The Star Army Explorer uniform is a family of advanced armored bodysuits used by the Star Army of Yamatai that came into widespread use during the period of massive expansion and exploration brought about by the events leading up to the Third Mishhuvurthyar War in YE 45.

The Star Army Explorer Uniform is the culmination of decades of frontline experience and technological advancements. Recognizing the ever-evolving challenges that soldiers face in space exploration, the Star Army of Yamatai sought to create a new type of uniform that catered to both the unpredictable terrains of uncharted worlds and the threats of outer space combat.

First appearing circa YE 45 as a diverse series of prototypes after years of development on various starships, the Explorer Uniform has quickly become a symbol of the Star Army's commitment to equipping its personnel with nothing but the best.

Early examples included a series of combat engineer suits built by Pidole Henitot on the YSS Resurgence.

When the Democratic Imperium of Nepleslia promised to join the war in YE 45.7, the Star Army began making Nepleslian-themed explorer suits for them as well.

In the unforgiving and undiscovered frontiers of space, where every mission demands adaptability and resilience, the Star Army Explorer Uniform was a testament to Yamataian innovation and forward-thinking. It was primarily meant to reduce the need for the use of frequent changing into the Star Army Environmental Suit, Type 28 (AMES) and the Ke-M2-4 Series "Mindy" Armor for missions by providing a versatile middle ground suitable for light combat and exploration of planetary surfaces. This high-tech uniform merged the boundaries between utility wear, combat armor, and the sophisticated marvels of space technology.

Streamlined yet robust, the Explorer Uniform appears deceptively simple but holds a trove of technological wonders:

• Integrated Body Armor: Lightweight yet incredibly resilient, providing protection without hindering mobility.
• Personal Force-fields: Offering an invisible shield against external threats, from energy blasts to shrapnel.
• Advanced Life Support: Ensuring the wearer has a steady supply of breathable air and optimal temperature regulation, even in the harshest environments.
• Volumetric Projectors: These built-in projectors allow soldiers to display holographic data, maps, or even camouflage themselves in certain terrains.
• Helmet-free Design: Thanks to its advanced life support and forcefield systems, the uniform negates the need for a traditional helmet, allowing soldiers to maintain full situational awareness.

The Explorer uniform comes in a variety of different models as the Star Army is testing several variations and has allowed custom versions, provided they meet standard specifications and guidelines:

1. Follows the general look of the Star Army Duty Uniform, Type 42 or Star Army Bodysuit, Type 42
   1. Primarily Star Army Regal Blue in color
   2. occupation color on the chest and shoulders
   3. Black or Dark gray boots, belt, and gloves with gold/brass buckles
   4. High collar
2. Star Army Hinomaru (preferably Star Army Insignia Set, Type 41) on the right arm or left breast
3. Star Army Communicator, Type 42 (glowing teal triangle)/Volumetric emitters (glowing teal)
4. Kikyo pin on the collar area

Primarily designed for deep-space exploration and combat scenarios, the Star Army Explorer Uniform is versatile:

• Exploration Missions: On uncharted planets, its life support and protective features ensure soldiers remain safe from potential environmental hazards.
• Space Combat: In the void of space, the uniform acts as a combat Spacesuit, offering protection against the vacuum and potential enemy fire.
• Covert Operations: The volumetric projectors can be crucial for stealth missions, providing camouflage and disguising the wearer.

The commander of the Star Army has authorized the explorer uniform for daily wear in place of class B and D standard duty uniforms.

Article by Wes, created 17 SEP 2023. All artworks by Wes.

This article was approved by Andrew on 2023/09/18¹⁾.