Aug. 14 is National Navajo Code Talkers Day. This observance recalls how approximately 400 members of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Comanche, Hopi and Navajo nations partnered with the CIA and the Marine Corps during WWII to develop a complex military code that helped the Allied Forces win.

Devising an unbreakable code

Previously, the Choctaw language was used as a code for transmitting messages during WWI, helping launch a victorious attack against German forces. When the Marine Corps sought out another Native American language to use in the Pacific Theater in 1942, the language of the Navajo Nation was nominated and selected.

The military’s code-breaking technologies used at the time could translate three lines of text into English in about half an hour. Once the new system was developed, Navajo Code Talkers could process this same amount of text in just 20 seconds.

While the Navajo Code did use various Navajo words that translated directly into English, the level of complexity went further than that. Code Talkers created a harder-to-crack system based on word association in which different birds were used to describe planes and sea creatures were used to identify ships. For example, lo-tso (whale) was code for battleship while jay-sho (buzzard) was code for bomber plane. Similarly, so-na-kih (two star) signified Major General and toh-ta (between waters) referred to Great Britain.

The Code Talkers also created an encoded alphabet in which English letters could be referenced using up to three possible Navajo words. Wol-la-chee (ant), be-la-sana (apple) and tse-nill (axe) were all code for the letter A.

A total of 411 codewords were added to the Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary — and the code remained unbroken through the end of WWII.

Honoring the Code Talkers

The Marines selected a group of 29 Navajo recruits for the pilot program. Once the possibilities became clear, approximately 400 Code Talkers joined the Marines from the Navajo, Cherokee, Comanche, Choctaw and Hopi Nations. They were called the Navajo Code Talkers not because of their identity, but because of their mastery of the Navajo Code.

Code Talkers participated in every Marine operation in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Over phones and radios, they conveyed top-secret tactical information to help facilitate the rapid exchange of information while keeping intelligence safe from enemy ears and eyes. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a team of six Navajo Code Talker Marines transmitted and translated more than 800 messages, helping secure that critical victory.

The Code Talkers’ efforts weren’t recognized until the operation’s declassification in 1968. In 1982, President Regan declared Aug. 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day, bringing visibility to the important role of the Native American intelligence experts during WWII. The program’s original 29 participants were granted the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000 by President Clinton, and the four surviving Code Talkers received their medals from President Bush during a ceremony the following year.

Companies that want to do business with the federal government will find that there are a few common types of federal contracts as well as a variety of rarer, but no less important, contract types. Each one is designed to offer the required level of flexibility and account for other factors including the delivery timeline, the level of risk and the nature of the goods or services being procured.

Before entering into a business agreement, it's important for civilian contractors to become familiar with basic structures and advantages of the types of federal contracts they might encounter.

Fixed-price contracts

Fixed-price contracts are among the most common types of federal contracts. Within this category, contracts can come with a few different features.

The most basic is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract, wherein the price set for the supplies or services is set and paid out as a fixed, flat rate. This is useful for contractors providing specific products or services for which they can confidently determine the costs beforehand.

Similar to the FFP are fixed-price contracts with prospective price redetermination. After sticking to a firm fixed price for an introductory period, both parties will review the price and revise it as needed to account for market fluctuations and other contingencies.

Another contract type in this category is the fixed-price economic price adjustment contract. Under this arrangement, contractors may secure additional payment if market rates for the labor or materials required to complete the contract deliverables suddenly increase. This offers an advantage for companies that rely upon unstable markets for material and human resources.

Fixed-ceiling-price contracts with retroactive price redetermination are another variation. These are typically used for research and development projects. The civilian contractor and federal agency will agree upon a price cap prior to beginning the work and will adjust the compensation level — keeping it at or below that price ceiling — after the services have been rendered. 

Cost-reimbursement contracts

A more common category for R & D service providers is the cost-reimbursement contract. This places less risk on the company, which may incur variable costs while providing the federal agency's required services. Under cost-reimbursement contract arrangements, the government will pay for incurred costs up to a certain amount. These are only available in situations where the contractor can't accurately project the associated costs for their services.

Variations include a range of cost-plus-fee contracts, where the contractor receives either an award, incentive or fixed fee in addition to the reimbursement.

Alternatively, cost contracts are designed primarily for nonprofit organizations that render R & D services without collecting a fee but still require their costs covered.

Other types of federal contracts

Beyond those two most common types of federal contracts, a handful of other options exist.

First, incentive contracts can be structured similarly to fixed-price or cost-reimbursement contracts but feature an incentive tied to the contractor's performance, such as the ability to provide expedited service or come in under budget.

Next, the government may issue indefinite-delivery or indefinite-quantity contracts to companies whose services are hard to quantify ahead of time. This can be useful when services are contingent upon unpredictable factors or desired quantities are not yet known by the agency.

Finally, time-and-materials contract and labor-hour contract arrangements meant that the provider will be compensated for actual wage-based labor and materials costs at a fixed rate. These are used only when the duration of the contract is unknown and are typically issued for short-term projects.

This range of federal contracts gives civilian providers and federal agencies flexibility when coming to an agreement and delivering or procuring goods and services.

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day falls on July 27 each year. This observance recognizes the 5.7 million veterans of the Korean War and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

During the three-year war, which lasted from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, active-duty servicemembers faced unique risks and experiences that set them apart from previous generations. This armistice observance presents the opportunity to remember and honor their service.

Causes and casualties of the Korean War

After being colonized by Japan, the southern part of the Korean peninsula was liberated in the wake of World War II. Backed by the Soviet Union, communist North Korea made an invasion into democratic South Korea in 1950. The U.S. deployed troops to support South Korea during this devastating war of attrition, where both sides fought to wear down the enemy and gain complete control over the territory. After three years, an armistice was signed and the region has remained divided.

The fighting resulted in 36,574 in-theater casualties for the U.S. More than 103,000 service members were wounded in action. As of June 2020, there are still 7,578 individuals whose fate in the Korean War remains unaccounted for.

Health risks for Korean War veterans

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, extremely cold climates during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in the winter of 1950 posed serious risks to those serving and accounted for more than 5,000 U.S. casualties. Temperatures dropped to -50 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -100 F.

As a result, Korean War veterans are more likely to face health issues including trauma to the nervous system, skin and muscles, vascular conditions, foot-related injuries such as trench foot, frostbite scars and skin cancer.

Active-duty servicemembers may have also been exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and ionizing radiation during their service in the Korean War. These are known to cause certain illnesses and cancers even decades after the exposure. Those who qualify as atomic veterans may have witnessed the impacts of radiation passed down to their children.

'A different kind of homecoming' in 1953

Given the fact that no peace treaty was ever signed, those who served received a very different treatment upon their return.

"Compared to other wars, theirs was a different kind of homecoming," President Obama observed on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice. "Unlike the Second World War, Korea did not galvanize our country. These veterans did not return to parades. […] Among many Americans, tired of war, there was, it seemed, a desire to forget, to move on."

Each year on July 27, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day provides a moment for reflection on the service and sacrifices of Americans during this conflict.

The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) recently published the results of its 2019 Military Family Support Programming Survey.

First presented during a virtual data release event on June 23, 2020, the responses from nearly 8,000 members of military families were analyzed and divided into four sections:

• Health and well-being.
• Finances, housing and moving.
• Employment and transition
• Modern military family dynamics.

The biennial study's main findings highlight some of the most common challenges and experiences of military families and those transitioning from military service to civilian life.

Active duty spouses and veterans sought flexible employment

Active duty spouses noted that they looked for employers who were understanding and flexible, in general. Specific requests included an appreciation for the demands of military life as well as adaptable schedules, leave policies and remote work options.

Military veterans also desired flexibility, but a few other priorities came first. They primarily sought employers who valued their service in the armed forces and acknowledged their unique skills, and who offered a positive work environment.

While the top reason to leave the service was becoming eligible for military retirement benefits, the next most common reasons to transition out of the military were:

• Issues with leadership or the work climate.
• Family or lifestyle reasons.
• Career limitations.

Couples cited marital stresses

Only small percentages of respondents said their marriages have not been impacted (14.4%) or have grown stronger (13.7%) as a result of a spouse's military service. Negative effects were more commonly cited. Specifically, the following effects on marriage were reported by between 27% and 30% of respondents:

• General stress and strain on the marriage.
• Specific difficulties and challenges.
• Separation and absences.

In addition, 8 in 10 respondents recognized the existence and impacts of intimate partner violence among the military community. More than half (56.7%) reported that it is a common issue.

Parents identified limitations around child care and educational support

As for child care, over three-quarters of military parents said the search has been difficult or very difficult. Many respondents desired a wider variety of child care options, additional care flexibility and more affordable services.

Two in five respondents said they could not think of or access any helpful educational support for their children. Specifically, parents in the military community felt that there was a lack of support for special needs and learning needs in general. Some also agreed that more transition support and curriculum continuity would improve the quality of their children's' education.

Many lacked emergency savings

For the majority of active-duty families, the civilian spouse took on financial responsibilities including managing the day-to-day budget and overseeing larger financial decisions. The roles were largely reversed for veterans and their families.

However, nearly one-quarter said they had no plan whatsoever for addressing a financial emergency. Many respondents cited having less than $500 in an emergency fund or no savings at all, including:

• 22.2% of military retiree families with a pension.
• 27.4% of active duty military families.
• 49.2% of veteran families with no pension.

And yet, most would recommend military life

The top two reasons for not recommending military life included the fact that such a career can negatively impact one's family and add stress and instability to one's life.

But, in spite of all the aforementioned challenges, roughly three in four (74.5%) respondents said they would recommend military life to someone considering it. The top three reasons included access to a rewarding and secure career in the military, the honor associated with doing one's civic duty and advantageous salaries and benefits.

If your summer travel plans have been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remember that you can still make memories in your own backyard. Sitting around a fire pit can be a fun way to kick back and enjoy the long summer nights — as long as everyone remains responsible.

Keep your family safe and make the first responders and firefighters in your community proud by practicing these important fire pit safety rules.

Choose the safest spot for your fire pit

Your fire pit should be located out in the open — never underneath a structure or tree. Since sparks can easily travel, ensure that you're not lighting a fire near a wall or fence, a pile of dried leaves or chopped wood or any other flammable materials.

Check for wind conditions and no-burn advisories

As for the weather, choose a calm night rather than a windy day. Beyond making it difficult to start a fire, wind can make flames unpredictable and scatter embers, potentially causing a fire outside of the pit. If your area is under a no-burn advisory, remain compliant and help keep your community and air quality safe.

Adhere to social distancing guidelines

When planning a get-together at your home, remember to follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 and social gatherings. For the lowest risk of transmission, limit your gathering to only members of your household. If you invite other friends, neighbors or family members, keep six feet apart from each other at all times. With two families, for instance, you could place chairs on opposite sides of the fire pit so you don't come into contact. If you're enjoying snacks, drinks or s'mores ingredients, don't share supplies. Instead, ask each household unit to bring their own items.

Keep kids under adult supervision

Before the party even begins, take the opportunity to educate children on general fire safety habits. Once the flames start growing, children should be under constant adult supervision. Keep little ones at a safe distance from the fire pit and watch older kids to ensure that they don't toss anything into the fire or get too close to the flames.

Dress appropriately to minimize the risk of clothing fires or burns

Anyone who plans to attend to the fire or hold roasting sticks near the flames should be dressed properly, with closed-toe shoes, close-fitting garments and tied-back hair. Loose clothing and hair can more easily alight, and falling embers can burn bare feet. Remind your guests to "stop, drop and roll" if they need to extinguish a clothing fire.

Ensure that everyone drinks responsibly

An important aspect of fire pit safety comes down to how you and your guests behave around the open flames. If you choose to make alcoholic beverages part of your festivities, drink responsibility and in moderation. Alcohol-related accidents can create a host of hazards and injuries. Not only does alcohol impair your judgment and coordination but spills are highly flammable.

Don't mix flammable bug spray and fires

At night, mosquitos can be real pests, so you may be tempted to apply bug spray. But insect repellant is highly flammable and can lead to major injuries if your hair or clothes get showered with sparks. Smoke is a natural bug repellent, so spray should not be necessary.

Never leave the flames unattended

A critical aspect of fire pit safety is to always keep an eye on the flames. If you need to run inside for even a few seconds, ask a responsible guest to attend to the fire pit while you're away. Make sure they know how to extinguish it safely as well.

Fully extinguish embers before turning in for the night

After a night making memories and practicing backyard fire pit safety, you must remember to put out the fire and embers completely. Follow the Forest Services' step-by-step instructions: douse the live embers with water, rotate and scrape down logs to ensure they're no longer burning, mix the ashes with soil, check that everything is cool to the touch with your hands and add some more water before leaving the site.

Considering all the challenges military families may face together, financial matters might not always be top-of-mind. But the burden of debts and late payments can have a negative impact on mission readiness, relationships, future opportunities and decision-making processes.

Personal finance is undoubtedly an important part of life. With the federal tax deadline extended to July 15, 2020, this summer is a good time for families to check in on their financial progress and revisit goals. 

These tips for boosting financial literacy, growing savings and reducing debt can help military personnel and their families achieve financial stability.

1. Explore and utilize resources from MilitaryConsumer.gov

Jointly created by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Defense, MilitaryConsumer.gov is a resource center for all matters related to personal finance for military servicemembers and families. Topics range from buying and financing a vehicle, using allotments, improving your credit rating and recovering from identity theft. Since each toolkit and guide is specifically designed with military life in mind, this site can be a great starting point when you're looking for helpful, actionable information.

2. Make military-specific deductions when you file your taxes

As you prepare your taxes, ensure that you're making all the deductions you're eligible for as a member of the military. Possible deductions include the cost of uniforms, moving expenses and civilian job search costs, to name a few.

There are other ways to get strategic with your tax liabilities. For instance, while you're serving, you and your spouse can establish your residency in a tax-free state so that, regardless of where you're stationed, you will benefit from substantial income tax breaks.

3. Contribute regularly to your retirement savings as soon as possible

The sooner you start making significant contributions to your retirement fund, the larger your savings will grow by the time you reach retirement age. Because many military service members don't stay in the armed forces long enough to become eligible for a pension, it's advisable to make your own contributions early and all throughout your career.

One military-specific option to explore is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a defined contribution plan for retirement savings. Through this plan, members of the uniformed services can make traditional pre-tax or Roth after-tax contributions — or both. The Roth TSP option is similar to a Roth 401(k) in that there are no income limits.

4. Plan out how you'll use or transfer your education benefits

Student debt is one of the biggest financial burdens many families in the U.S. experience. Military members who are eligible for the substantial college tuition benefits available through the Post-9/11 GI Bill should carefully consider how this benefit can be used to further their own career or that of a family member. Servicemembers and veterans who don't plan to go back to school should find out how to transfer these tuition benefits to a spouse or child.

5. Familiarize yourself with the financial programs available to you

There are a number of advantageous savings and investment options available to members of the armed forces. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of these programs so that you can start saving and seeing growth early on. For example, you may be eligible to receive 10% annual interest on savings up to $10,000 through the DOD's Savings Deposit Program (SDP). This growth rate is unlike any traditional savings plan you'll find in the civilian world.

Another example is a new program launched in October 2019 through which you may be able to receive free electronic credit reporting services from one of the major credit reporting agencies while serving on active duty. This is a helpful resource to help you monitor for fraud and improve your credit score.

Remember that these types of programs may evolve or be expanded over the years. Make it a habit to check back in and ensure that you're getting the most out of the opportunities available to you.

According to GuideStar, there are more than 45,000 registered nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that are dedicated to serving the veteran community. With so many groups doing good, veterans and their families may not be aware of all the services, support and resources available through these nonprofits.

Here is a small introductory handful of the esteemed nonprofits for veterans:

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

As a way to honor the fallen and support future generations, this organization helps provide educational counseling and college scholarships to children whose parents have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Esposas Militares Hispanas USA Armed Forces

What started as a Facebook group of military spouses soon became a nonprofit organization committed to serving Hispanic military and veteran families by offering helpful resources and information in Spanish.

Give an Hour

This national network of volunteer mental health professionals provides free services to active-duty military personnel and veterans. Give an Hour also advocates for changing the culture around mental and emotional well-being and treatment.

Hire Heroes USA

To help military members transition into civilian life and employment, Hire Heroes USA offers job search support and career assistance to veterans and their spouses.

Honor Flight Network

This nonprofit's mission to support veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War entails flying these veterans out to visit the memorials erected in remembrance of those who served.

Hope For The Warriors

This service organization supports a variety of programs for veterans and military families. These are designed around wellness, peer engagement, recreation, and transition to civilian life.

Operation Gratitude

Since the early 2000s, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 2.6 million care packages to members of the military, veteran and first responder communities.

Operation Homefront

This nonprofit for veterans helps families secure rent-free transitional housing, financial assistance for homebuying and caregiver support services.

Operation Second Chance

This organization serves ill, injured and wounded combat veterans. Volunteers identify immediate needs and offer support through hospital visits, counseling resources, scholarships, retreats and more.

Operation Troop Appreciation

Active-duty and veteran members of the armed forces have their wish lists fulfilled by morale-boosting gifts from Operation Troop Appreciation. The organization also supports transitional housing and distributes letters of gratitude.

Reel American Heroes Foundation

Partnering with military hospitals and bases, this cleverly named nonprofit provides wounded veterans and service members with recreation therapy through fishing trips and duck hunts.

United Service Organizations

Perhaps one of the most well-known nonprofits for veterans and active-duty servicemembers, the USO supports a broad range of programs and resources, from transitional assistance to entertainment and community building.

Veteran Tickets Foundation

Vet Tix distributes free event tickets to veterans and their loved ones, promoting stress-free opportunities for family bonding, memory-making and community engagement.

Vietnam Veterans of America

The VVA advocates for veterans' issues including health care access, public opinion and perception, POW and MIA accountability, and more, specifically focusing on supporting veterans of the Vietnam War.

Wounded Warrior Project

This nonprofit for veterans serves those who have experienced a physical injury or mental illness as a result of their post-9/11 military service. The organization sponsors a wide range of programs focused on recovery and empowerment.

Wong to consolidate the enterprise distribution  

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and the 5Star Life Insurance Company boards of directors have named Michael K. “Kimo” Wong as Chief Distribution Officer effective immediately, consolidating the sales organizations for both entities.

“Kimo Wong’s appointment as Chief Distribution Officer further unifies the enterprise’s strategic direction. Both boards of directors have confidence in his leadership and proven record of success as we continue to fulfill our mission – to serve those who serve this great nation,” said AFBA and 5Star Life Chair General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, USAF (Ret.). 

“I am delighted to have the sales organizations of both AFBA and 5Star Life now under Kimo Wong’s direction. In his new role, he will lead the sales strategy in the worksite market, in addition to his current responsibilities in the active duty, first responder, and National Guard markets. This appointment enables the AFBA / 5Star enterprise to better carry out its important mission by further coordinating its distribution efforts,” said AFBA and 5Star Life President General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.). 

Kimo Wong is a 1975 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and an Air Force commission. He is a former Air Force reservist and a 44-year veteran of the insurance industry. He joined AFBA in 1997 and is responsible for setting strategic direction for AFBA’s membership enrollments for the active duty, first responder, and National Guard markets. Wong holds both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve our country’s military service members and first responders, and now, civilian customers of 5Star Life who work every day to ensure our country’s economic strength,” said Kimo Wong. “I look forward to building on the success of the worksite team to increase sales in 5Star Life and membership in AFBA.”  

About Armed Forces Benefit Association

With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members providing death benefits and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 650,000 members with $40 billion of survivor benefits in force and $2 billion paid since inception. AFBA survivor benefits are underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company).

About 5Star Life Insurance Company

5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member policies and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations, and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

Lyrics to the official Air Force song that formerly recognized the contributions of male airmen only have been rewritten to be gender-neutral. This change comes as part of the Air Force's efforts to be inclusive and to acknowledge the distinguished women airmen in its ranks.

Updates made eighty-one years after the song's initial composition

The song is officially titled "The U.S. Air Force" but is more commonly known by its first line, "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder."

It was originally written to help establish a sense of camaraderie and identity for the U.S. Army Air Corps in the late 1930s. Since the Corps did not have the budget to commission such as song, the publisher of a magazine called "Liberty" established a songwriting contest in 1938 with a $1,000 prize. The winning submission came in a couple of days before the final deadline from a musician and civilian pilot, Robert M. Crawford. Too young to enlist during World War I, he later flew for the U.S. Army Air Forces' Air Transport Command during the Second World War.

This is not the first time the song has been modified in its 81-year lifetime to better reflect the force and its servicemembers. Before the Air Force was its own independent branch, the song was titled "The Army Air Corps." It was changed to "Army Air Forces" during World War II, and the title and lyrics were rewritten once again in 1947 upon the establishment of the U.S. Air Force.

"Off we go, into the wild blue yonder" is also the U.S. Air Force Academy's official school song and is frequently sung at sporting events and during graduation ceremonies. According to Air Force Times, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy already modified their lyrics over a decade ago to better reflect the presence and contributions of women cadets.

Half a dozen gendered reference rewritten

After a series of updates that began in February 2020, half a dozen changes have now been made across the song's four verses. In the popular opening verse, "At 'em boys" is now "At 'em now, give 'em the gun." In the second verse, the phrases "Minds of men," "Hands of men" and "Souls of men" have been updated to create three updated lyrics:

• "Brilliant minds fashioned a crate of thunder."
• "Valiant hands blasted the world asunder."
• "Boundless souls dreaming of skies to conquer."

In the third verse, the lyric formerly ending in "of his brother men who fly" now goes, "To a friend we send a message of the brave who serve on high." Additionally, "men" has been changed to "those" in the verse's triumphant conclusion, "A toast to the host of those we boast, the U.S. Air Force!" And, in the final verse, "Flying men" has been removed in favor of "Fly to fight, guarding the nation's border."

Gender-neutral lyrics acknowledge that one in five airmen are women

According to Air Force demographic data, women could first begin pilot and navigator training in 1976 and 1977, respectively, and were not able to complete fighter pilot training until 1993. Nowadays, approximately one in five Air Force active-duty servicemembers are women — 68,470 women airmen total, as of January 2020. Among them, 806 serve as pilots; 347 are navigators, and 233 are air battle managers for Air Force.

Although the name given to servicemembers — airmen — remains awkwardly gendered, the Air Force considers this a step in the right direction.

"These new lyrics speak more accurately to all we do, all that we are and all that we strive to be as a profession of arms," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein said in a news release. "They add proper respect and recognition to everyone who serves and who has served."

 

NASA’s SpaceX Falcon 9 launch on May 30, 2020, drew a significant amount of attention. With roughly 10.3 million people streaming the coverage at peak viewership, the event has become NASA’s most-viewed online event.

While astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley prepared for their journey inside the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to the International Space Station, all eyes were on their futuristic apparel. Here, we’re exploring the inspiration, design development and engineering behind the new spacesuits worn by the Dragon crew during the recent launch.

A new mission symbol

“This [SpaceX] suit is significantly different than the suit we wore on shuttle,” Hurley said during a prelaunch press conference. While participating in earlier NASA space shuttle flights, he previously wore what’s been called the “pumpkin suit” due to its bulky, bright orange appearance.

Behnken noted that SpaceX’s idea was to “reach back and [bring forth] a retro styling or a different way of creating their own unique kind of mission symbol [rather than] copy what was done on the space shuttle side.”

Comparing the pumpkin suit to the sleek new design, Behnken added, “Both of [the suits] have succeeded, I think, in terms of becoming iconic [and] symbolizing the mission in front of us, and the excitement associated with what we’re going to accomplish.”

Superhero suits for space

The iconic new suits were dreamt up by Hollywood costume designer Jose Fernandez, who has designed superhero costumes for films including “The Avengers,” “The Fantastic Four,” “Batman v Superman” and “X-Men II.”

According to an article in The New York Times, “Elon Musk’s SpaceX Suit Is Like a Tuxedo for the Starship Enterprise,” SpaceX founder Musk approached Fernandez and other designers rather than the usual military uniform contractors. Together they fine-tuned the design and then had experts reverse-engineer it to work for the spaceflight setting.

The shape and style of the articulated, structured suits were partly inspired by the tuxedo, a garment that makes its wearer look instantly better by offering padded shoulders and tapered seams that visually sculpt a more muscular-looking torso.

Additionally, the suits recall the futuristic fashions of the 1960s, when, inspired by the sleek Space Age aesthetic, couture designers dressed models in ultra-cool ensembles featuring clean lines, minimalist detailing and lots of white and silver.

Wearable tech in orbit

Even though the spacesuit creators reached back into the canon of visual culture and design history to determine its appearance, the cutting-edge technology and engineering the design represents — as well as the new era of privatized space travel — are incredibly forward-looking.

While they are not intended for lunar walks, NASA explained that the custom-made suits were “designed to be functional, lightweight, and to offer protection from potential depressurization. A single connection point on the suit’s thigh attaches life support systems, including air and power connections.” The custom 3D-printed helmets include similar integrated technologies and microphones.

Scientific American has reported that this new “public-private partnership business model” has saved NASA up to $30 billion on directing contractors to develop new spacecraft and related technologies. The arrangement also allows aesthetics to take center stage.

“As long as space travel was being subsidized by governments, there was no need to make the suits attractive, as the astronauts’ safety was the sole concern,” sci-fi scholar Gary Westfahl told The New York Times. “Yet, if space travel is going to become an activity of private companies seeking profits, they have a natural interest in making their astronauts seem attractive.”

The spacesuits represent a novel hybrid of past and present, fashion and function — and they demonstrate all the best in wearable technology. As Cathleen Lewis, curator of spacesuits at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, said in The New York Times, “It’s smart branding because it signals we are starting a new age.”