Cpl. Casey Jones / The Associated Press Lance Cpl. Kevin Shanahan, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepares to take off the Improved Scalable Plate Carrier. |
Improved tactical vest, plate carrier coming in 2011
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writerPosted : Monday Jan 10, 2011
As early as spring, Marines will be dawning the next generation of improved body armor designed to be more comfortable and adjustable than current models.
The designs are similar to those of existing vests, but have been refined, said 2nd Lt. Jamie Larson, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Systems Command, out of Quantico, Va.
The development of the IMTV dates back to at least 2008, when troops in Iraq and Afghanistan complained of the discomfort of the MTV, which can add up to 30 pounds when filled with armor plates.