Troops in Afghanistan have begun to receive the new Soldier Plate Carrier System and many are beginning to realize its greatest shortcoming; the lack of a cummerbund. Interestingly, every other design assessed by PEO-Soldier during last year’s search for a plate carrier sported a cummerbund which helps support the weight of the vest as well as side plates when they are worn, provides additional space for modular equipment, and holds soft armor inserts. While the SPCS provides a minimalist option to our fighting forces, a more modular approach can easily be fielded with the addition of a removable cummerbund. There is no need to permanently modify the vest already in service or remove it even temporarily from service for additional sewing. Such a self-help mod improves the scalability of the system and affords the commander more options in adapting his troops’ protection level to the threat.
Based on such a requirement, enters Mayflower with the perfect solution. Their Cummerbund Adapter Kit converts any plate carrier with PALS webbing on front and back into a hard plate carrier with front flap. It features PALS webbing as well as elastic and accepts 6×6 or 6×8 plate pockets. What’s more, the cummerbund accommodates up to 48″ circumference. It is easily applied to any plate carrier lacking an integral cummerbund and requires no permanent alteration to the carrier. It is quickly attached and removed via PALS webbing.
For a better idea of how the adapter works, take a look at this in depth video.
Offered in a variety of colors including MultiCam and UCP, the Berry compliant Cummerbund Adapter Kit from Mayflower Research and Consulting is available from Grey Group Training.
