Tactical Assault Gear has announced a new carrier to fit Marines Corps MTV cut level IIIA soft armor, ESAPI ballistic plate system, neck, groin, and back down armor as an alternative to the issue system. The Marine Corps MTV issue armor system has been a sore subject since its inception and further procurements by the Marines were halted by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway who said “I’m not quite sure how we got to where we are, but what I do know is it is not a winner.†The issues are varied, but one of the main concerns is not the actual armor, but the carrier itself. Marines find it cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to don and doff without assistance. General Conway also said, “It is heavier. It gives a little more protection — that is one of the net positives with it. We still need a lighter vest that gives us the same amount of protectionâ€.
Armed with this information TAG® designed a new carrier system for the issued armor the Marine Corps and some Navy units are using. The carrier uses TAG’s® split-front opening, meaning you can leave one cummerbund attached at all times allowing the user to enter the carrier from the side and close it. The release system on TAG’s® Enhanced MTV carrier is the same patent pending design used on all of TAG’s® releasable armor carriers.
The Enhanced MTV carrier consists of single center pull pillow and cables that release both the shoulders & cummerbund at the same time. The pull pillow is designed to be pulled in any direction and work and the handle cannot be accidentally pulled because it is not a loop like the current one and can be pulled while sitting down as well. Additionally, the cummerbund includes removable pouches on the inside that accommodate the issued MTV soft armor inserts and side plates and locks in place and does not require stays to keep it from shifting while worn.
The most significant improvement is in the size adjustment options. The current MT’s sizing is a bit off so a Marine who should be wearing a medium is forced to wear a large for it to fit properly. The Enhanced MTV has slots in the side that fit the side plates. When the carrier is made smaller by the wearer the side plates will go into the vest. This allows for the armor in the vest to overlap on the sides increasing side protection.
The shoulders and upper torso section of the carrier are made with non slip rubberized nylon. This will ensure a solid platform when assuming different types of shooting positions as well as keep slings and pack straps from falling or slipping off the user’s shoulders. In addition it also eliminates the need for shoulder stops that currently come with the issued MTV.
This carrier is only available through TAG directly. The price is very reasonable at $369.95 for the carrier. For those attending SHOT Show in Orlando, they can check out the Enhanced MTV carrier at TAG’s® booth (number 9484).
