I am writing this blog because this seems to be the best forum for the issue that I am about to expand upon. 

  Since 1996, when I first came into the Army, I have been faced with a multitude of challenges based upon my excessive heighth.  I am 6'9" tall and am a Cavalry Scout.  In 1996, when faced with cold weather training at Camp Garryowen in the Republic of Korea, I discovered along with my supervisors, that the Army standard issue sleeping bag was not made for large people.  So, with the assistance of the Army logistics system, a sleeping bag was cut in half, and sewen to another to create a sleeping bag just for my size.

  In 1999, I deployed to the Republic of Macedonia.  While receiving protective equipment to deploy with, it was discovered that the largest IBA that the Army had in its inventory would only protect me to the bottom of my ribcage.    So, to mitigate the problem, I had to purchase additional protection that football players wear, in order to protect my stomach to the waistline. 

  In 2004, I deployed to OIF 2.  During the process of readying for the deployment, it was discovered that the MOPP gear that I was to wear in the case of a NBC attack would not fit me, and the first question was asked, if I could deploy or not based upon this fact.  I ended up deploying without a proper fitting MOPP suit.

  I know of and have seen many peers and subordinates that are above average heighth, and have the same issues today with the Army standard issue clothing and protective gear.  I am opening this forum to all service members as to what we can do to find a solution that will meet the standards of our chosen profession, and keep us Army Strong as well as protected.