Modular Tactical Vest

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The Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) is the newest body armor adopted by the United States Marine Corps. 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 hopes to begin fielding them by February 2007.

[edit] See also

• Interceptor Body Armor
• Lightweight Helmet

[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.

[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.