Yahoo reports that “the U.S. military is soliciting help from fashion designers and textile experts to assist in redesigning the protective suits soldiers wear against chemical and biological attacks.”

“The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, a division within the U.S. Department of Defense, has launched a competition dubbed ‘Proof-The Chembio Suit Design Challenge’ and is offering a total of $250,000 to finalists and semifinalists.”

“The current chemical biological suits worn by U.S. troops are heavy and bulky, restricting a soldier’s agility, range of motion and maneuverability and hindering their duties, according to the military.”