For a long time, military antennae have been wires or long, unwieldy multi-section whips.
This has been exasperated by the use of low frequencies, often below 100 MHz in the military, which neccesitated longer aerials.
In more recent years, the military have moved to use helical whips or blades in an effort to provide a portable, bendable but electrically uncompromising antenna. Additionally, the greater use of satellite communications has lessened the need for HF higher power comms on the battlefield, helping to bring antenna sizes down.
War is changing though - the anticipated Cold War tank battles across Europe between East and West never came and modern war became a different reality. A lot of current conflicts are assymetric warfare. Large, well equipped nations fighting against political and/or religious insurgents, who are usually technically inferior on a level playing field but manage quite successfully to tilt the playing field in their favour by waging war where they are strong.
The typical foe these days forces troops to fight in built up areas, often populated with innocent civilians, they attack unseen using snipers, mortars and hidden IEDs.
Suddenly, its not such a good idea to identify yourself as the squad radioman by having lots of antennas highlighting your silhouette. You might as well wear a target on your back !
Running for cover when a sniper or concealed machine gun suddenly opens fire can be problematic if you are trying to drag your bulk through a small doorway in a middle eastern village.
Troops conducting patrols in the first Gulf War soon realised that something less obtrusive was needed.
The Vest Mounted Antenna System (VMAS) or Tactical Vest Antenna System (TVAS) was born.
Wrapped around the plate carrier or body armour of the soldier, it was low profile, so impossible to see from a distance thus disguising the radioman, unobtrusive so it didnt hinder movement in buildings and vehicles and much less prone to damage. Another benefit is that it doesnt distract or obscure your vision like larger prominent antennas can.
Companies like Radiowavz and Wearable Antenna Technologies started making these for squad use in US Forces.
In our milsim world, companies like Disco32 in the USA starting to make them for milsim radio use a couple of years back. The proprietor learnt to make them whilst serving in the US Army.
More recently, other makers have emerged.
