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Natick’s Rob DiLalla Awarded for Ballistic Combat Shirt

Robert DiLalla, team leader of the Infantry Combat Equipment Team at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center has been chosen as the recipient of the 2015 MG Harold “Harry” J. Greene Award for Innovation in the Individual-Civilian category for his work developing the Ballistic Combat Shirt. Named in honor of MG Greene, who served as senior commander at the Natick Soldier Systems Center, the award recognizes technological innovations that enhance Army readiness and Soldier performance.


Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (center) holds the Ballistic Combat Shirt, which was invented by Robert DiLalla (far left), an engineer and currently the team leader of the Infantry Combat Equipment Team at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center. BG William E. Cole (far right), former commander of the Natick Soldier Systems Center and former commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, looks on. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

DiLalla partnered with co-inventors Protect the Force, LLC for the BCS, which incorporates deltoid and thoracic protection, as well as improved neck protection into the Combat Shirt and is a component of Soldier Protection System.

Congratulations to Rob DiLalla!

To learn more, visit www.army.mil.

8 Responses to “Natick’s Rob DiLalla Awarded for Ballistic Combat Shirt”

  1. S says:

    Had the opportunity to wear this armor/shirt during development/t&e as a swat team member (former 11 series so I have worn a few kits prior to going LEO). Game changer. First time donning the BCS, I was immediately impressed with the range of motion improvement over daps/throat protector/yoke. Also extremely fond of the comfort under my Tyr Venator Vest and the protection that it offered outside of the normal thoracic protection of my vest. Cannot wait for fielding and thanks to Rob for continuing to keep Soldiers and LEOs safe!!

  2. Marcus T says:

    Innovative idea. Anybody know how breathable that is in hot weather? We often get into these trade-offs between ballistic protection and cooling.

    • Joe says:

      This. It looks better than the add on parts to body armor but probably sucks in the heat big time.

    • Alex says:

      I’ve had the chance to wear one as well. It’s better than the external armor but definitely not cool at all to wear.

      I mean it’s armor, it’s non breathable, heavy and I can see infantry Joe hating it

  3. james says:

    Congrats Rob! Not surprising… you have always lead the charge and kept kit on the cutting edge!

  4. CC says:

    Great design, congratulations Rob, so proud of you! Your hard work pays off!

  5. Seamus says:

    Got an award and it isn’t even fielded yet!? We don’t even know if grunts are even going to like it, let alone wear it. Kinda popping the champagne a bit early here aren’t we?

    • ScubaSteve says:

      I think Natick has to pat itself on the back. But good on him for being a government employee that actually works.