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28,000 body armor vests ordered by Corps

Though the Marine Corps continues to shop for new body armor, the service has announced plans to purchase more than 28,000 additional modular tactical vests, which officials have branded an “interim solution” to long-term needs.

Known as MTVs, the vests are part of an “indefinite quantity” order, according to Marine Corps Systems Command, which paid $17.4 million — or about $600 per vest — to manufacturer Protective Products of America. In a statement, the Florida-based company said it has been commissioned to produce 60,000 MTVs for the Corps and that it expects additional orders for sustainment, replacement and parts.

This batch of vests should be ready for Marines by October 2009. Systems Command would not say whether they are different from the MTVs now being worn by Marines.

The service adopted the MTV in 2006, when leaders determined the Corps’ Interceptor body armor was insufficient. Since then, they’ve been looking for a lightweight vest that offers superior protection.

“The MTV is the interim solution developed as a result of that request,” Systems Command said in a statement. “The Marine Corps is continuing work on a long-term vest solution.”

In an interview with Marine Corps Times, Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, said he and Commandant Gen. James Conway heard a host of complaints about the vests during their most recent trip to Iraq.

“The Marines say it was too bulky, too heavy… they had to put it on over their head or pop a strap and slide in one. It was just painful,” Kent said. “So, the commandant came back and said, ‘Hey we really need to look at that because it’s not helping our warriors.’”

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Brown, commander of Program Executive Office Soldier, said last month that the Army has been testing several new body armor designs since April that may offer increased protection.

The Army replaced the Interceptor with the Improved Outer Tactical Vest in 2006.