5.11 Tactical vest

The Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) is a new American body armor, originally adopted by the United States Marine Corps in 2006. The MTV is the solution to address the shortcomings realized in the current, decade-old Interceptor body armor and was selected after a rigorous proposal and examination process by the Marine Corps. The MTV provides better protection levels to the Interceptor system, although uses the same Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) plates. The MTV weighs about one more pound than an Interceptor with side SAPI plates, but is designed to more effectively distribute its weight throughout the wearer’s torso. The vest has received top rating in all independent tests, and has been extremely well received by the majority of the marine corps with one or two exceptions in Mr. Conway. The selection process to adopt the MTV required many Marines to trial multiple vests before the MTV was finally selected. Additionally, the MTV includes the following features:

* Quick-release system to remove the vest in emergencies.
* Greater coverage of the lower back, side torso, 5.11 tactical vest and shoulders.
* Integrated side SAPI pouches.
* Integrated channels for communications wiring.
* Rifle bolster to assist in seating the wearer’s rifle.
* Improved closure system.
* Same modular PALS webbing as the Interceptor.

The Marine Corps awarded a major contract to Protective Products International to produce 60,000 vests, and has begun fielding them as of 2007 with a continuous roll-out expected.

The vest is donned and removed using a hook-and-pile “cumberbund,” which fastens around the waist, and a buckle atop each shoulder. Although hugely positive towards the MTV compared to all other options, some users have complained that the vest is more time-consuming to don (especially with a full combat load attached) when compared to the Interceptor’s single hook-and-loop flap. That said, there remains talk of introducing the MTV more widely in the Military.

5.11 vest

The quick-release system was designed in response to concerns that the Interceptor was difficult for medical personnel to remove from incapacitated troops, and in some cases had to be cut off. When pulled firmly, a cord at the bottom of the vest causes the cumberbund to separate into two pieces. The shoulder buckles can then be unfastened and the vest removed in pieces, with no need to change the casualty’s body position.