Department of War Orders Avon MITR Mask System for Special Operations

Soldier Systems Daily reports that the U.S. Department of War has ordered Avon Protection's MITR System for its Special Operations Forces. That makes the U.S. the second Five Eyes nation to pick the MITR-M1 Half Mask, after Canada in May 2026.

Key points

• What was ordered: the MITR-M1 Half Mask and MITR-PG1 Powered Goggle, MITR-PF Particulate and MITR-RF Riot filters, and helmet and communication accessories.
• Half mask: NIOSH-certified nose and mouth protection with a curved, flush profile meant to preserve weapon sighting and voice communication. A helmet mount kit lets the wearer put it on without taking the helmet off.
• Goggle: pairs with the mask to protect the eyes from riot agents, uses constant air purging to resist fogging, and works with combat helmets and night vision.
• Filters: the PF uses a pleated high-efficiency element aimed at biological and pharmaceutical agents; the RF adds activated carbon for riot agent vapor. Both are rated NIOSH P100, removing more than 99.97% of airborne particulates.
• Concept: Avon positions MITR as a modular alternative to full-face respirators that lets users scale protection up mid-mission.

Quick take

Avon Protection president Steve Elwell said the award follows almost four years of work with end users on a design that fits their mission needs. He described MITR as a way to reduce the hazardous particulates operators breathe over a career, which he said can contribute to long-term health problems.

Read the full story at Soldier Systems Daily.