Notebook

Summer uniforms offer a new look

Despite its generally freezing latitudes, the Russian military has developed a new army uniform that makes its soldiers look a bit like safari tourists. The beige-colored shorts and shirt, finished off with a wide-brimmed hat, will be worn by those serving in extremely hot climates.

The change comes after several soldiers died of heat stroke last summer, and the new get-ups replace uniforms comprised of thick, long-sleeved shirts and pants, with heavy boots. The new uniforms will be used when temperatures exceed 30° Celsius (86&de F) and have already been shipped to Russian regiments in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Chad. They will also be used in southern Astrakhan province.