Modular Tactical Vest
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The Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) is a new American body armor, originally adopted by the United States Marine Corps in 2006. The MTV is intended as an interim solution to address the shortcomings realized in the current, decade-old Interceptor body armor until newer, more advanced protection technologies become available. As such, it provides similar protection levels to the Interceptor system, using the same Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) plates. The MTV weighs one more pound than an Interceptor with side SAPI plates, but is designed to more effectively distribute its weight throughout the wearer's torso. Additionally, it includes the following features:
- Quick-release system to remove the vest in emergencies.
- Greater coverage of the lower back, side torso, and shoulders.
- Integrated side SAPI pouches.
- Integrated channels for communications wiring.
- Rifle bolster to assist in seating the wearer's rifle.
- Improved closure system.
- Same modular PALS webbing as the Interceptor.
The Marine Corps has awarded a $33 million contract to Protective Products International to produce 60,000 vests, and has begun fielding them as of 2007.
The vest is donned and removed using a hook-and-loop "cumberbund," which fastens around the waist, and a buckle atop each shoulder. Some users have complained that the vest is difficult and time-consuming to don (especially with a full combat load attached) when compared to the Interceptor's single hook-and-loop flap.
The quick-release system was designed in response to concerns that the Interceptor was difficult for medical personnel to remove from incapacitated troops, and in some cases had to be cut off. When pulled firmly, a cord at the bottom of the vest causes the cumberbund to separate into two pieces. The shoulder buckles can then be unfastened and the vest removed in pieces, with no need to change the casualty's body position.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Program Manager, Infantry Equipment Combat Equipment. Modular Tactical Vest. Combat Equipment Support Systems, Marine Corps Systems Command, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- Jeff Schogol. "Marines downrange to get new body armor in ’07", Stars & Stripes, October 22, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- U.S. Marine Corps Selects Protective Products International (PPI) For Prestigious Contract. PoliceOne.com (November 2, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- Systems Command improves Marines’ combat effectiveness with new Modular Tactical Vest. Marine Corps News. United States Marine Corps (November 20, 2006). Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- "Issued body armor is best available for combat", Marine Corps News, United States Marine Corps, May 29, 2007. Story ID#: 20075297470. Retrieved on 2007-06-02.
[edit] External links
- LCpl Ryan C. Heise (August 2006). Marines put Modular Tactical Vest to the test (PDF). United States Marine Corps. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
- Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PMICE) website. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
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