember, it’s always best to buy something that’ll last for years rather than for only a few months. Also, soldiers need to focus on their training, not to fix equipment pieces or to replace them because they don’t work well. Therefore, the military needs shelter systems designed for little to no maintenance in a variety of unfavorable conditions.

• Ease Of Transport

Being easy to transport is another common characteristic found in a great military shelter system. It’s not just about the strength and durability of materials but also how quickly you can set up or tear down your shelter. A great military shelter system will be lightweight so that it’s not much of a hassle when you need to move from one area to another.

This is the reason why some use aluminum tent frames in their military shelters. These frames are usually lightweight and collapsible which quickly increases the shelter’s ease of use. They also minimize the time needed to set up and pack a tent when the time available is very limited. 

• Multiple Functionality

A great military shelter system should be able to do more than just protect its users from the elements. Frames can provide an excellent level of stability and security for your shelter but may also allow to increase ventilation, add electricity, and even be used as a sturdy base to build upon other added fixtures.

Also, if you opt for an overhead cover (OHC) for your military shelter system, it should be strong enough to double as a storage area to keep equipment, supplies, and ammunition safe and sound while not in use.

Conclusion

There are other common characteristics that great military shelter systems should have. The mentioned four characteristics are some of the more crucial components which set a great product apart from others. Therefore, if you’re searching for the best military shelters and other equipment, keep the abovementioned information in mind as you search for suppliers.