Why the TMP?First, it allows the Soldier to perform his combat mission with significantly increased protection by modern design. For example, the current shelter-half and poncho designs are almost unchanged after a century of use and apparent shortcomings. The TMP has been successfully tested in climates ranging from tropical to arctic and in varying environments from jungle to urban. Tests done at the U.S. Army Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, MD showed that the TMP could withstand winds up to 45 miles per hour and rain up to a rate of 4 inches per hour. It has also been tested and used by members of the U.S. Army 10th and 11th Special Forces Groups at numerous training locations in the United States, Panama, Norway and Finland. Field user tests were conducted by members of the 4th Marine Division and elements of the 1st and 2nd Marine Division used the system at Camp Lejeune and while serving in DESERT STORM. Properly used TMP can therefore provide protection for the Soldier during the conduct of his battlefield tasks.To do this the water and wind-proof TMP efficiently traps body heat keeping the Soldier warm and dry. It's design, unlike the poncho, protects the Soldier a full 360 degrees.Staying dry when Soldiers must be exposed to the weather during extended periods of time is a must. The Ecotat TMP does this the best. Even if a parka or jacket is water-proof, the wearer will suffer significant heat loss. These garments expose a lot of surface area to the elements. Water penetrates the surface fabric and is constantly evaporating. During this process, heat is drawn away from the body. The Ecotat TMP provides an air layer beneath its shell that significantly tempers heat loss and keeps the parka or jacket and trousers dry. Should military necessity preclude the donning of the TMP and the outer garments do get wet, donning the TMP creates an efficient insulating air layer. This both speeds the drying process and retains much greater amounts of heat near the body.Currently, we try to stay warm by trapping as much dead air as we can with insulating layers. The amount of insulation you need is dependent on air temperature, wind speed, physical activity and individual metabolism. These are the basic variables we must deal with. All of us have experiences being too warm on a march but too cold in a rest position. The current solution is to vary the layers of insulation. To make this easier, designers have come up with a bewildering array of snaps, buttons and zippers. Ever try to change underwear in a driving rainstorm? It's easy with the Ecotat TMP! The TMP is an outer garment, easy to put on and take off.In addition to being water and wind-proof, the TMP is designed to do two things; trap air and ventilate. The two are a must to overcome the vagaries of the weather. The TMP is intentionally large to allow large volumes of air to be trapped in comparison to a traditional parka and trousers. The cape, used by armies for centuries, provides back and wrap around protection. It serves to keep the backpack dry and permits air to circulate around the body. When more warm air needs to be trapped, sleeves can be snapped shut.The hood opening goes deep into the chest area. This allows heat from the body to escape. If more heat needs to be retained, as simple tug on the draw cord closes off as much as or as little ventilation as you need.We know that we need more insulation in a stationary mode than in a dynamic mode. The Ecotat TMP accommodates this with the sit shelter for reading a map with a flashlight at night without revealing your presence to the enemy or tent configuration.As noted earlier, the Soldier must protect himself under all kinds of conditions - fighting, marching, skiing, posted as a sentry, sleeping or just resting. For example, when moving and added protection is required, the great coat configuration is the solution. There are several armies, well prepared for winter warfare, that use a great coat.We call the Ecotat TMP a true tactical tent because it can be used anywhere. As a tent, no opening is less than 3 inches above the ground. This means you can pitch it in defilade - anywhere. You can control dispersion. Put two together and you have room for three. With accompanying mosquito netting zipped in, the TMP maximizes ventilation and protects the Soldier from disease causing insects in the warmer climates, a major concern with enemies preparing to use Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) attacks on our Soldiers.The September issue of Army Times reports  reveal the enemy is using blankets to provide camouflage to hide from American firepower:"The enemy moved in small groups of three to five fighters, making them hard to spot. "During the daylight, we watched them on the Predator," Hagenbeck told Field Artillery. "At night, when these groups heard a Predator or AC-130 coming, they pulled a blanket over themselves to disappear from the night-vision screen. They used low-tech to beat high-tech."The Ecotat TMP and LWSB-MP could also be used as instant camouflage in the same manner by U.S. forces!In summary, the Ecotat TMP is:VERSATILE. You can wear it or sleep in it. The TMP is better at protecting against the rain, wind and cold than a poncho. As a tent, it is better than a shelter-half. In fact, we believe this is the best one-person tent available today - anywhere! Put two together and sleep three (3) if you have a Soldier who has lost his gear in battle.REDUCED WEIGHT AND BULK. The Ecotat TMP weighs about four pounds and stows into its own carry bag that is 17 inches long and 5 inches in diameter--easily strappable to the top of the rear load carrying buttpack.TMP as instant sit shelter: great for covert map reading with a flashlightSPEED. The Soldier can set up any of the TMP configurations in a matter of minutes; the most complex in less than five.ADAPTABLE. The Ecotat TMP can be used in climates ranging from tropical to arctic and in varying environments from jungle to urban. With a summer screen, it is usable in hot weather or, take out the screen and be completely enclosed for a warm winter tent. You can bivouac in a swamp or rocky terrain, in rain or snow. The design of the tent - no opening is less than three inches above ground level - permits a Soldier to bivouac in protected defilade, under a tree - anyplace.UNIQUE. When worn, it has a cape that can cover the largest rucks/packs and your back. For centuries, Soldiers wore a cape for warmth and protection, so the concept is a proven one.RELIABLE. The Soldier can carry it with him everywhere. He doesn't have to rely on a long logistics tail. The material is a 70 Denier 34 filament nylon for strength and durability and is printed in the woodland camouflage pattern.TESTED. The Ecotat TMP has been successfully tested in all environments from the slopes of Alaska, the tropics of Panama and in the Saudi desert during Operation Desert Storm. Our TMP has been selected to be included in the survival kit by the U.S. Army Aviation & Troop Command and is permanent equipment for all U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance Units. The National Supply Number (NSN) assigned by the U.S. Military is as follows: