"Crotch Durability Problems"

Do you have “crotch durability problems?” Is it just me, or does that sound it should be part of an infomercial. I can just see some old celebrity like Erik Estrada pitching a solution for it.

Want to know what the story really is about?

WASHINGTON — The Army is retrofitting 1 million uniforms to bolster pants that have been tearing during the rigors of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Soldiers in Iraq began reporting “crotch durability problems” with their combat uniforms in July 2005, according to the Army. Jumping into Humvees, hopping from helicopters and scrambling after insurgents have popped inseams on the baggy pants.

Rougher terrain in Afghanistan prompted complaints this past August from soldiers who said their uniforms gave out quickly.

“This is a result of soldiers working in steep and harsh terrain and literally sliding down steep hills and mountains,” Army spokesman Sheldon Smith said in an e-mail.

Single-stitching has caused most of the blown-out inseams, said Erin Thomas, an Army spokeswoman. The new trousers are more durable, she said.