U.S. Army reinforces combat pants

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Army officials said "crotch durability problems" have prompted a retrofit of pants worn by combat soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An estimated 1 million pairs of combat pants in stock will be reinforced before being given to soldiers, USA Today reported Tuesday.

Inseam blowouts, or "crotch durability problems" resulted from single stitching that failed under rigorous combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Army officials, noting more rugged material will be used for new uniforms, including fire retardant fabric.

Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the Lexington Institute, told USA Today that uniforms should hold together in most combat situations except direct fire.

"It is a serious problem if it becomes a distraction to the war fighter who needs to concentrate on completing a mission," Thompson said.