The Marine Corps currently has a solicitation open for their new Chest Rig. It’s a HUBZone set aside that closes on 26 July. For those of you that won’t be bidding on this contract but are pretty handy with a sewing machine, we present the drawings for the Chest Rig. We really dig the removable shoulder straps. They kind of remind us of the ALICE Y-harness.
Archive for the ‘MARCORSYSCOM’ Category
Mystery Ranch WELBE
Monday, April 26th, 2010Imagine a NICE frame and an ILBE had a baby. Well they did and it is called the Working External Load Bearing Equipment or WELBE. Unveiled last week at Marine South, the WELBE is the brain child of Mystery ranch founder Dana Gleason. It takes advantage of the NICE frame’s external design and Bolstered Ventilation System (BVS) technology to keep the load stable even wearing armor with a rear plate.
Game changing? Quite possibly. The Marine Corps continues to browse for a new pack and the industry is abuzz with speculation over what direction they will go. While the Marines like the ILBE, it was designed before armor with an integrated rear plate was standard issue. The interface between armor and pack bag needs some improvement and the WELBE may be just the solution. Not only would it allow the modification of the thousands and thousands of packs already in service, specialized pack bags could be also fitted to the WELBE. Additionally, odd shaped loads can be carried when the WELBE is used as a stand alone mode in a manner like the NICE frame. The ILBE pack is an Arc’teryx design manufactured by Propper. A move to modify in service packs would be good for both companies as the ILBE would remain in service longer and the Marines would be more likely to purchase more of the packs in the future.
An added bonus for the market is that the WELBE is also compatible with the Canadian issue pack which suffers from the same issue as the USMC’s ILBE.
USMC Inclement Weather Combat Shirt Features TenCate Fabrics
Friday, April 2nd, 2010The new Inclement Weather Combat Shirt (IWCS) is a FR shirt designed to be worn in place of the FROG blouse during cold weather. Think of it as replacing the Desert Combat Jacket with increased capability. The Marines will purchase 180,000 IWCS from Short Bark Industries who are well known in the automotive world for their seat covers. Short Bark’s design incorporates several products from the TenCate Defender™ M family. Most notably this is the first military adoption of a TenCate Defender™ M laminate. The IWCS also includes a new stretch woven technology as well as two variations of knit fabrics. Nick Pence, Military Market Manager for TenCate Defense & Tactical explains: “The flame resistant IWCS was designed to provide increased protection from wind and rain while offering breathable water repellency for cold weather climates”.
I recently spoke with the team at TenCate about the challenge of color matching different printed fabrics on a single garment that the DCJ had to deal with and they told me that they are out in front of this issue and we shouldn’t see any of those types of shading issues.
More on the Tactical Assault Platform
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009It appears that both the Marine Corps as well as Army both have similar systems referred to as Tactical Assault Platforms but at the recent Modern Day Marine expo, personnel from PM-ICE were quick to point out that the Marine version is decidedly different from the Army variant.
This is a photo of the Army’s current TAP. PEO-Soldier is currently wrapping up an in-theater evaluation of the system developed at the experimental load carrying facility at Natick. As you can see it is intended to integrate with the IOTV and in particular the cut away feature. Additionally, it carries six 30 round M16 magazines internally as well as featuring two side pockets that will accommodate an M14 mag, MBITR radio, or DAGR. The internal pockets go flat so the TAP will accept SAW drum pouches. Versions are being provided to the two battalions conducting the Afghanistan camo trials.
On the other hand, the Marine version displayed at Modern Day Marine incorporated simple removable shoulder straps. Obviously, this further enhances the versatility of the TAP as it will work with the IMTV, PC, and as a stand-alone. There are a couple of other alterations from the Army’s baseline as well. For example, based on feedback from early testing all of the buckles are now self-tensioning like the buckles found on the Mystery Ranch 3-day assault pack. Interestingly, back when the ILBE program was still just a wee solicitation, the Marine Corps envisioned a two component system consisting of a pack and an assault load carrier to replace the MOLLE FLC. Many expected this to be a chest rig. Ultimately, the Marines decided not to field an assault load carrier in conjunction with the pack but the requirement remains on the books.
Why Marines Don’t Have the PMAG
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009During last week’s Modern Day Marine trade show at Quantico, I was perusing the items on display at the PM-ICE Marine Enhancement Program table. The program is great. Get new, innovative tools into the hands of Marines quickly without all of the red tape involved in a formal program. There has to be a valid need and the item has to be Government/Commercial Off-The-Shelf. Lastly, it needs to actually work.
Sitting on the table was a PMAG and someone asked the contractor behind the desk of these had been adopted for use by the Corps. “No” came the reply, “They wouldn’t fit in the issue magazine pouches”. Instead, according to the former Marine manning the booth, the Magpul magazine follower (enhanced self-leveling follower) was chosen as a suitable solution for 30 round magazine woes.
Oddly enough, rumor has it that the PMAG was recently granted an NSN and is being local purchased by the bushel by deploying Army units. The PMAG was also fielded as part of the lightweight equipment demonstration currently wrapping up in Afghanistan. Apparently they fit in Army magazine pouches. Who knew? Maybe the Marines could get in on that mag pouch action. No wait, they did, but then they…oh never mind.
Eagle Awarded SPC Contract
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009The Marine Corps has awarded ATK’s Eagle Industries business unit a $20 million contract for further deliveries of the Scalable Plate Carrier. Reports of the order do not specify the number of SPCs but they are to be delivered by January 2010. This order combined with the recent sub-contract for deliveries of the IOTV to the Army make the still unresolved Army Releasable Plate Carrier award even more interesting. Already competitors KDH and Eagle had their hands full with the smaller IOTV order and now Eagle has a further order for the Marine SPC. According to early announcements, the Releasable Plate Carrier was supposed to have begun fielding this month. This leaves both Tactical Assault Gear and MSA/Paraclete with ample production capacity. In particular MSA/Paraclete may be feeling the crunch as they did not receive a piece of either of the IOTV contracts.
Army Tests Releasable Plate Carriers
Friday, May 8th, 2009In February PEO-Soldier officials down selected four companies from a field of sixteen to provide candidates for a releasable plate carrier demonstration. At the time Army officials made it clear that there was no formal program to procure Releasable Plate Carriers. However, over the last two months, it looks like things have changed.
From the four companies (Eagle Industries, KDH Defense Systems Inc, MSA Paraclete, and Tactical Assault Gear), the Army is currently evaluating five carriers at Yuma Proving Ground. Eagle has two carriers under evaluation; the Scalable Plate Carrier, currently issued to select USMC units as well as a variant issued to USSOCOM.
Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade will wear each of the company’s plate carrier designs while road marching, running through obstacle courses and shooting on live-fire ranges. Army test and evaluation personnel will compare the candidates’ performance against the IOTV without neck and groin protection.
Earlier this month the Army approved a plan to conduct a combat evaluation in Afghanistan of a kit of candidate lightweight combat equipment developed by the Asymmetric Warfare Group in conjunction with industry utilizing a combination of Commercial and Government Off The Shelf products. The approval came weeks after the demonstration was put on hold over questions surrounding safety releases for the Eagle Releasable Carrier and associated armor systems currently used by USSOCOM. Reports indicate that the matter received SECDEF attention. This may explain why Army PM Soldier Survivability is now characterizing the current “Soldier Protection Demonstration” as a more formal procurement activity.
Last Summer, the Marine Corps fielded limited numbers of a Scalable Plate Carrier manufactured by Eagle Industries. Currently, they are testing an “Improved Scalable Plate Carrier”. Based on lessons learned from the initial fielding, the Marine Corps is working to improve the range of motion and mobility in the shoulder area, donning and doffing, and enhanced integration with the cummerbund and side plates.
USMC Combat Desert Jacket Once Again Available
Monday, April 6th, 2009It had looked like the supply of Combat Desert Jackets had dried up but US Elite Gear, purveyors of the hard to find have laid their hands on a limited supply. Once again these are factory seconds with slightly discolored sleeves.
USMC Combat Desert Jacket
Available in Small, Medium, and Large from US Elite Gear.
Soldier Systems APBI
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009Armys Product Manager Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM CIE), Armys Product Manager Soldier Survivability (PM SSV), USMCs Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE), PM Special Operation Forces Survival Systems (PM SOF), Warfighter Science, Technology, and Applied Research (WARSTAR), Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, and Defense Supply Center Philadelphias Clothing and Textile division (DSCP C&T) will jointly hold an Advance Planning Brief for Industry (APBI) on May 13-14, 2009 in Springfield, VA. The goal of the event is to keep the industrial base informed of the direction of clothing and individual equipment programs, future requirements, and business opportunities. There will be an optional no host registration/cocktail social event the evening of May 12. The conference will commence May 13 with registration followed by a general session focused on strategic initiatives and issues. Individual commodity sessions will be held the afternoon of May 13 and the morning of May 14. The commodity areas are as follows: Helmets, Fire Resistant Clothing, Footwear, Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment, Load Bearing Equipment, Handwear, Eyewear, Body Armor, Hydration, Parachutes, and Uniforms. Sessions will be held for Service unique commodities as well. Services will brief all on-going efforts in research and development, test, evaluation, future contract projections, and current/emerging military requirements. These briefings are designed to identify specific opportunities over the next 3 years. The sessions will conclude with a moderated question and answer period. The APBI is open to all members of the supply chain. Space is limited; therefore the number of attendees is restricted to ten (10) attendees per company. Registration will be closed on April 21, 2009 or once maximum capacity is reached; whichever comes first. There is no attendance fee and the dress code is business casual. Please e-mail Jaime Roig with the following information for each attendee: name, company, address, e-mail address and phone number. This information must be provided no later than April 21, 2009. Attendance confirmation number, hotel information, directions, and registration info will be sent via return email.
Point of Contact
Jaime Roig, a contractor for NCI Information Systems, Inc., Army PM CIE Operations Support, Phone (703) 704-4123, Email: jaime.roig@us.army.mil
Place of Performance
Address: Waterford Conference Center 6715 Commerce Street Springfield, VA http://www.waterfordreceptions.com/locations/springfield.asp Postal Code: 22314 Country: US
Contracting Office Address:
RDECOM Acquisition Center – Aberdeen, ATTN: AMSSB-ACC-A, 4118 Susquehanna Avenue, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-3013
Marine Corps Considers Collapsible Buttstock
Thursday, March 19th, 2009On February 27th the MARCORSYSCOM’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapon (PM IW) issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Collapsible Butt Stock for the M16A4 Marine Corps Service Rifle. The current fixed stock of the M16A4 becomes “an obstacle when combined with the increased bulk of improved body armor”. Consequently, they are looking for something to make the weapon a little more accommodating to different body types.
The Marine Corps’ requirements are pretty straight forward:
- It has to be collapsible
- They want a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) position stops in the butt stock for adjustment
- The new stock has to be just as reliable as the current stock if not better
It is important to note that there is no solicitation document to actually purchase any collapsible stocks but it is an important first step in that direction.
You can read the entire RFI on FedBizOpps.
USMC Boot Resole Program by NuShoe
Sunday, February 15th, 2009NuShoe offers footwear refurbishment programs for several commercial vendors including Belleville, makers of the Marine Corps Hot Weather boot. It just so happens that NuShoe offers a special boot resoling program for specifically for Marines to repair the issue Hot Weather boot.
The before and after picture provided by NuShoe shows an actual pair of boots that they have resoled and repaired. Advantages to resoling include lower cost than purchasing new boots as well as avoiding the need to break them in. NuShoe will resole a pair of hot Weather boots for $50.00. What’s more, local cobblers cannot replace polyurethane mid-soles so the two to three week turn around time is very quick.
To learn more about NuSHoe visit them on the web at www.NuShoe.com.
USMC Prepares for Improved MTV Program
Thursday, January 8th, 2009MARCOSYSCOM is preparing to engage in a quest for a replacement carrier for the ill-fated MTV. In 2007, the Commandant of the Marine Corps halted further procurements of the bulky MTV and last summer the Marine Corps fielded a limited number of Scalable Plate Carriers. Rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, officials at MARCORSYSCOM are formulating a plan to replace the carrier and retain the armor systems purchased during the MTV program. It looks like the concept of “Survivability Through Mobility” espoused by PM-ICE at MARCOSYSCOM is coming to fruition.
Perhaps they will make use of the upcoming SHOT Show in order to take a look at the current state of the art in armor carrier design.
USMC ILBE Detachable Platform Chest Rig
Sunday, December 14th, 2008
The Marine Corps is working on a specialized detachable chest rig for armor vehicle crewmen to be used as a quick-attach/detach capability for ILBE pouches . The Detachable Platform Chest Rig will integrate with the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) or recently fielded Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC). Vehicle space constraints make it difficult for mounted crewmen to perform their mission while wearing pouches attached to their armor carrier. They require a “slick” chest area but once they exit the vehicle need a means to rapidly integrate ammunition and other critical equipment to their armor. As envisioned, the chest rig is a two piece design consisting of a vest foundation piece and removable pouch attachment system. The vest foundation piece will be affixed to the MTV/ SPC and serve as the base for the pouch attachment piece. The pouch attachment piece will hold the required pouches and be stored in the vehicle during normal vehicle operations. The pouch attachment piece will essentially “snap into place” once the crewman dismounts.
Planned fielding is currently just over 6000 systems but if the rig shows utility expect to see it adopted by other service components.
USMC Scalable Plate Carrier Follow Up
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
The Marines recently fielded a new Scalable Plate Carrier. At the time of the article we did not know the manufacturer but we can now confirm that it was designed and manufactured by Eagle Industries. At the recent AUSA annual meeting Eagle displayed a version of the carrier in UCP but while several units are interested in the product, there have been no overtures from PEO-Soldier. However, as more and more Soldiers see their Marine brothers in arms wearing the lightweight armor, we expect them to begin to request similar systems.
Wild Things “Name That Jacket” Contest
Monday, July 21st, 2008
Last week we met with Wild Things owner Marie Meunier-Bouchard. Marie is a lifelong climber having begun mountaineering in her native French Alps at age 14. She combined her love of climbing with a desire to build better products and founded Wild Things, named after the book, “Where the Wild Things Are” with her ex-Husband, John Bouchard. Vermont-based Wild Things is a longtime supporter of the military. Their designs have been used for years in the SOF community. But recently they have gained prominence in the Soldier Systems industry by designing and manufacturing the Gen III ECWCS Level VII Loft layer for the US Army. A slightly modified variant of the Level VII garment has been dubbed the “Happy Suit” by the Marines and included in a developmental Cold Weather Clothing System. Both of these garments are also available from ADS.
Some of the most exciting things that Marie showed us were two recently released new jackets designed for the Soldier Systems market. Essentially they are different versions of the same jacket with the exception of materials. One is FR and the other is not. The price on the Basic jacket is phenomenal, just under $100 direct. The FR version is 100% FR, shell, lining, insulation, and zipper so naturally the price is going to be a bit higher but wasn’t available yet at press time. Intended to replace levels 3 and 4 in Gen III ECWCS, these jackets are simple yet elegant. A lot of thought was put into the design by a house that always been at the forefront of new, promising fabrics. There aren’t extraneous bells and whistles on either of these jackets and the casual observer wouldn’t appreciate the design features incorporated into these garments until he wore it. Every design element makes sense from a functional point of view. These jackets a practical application of the Ultra-LightWeight movement in combat clothing. They combine the practicality of more than one other garment and each feature is there solely for function.
Manufactured with a face fabric of Polyester microfiber, the Basic jacket features a quilted Primaloft insulation, the same material found in both PCU and Gen III ECWCS. The rear hem is elastic in order to keep it taught and prevent cold air or snow from entering the jacket. There are two slash handwarmer pockets on the front of the jacket and a single interior pocket on the left chest. The hand warmer pockets are lined with a comfortable knit material. The jacket also comes standard with pile tape for Name, Service, and Rank insignia.
Both jackets are currently available in Black, Coyote, Foliage, and UCP. Plans are underway to also offer the basic jacket in Multicam.
Marie is looking for your help in naming both of these jackets. The winning entry will receive a jacket as prize.
Contest Rules:
- One entry per contestant
- Name BOTH jackets
- Marie decides the winner
- Winner will be announced here
- In the event more than one contestant submits the same winning entry date of email will decide the winner
- Winner receives a jacket as prize
- Only one winner for the contest
- Contest ends 31 July, 2008 at 11:59 PM
- Send all entries to: Marie Meunier-Bouchard.
For more information on their entire line go to Wild Things.
Mountain Boots
Friday, July 4th, 2008The history of dedicated footwear for mountain warfare traces its way back to WWII. A square toed, brown, smooth leather boot with tongue and groove on the sole for ski bindings was issued to the 10th Mountain and First Special Service Force. Mountain boots would remain a Special Forces standard issue item up until today.
Although members of 10th SFG(A) stationed in Bad Toelz, Germany privately purchased mountain boots from local cobblers in the 50s and 60s, the issue Mountain Boot remained relatively unchanged. The infamous “Chips” or Chippewa Mountain Boots were a Special forces staple up until the late 80s. They were also issued to the 10th Mountain Division during their initial stand up. Featuring bright steel speed lace hooks, thick felt insoles that never dried out, and a sole with a tongue and groove to fit the old issue “suicide stick” skis, the design had barely changed from WWII. Wearing them was like walking around with bricks strapped to your feet but no self-respecting member of 10th Group would be caught without them.
But as the 90s wore on the US was without an issue Mountain Boot. Influenced by 1/10th SF’s experience at Bad Toelz and later in Stuttgart, over time SOF units issued boots from Koflach, Raichle, Lowa and eventually La Sportiva who manufactured a special black version of the ever popular Lhotse for US forces operating in Afghanistan. Ironically, the brown leather Lhotse was better suited to military operations than the black model. But the major weakness that all of these highly specialized European brands was just that; they were European. The Berry Amendment requires that US forces must use US textiles. Unfortunately, at the time there was no US manufacturer of hard core Mountaineering Boots.
As an interim, both the Marine Corps and Army are issuing Danner Mountain Boots although they are different models. Danner has developed a dedicated boot for mountain operations for the Marine Corps that was unveiled earlier this year. The Mountain Cold Weather Boot is brown and features an abrasion resistant toe and heel cap as well as a Gore-tex lining. Each pair comes with a new sock system for cold weather.
The Army on the other hand has chosen to issue a commercially available Danner to members of the 173d and 101st. Combining leather with nylon fabric panels, the Army’s boot stops just above the ankle resembling a hiking more than a combat boot. PEO-Soldier officials have been very clear that these are an interim solution and in no way intended to replace the current issue boot. For that, the Army is hedging their bets on a new modular boot system set to debut in 2009.
Both the Army and Marine Corps solutions are really more trekking boots than actual Mountain Boots. To fill this void in the US military’s family of footwear, they have turned to Bates Footwear and their new Tora Bora model which they are touting as the Tora Bora Alpine Combat Boot. Originally a SOCOM requirement, the user community for the Tora Bora but it is expected to eventually include both the Marine Corps and Army.
For more information on the Danner Combat Hiker contact Danner.
For more information on the new Tora Bora, go to Bates.
Issue Compression Sacks from Cascade Designs
Thursday, June 26th, 2008Cascade Designs is no stranger to the Soldier Systems market. Several of their items have been type classified and are on issue including water purifiers and sleeping pads. This report highlights two of their latest offerings.
Marine Compression Stuff Sack (MACS Sack)
The MACS Sack features a new hands-free, one-way purge valve that offers increased compressibility and is flexible as well as flush to prevent snagging. It also boasts an improved roll-down closure for a watertight seal, and a heavy-duty round bottom that lasts long, maximizes storage capacity, and stands upright to make packing easier than ever. This bag is made of tough, lightweight nylon. Its great for use in a pack, or on its own to organize your gear.
Marine Compression ILBE PackLiner
The Marine Corps ILBE Pack consists of a 4,500-cubic-inch Main ruck or pack, and a 1,500-cubic-inch Assault pack. Neither pack is water proof so the Marines sourced bag liners to provide waterproof storage in the pack. The Cascade Designs ILBE PackLiner has flush mounted purge valves to make the bags compression stuff sacks. These bags are tough enough to survive outside the pack, but are best employed as a PackLiner to give the Marine a submergible waterproof pack. The easy to use roll top closure has directions on sealing which insure the bags get closed properly each time.
The Assault bag liner, which is smaller, has an orange interior to function as a signal panel. In order to help make the bag “Marine proof”, the roll top closure has directions on sealing to help ensure the bags get closed properly each time.
Cascade Part Number Name NSN
02195 MACS Sack 8465-01-542-7688
02177 USMC ILBE Waterproof Main Pack Liner 8465-01-559-5404
02197 USMC ILBE Waterproof Assault Pack Liner 8465-01-560-6727
Team Soldier Certified Gear
Thursday, June 19th, 2008PEO-Soldier mentioned this item at the APBI in May, but didn’t have any details on implementation. However, they have just made a formal announcement of the Team Soldier Certification program. The reasoning behind the program is sound. The point is to help Soldiers identify soldier systems items that meet certifications for issue. This will help both individual Soldiers as well as units to avoid purchasing substandard equipment. Certification has already been implemented for Protective Eyewear, FR Gloves, and the Family of Flashlights.
PEO Soldier is developing Authorized Products Lists (APLs) for certain types of gear. When an item is authorized, it is placed on the APL. The APLs are published on the PEO Website, furnished to the Army/Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), and communicated to Army commands. Eventually every commercial item authorized for use by Soldiers will have this certification.
One VERY interesting piece of information on the program has surfaced. Vendors selling authorized items in commercial retail stores may use the logo on the item and in their advertising. The logo will be the way Soldiers can verify that the item is authorized. Vendors using the logo for commercial retail sale of authorized items will require a License and Royalty Agreement with the US Army. And as a warning to those who might counterfeit the new logo, the PEO-Soldier website says this, “PEO Soldier, working with Army Legal Services, will take action to ensure that only actual authorized items have the logo. A range and series of actions will be taken against any fraudulent use of the logo.”
Each item will be identified with a tag similar to this one.
Both the USMC and USAF have indicated that they will follow suit.
USMC Combat Desert Jacket
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
If you have ever heard the term “scarce as hen’s teeth”, then you can aptly describe the Marine Corps issue Combat Desert Jacket. Designed by 180s, an innovator in the outdoor industry, and manufactured by Tennessee Apparel, the CDJ has seen limited fielding. The concept actually goes back to the early 90s when Raven Industries, the first full-scale contractor for ECWCS, developed prototypes of a lightweight Gore-tex 3-color desert shell for MARCORSYSCOM.
Naturally as the CDJ was designed specifically for desert operations, it is available only in Marine Desert Pattern Camouflage. Since the CDJ utilizes a complex print, the design’s strength has caused a bit of a technical challenge. As you can see from the photo, the sleeves are slightly discolored compared to the body. This is because the CDJ is made from various fabrics which are strategically placed in the design to provide diverse forms of protection and these fabrics all absorb dyes differently. For example, the lower back and shoulder area of the jacket are made from Freedom-Plus, a lightweight Gore-tex fabric in order to keep the wearer dry while the middle of the back, which requires more breathability when wearing a pack is made from a lined, knit fabric. The sleeves are crafted from a four way stretch material. Rather than pit zips, from the waist to the sleeve, along the entire length of the underarm, the CDJ features a stretchy wind resistant nylon material. Lined with coyote gridded fleece, it also features color matched waterproof zippers throughout. The pockets include handwarmer, chest, and sleeve as well as a rank tab. The sleeves are capped with a monkey paw design and the Marines hope to incorporate FR technology into the sleeves in future versions unless the winter FROG shirt is developed. The CDJ also has a roll up neck gaiter incorporated into the collar. To top it all off, the entire jacket is treated with silver to suppress the growth of odor causing fungus.
*UPDATE: A reader has sent me an update and a new version is being issued. They have solved the shade issues on the sleeves and dropped the monkey cuffs.
Photo Courtesy Eric Chevalier
For those who need a CDJ, the early version with shade differences on the sleeve is available from AFMO.
Survivability Through Mobility
Monday, May 26th, 2008Finally the tide seems to be turning and the conventional wisdom of armoring service members like tanks seems to be coming to an end. At the Soldier Systems APBI in May MARCORSYSCOM officials stated the they were “willing to accept risk for the sake of mobility” and the term “Survivability through mobility” has become PM-ICE’s mantra in their quest for a replacement for the Modular Tactical Vest program. The effects of this push can already be seen with the fielding of the new plate carrier to Marines in Afghanistan. PM-ICE representatives also stated that they were looking to reduce the area of coverage on the MTV replacement and reduce cumbersomeness in order to increase lethality.
USMC Scalable Plate Carrier
Saturday, May 24th, 2008Responding to an Urgent Needs Statement from Marines in Afghanistan, MARCORSYSCOM has begun fielding a plate carrier. The recent backlash over the Modular Tactical Vest can also be credited with this bold move. It seems as though the services are getting the message that a more mobile shooter is a more lethal shooter. No details as to manufacturer have been released. However, an interesting feature on the prototype is offset PALS webbing on the upper chest.
