thedrifter
11-20-06, 03:10 PM
MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND, QUANTICO, Va. (November 20, 2006) -- Rather than waiting for the next generation of body armor in the years to come, the Marine Corps listened to its warfighters and provided them a solution. That solution is the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV). Providing enhancements to the existing vest, the MTV will instill greater comfort and confidence in Marines’ warfighting capability.
The MTV is a load bearing vest and wears more comfortably than the existing Outer Tactical Vest (OTV). The MTV optimizes the same OTV ballistic protection and enables the Marine to easily configure components of their combat load to best meet specific mission requirements. Responding to an Urgent Universal Need Statement, submitted in Jan. 2006, the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) developed the MTV.
“In today’s combat environment, gear requirements change quickly impacting the individual Marine’s ability to successfully execute their missions,” said 1stLt. Mauro Mujica, weapons platoon commander for Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. “Our mission requires us to be alert, quick on our feet and decisive. Enhancements to the current vest were needed to help us become more combat effective. I'm pleased that the Corps identified the issue with the current vest and promptly moved forward to give deployed Marines a vest that's more suitable for the situation abroad.”
The OTV was not designed to carry equipment and other mission critical items during combat missions. The MTV revolutionizes body armor into a load bearing vest to better carry assault loads such as magazines, water and grenades. The Marine Corps is providing Marines with state of the art technology with the combination of ceramic hard armor plates and soft armor ballistic panels. The MTV leverages the existing Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (E-SAPI) plates and soft armor ballistic panels.
“The MTV takes the current individual body armor design and includes additional comfort and weight distribution to a vest that cannot get much lighter until additional research from industry's Science and Technology experts can invent lighter ballistic materials,” said Capt. John Gutierrez, MARCORSYSCOM’s project officer for infantry combat equipment.
“The Marine Corps did not want to wait the three-five years it will take for this new technology. We decided to create the MTV knowing that its increased capabilities will make the warfighter happier, more comfortable and thus more combat effective,” he said.
Although the MTV and OTV are approximately the same weight, the MTV will feel lighter because of improved load distribution. Increased capability, improved integration and design modifications are the three major enhancement areas contributing to the slight weight difference.
Advancing a Marine’s combat effectiveness and safety is the MTV’s quick release system. This system is a single pull cord that instantly disassembles the vest typically used during escape situations when someone is trapped in a vehicle rollover or weighed down in deep water.
“Getting Marines out of the vest is mission critical,” said Chad Jorges, who served in combat as a hospital corpsman for 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “In today’s combat environment, most Marine injuries occur from snipers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). When you are hit by one, every second counts.” Jorges knows what he is talking about. He has been deployed twice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) efforts. Jorges served in Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2005.
“IEDs are constant threats in OEF/OIF,” said Jorges. “What you see on television pales in comparison to the actual moment when your vehicle hits an IED and rolls over. A lot of people are shaken up, disoriented or injured. The quick release system allows the wearer to rapidly get out of the vest to increase mobility.”
Enhancing the Marine’s safety, the MTV incorporates a medical access system designed to allow quick medical aid while being able to re-equip the vest for patient protection after treatment has been rendered.
“The vest has clips placed over the shoulders and Velcro in the front as the main closure device which works in conjunction with the medical access system,” said Jorges, an evaluator of the MTV prototype. “This capability allows for instant medical access and treatment if someone is compromised during combat missions.”
The side-SAPI plate, increasing the area of protection among the flanks of the body, is another key vest improvement identified by Jorges.
“Compared to the OTV, the MTV has added soft armor and material offering a five percent increase in area of coverage (AoC),” stated Gutierrez. “This increase in AoC adds protection to the sides of the torso and the lower back and kidney region. The bottom line is that it offers an increased capability at approximately the same weight.”
Putting the MTV to the Test… Marines Talked. The Corps Listened.
With combat operations highlighting the need for operational enhancements to the current vest, MARCORSYSCOM and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) hosted conferences with combat-experienced Marines at I and II MEF in Dec. 2005 to identify and prioritize enhancements to the OTV. Additionally, the command hosted an ‘Industry Day’– briefing more than 20 vendors– on required vest improvements.
“Ensuring the safety of Marines during operational efforts is our top priority,” stated Col. Ed Smith, MARCORSYSCOM’s product director for combat equipment and support systems. “We will always do whatever we can to rapidly get the right equipment to our Marines. We listen to their experience as they translate requirements to us, and then we ensure they are given the best options available.”
“The needs of Marines have evolved as a result of their missions with OEF/OIF,” said Smith. “It is MARCORSYSCOM’s responsibility to procure and sustain our Marines with the best possible solutions to ensure their safety and to enable the success of their missions.”
Once the requirements were compiled, 18 vendors presented prototype designs. Six vendors moved forward and were selected to submit prototype vests for a Limited User Evaluation (LUE). More than 40 Marines participated in the one-week LUE during Apr. 2006. Only three vendors were selected to submit an improved prototype vest for the Field User Evaluation (FUE). Involving more than 100 Marines, this rigorous three-week field evaluation was conducted at Camp Lejeune in July 2006. Continuing the Marine Corps’ close coordination with the U.S. Army on personal protective equipment, representatives from the Army witnessed the FUE testing at Camp Lejeune.
“Having been deployed for eight months to conduct combat operations in Afghanistan, I can honestly say the Marine Corps really put the evaluators and the MTVs to the test during those three weeks,” stated GySgt. Charles Baker, anti-armor platoon commander for weapons company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “I am happy to see that the Marine Corps took the time to get input from those who have been on the battlefield and know what the warfighter needs to be more effective in combat.”
The field evaluations included realistic environmental and situational scenarios. Test events included a forced march, movement to contact, rifle range, emergency exit drills and military operations on urbanized terrain facility maneuvers. Additional testing was conducted at other government laboratories. Overall design, fit, comfort, ease of assembly and the quick release design were key characteristics favored by 89 percent of the Marines.
“It is common for a Marine to wear a loaded vest for many hours in a harsh environment,” said Mujica. The cummerbund design really makes the vest feel lighter and more comfortable because the weight is better distributed throughout the body. This added comfort will help us be faster and more agile during combat situations while affording us a maximum amount of protection from various enemy threats.”
Tests validating the final MTV design will be conducted next month. This means Marines should expect the first batch of MTVs to arrive in Feb. 2007 at stateside Consolidated Issue Facilities. The Marine Corps currently has a contract with Protective Products International for 60,000 MTVs. This 11-month fielding process will sustain two rotations supporting OEF/OIF. The fielding of MTVs will be complemented with a comprehensive training program conducted at each MEF.
What Does the Future Hold? Emerging Technologies in Individual Body Armor
The Marine Corps is jointly working with other services, industry and various government labs to push technology to the next stage. “As technology continues to leapfrog, so will improvements to body armor,” said Gutierrez. “The next generation of body armor will offer significant advancements to existing solutions.”
The Marine Corps wants a more flexible armor solution, getting away from the hard ceramic plate. The desired next generation solution includes a 30 to 50 percent reduction in weight and while covering more of the torso area. “We are asking for a lot, but you have to push industry where you want it to go,” stated Gutierrez. “We want something that fits the body better and weighs less.
“Technology will always continue to advance, as will the Marine Corps’ ongoing efforts to provide increased protection and comfort to help the Marine become more combat effective,” said Gutierrez. “The Marine Corps is committed to provide the best available protective equipment to the warfighter in combat. Today, part of that equipment is the MTV.”
Ellie
The MTV is a load bearing vest and wears more comfortably than the existing Outer Tactical Vest (OTV). The MTV optimizes the same OTV ballistic protection and enables the Marine to easily configure components of their combat load to best meet specific mission requirements. Responding to an Urgent Universal Need Statement, submitted in Jan. 2006, the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) developed the MTV.
“In today’s combat environment, gear requirements change quickly impacting the individual Marine’s ability to successfully execute their missions,” said 1stLt. Mauro Mujica, weapons platoon commander for Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. “Our mission requires us to be alert, quick on our feet and decisive. Enhancements to the current vest were needed to help us become more combat effective. I'm pleased that the Corps identified the issue with the current vest and promptly moved forward to give deployed Marines a vest that's more suitable for the situation abroad.”
The OTV was not designed to carry equipment and other mission critical items during combat missions. The MTV revolutionizes body armor into a load bearing vest to better carry assault loads such as magazines, water and grenades. The Marine Corps is providing Marines with state of the art technology with the combination of ceramic hard armor plates and soft armor ballistic panels. The MTV leverages the existing Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (E-SAPI) plates and soft armor ballistic panels.
“The MTV takes the current individual body armor design and includes additional comfort and weight distribution to a vest that cannot get much lighter until additional research from industry's Science and Technology experts can invent lighter ballistic materials,” said Capt. John Gutierrez, MARCORSYSCOM’s project officer for infantry combat equipment.
“The Marine Corps did not want to wait the three-five years it will take for this new technology. We decided to create the MTV knowing that its increased capabilities will make the warfighter happier, more comfortable and thus more combat effective,” he said.
Although the MTV and OTV are approximately the same weight, the MTV will feel lighter because of improved load distribution. Increased capability, improved integration and design modifications are the three major enhancement areas contributing to the slight weight difference.
Advancing a Marine’s combat effectiveness and safety is the MTV’s quick release system. This system is a single pull cord that instantly disassembles the vest typically used during escape situations when someone is trapped in a vehicle rollover or weighed down in deep water.
“Getting Marines out of the vest is mission critical,” said Chad Jorges, who served in combat as a hospital corpsman for 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “In today’s combat environment, most Marine injuries occur from snipers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). When you are hit by one, every second counts.” Jorges knows what he is talking about. He has been deployed twice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) efforts. Jorges served in Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2005.
“IEDs are constant threats in OEF/OIF,” said Jorges. “What you see on television pales in comparison to the actual moment when your vehicle hits an IED and rolls over. A lot of people are shaken up, disoriented or injured. The quick release system allows the wearer to rapidly get out of the vest to increase mobility.”
Enhancing the Marine’s safety, the MTV incorporates a medical access system designed to allow quick medical aid while being able to re-equip the vest for patient protection after treatment has been rendered.
“The vest has clips placed over the shoulders and Velcro in the front as the main closure device which works in conjunction with the medical access system,” said Jorges, an evaluator of the MTV prototype. “This capability allows for instant medical access and treatment if someone is compromised during combat missions.”
The side-SAPI plate, increasing the area of protection among the flanks of the body, is another key vest improvement identified by Jorges.
“Compared to the OTV, the MTV has added soft armor and material offering a five percent increase in area of coverage (AoC),” stated Gutierrez. “This increase in AoC adds protection to the sides of the torso and the lower back and kidney region. The bottom line is that it offers an increased capability at approximately the same weight.”
Putting the MTV to the Test… Marines Talked. The Corps Listened.
With combat operations highlighting the need for operational enhancements to the current vest, MARCORSYSCOM and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) hosted conferences with combat-experienced Marines at I and II MEF in Dec. 2005 to identify and prioritize enhancements to the OTV. Additionally, the command hosted an ‘Industry Day’– briefing more than 20 vendors– on required vest improvements.
“Ensuring the safety of Marines during operational efforts is our top priority,” stated Col. Ed Smith, MARCORSYSCOM’s product director for combat equipment and support systems. “We will always do whatever we can to rapidly get the right equipment to our Marines. We listen to their experience as they translate requirements to us, and then we ensure they are given the best options available.”
“The needs of Marines have evolved as a result of their missions with OEF/OIF,” said Smith. “It is MARCORSYSCOM’s responsibility to procure and sustain our Marines with the best possible solutions to ensure their safety and to enable the success of their missions.”
Once the requirements were compiled, 18 vendors presented prototype designs. Six vendors moved forward and were selected to submit prototype vests for a Limited User Evaluation (LUE). More than 40 Marines participated in the one-week LUE during Apr. 2006. Only three vendors were selected to submit an improved prototype vest for the Field User Evaluation (FUE). Involving more than 100 Marines, this rigorous three-week field evaluation was conducted at Camp Lejeune in July 2006. Continuing the Marine Corps’ close coordination with the U.S. Army on personal protective equipment, representatives from the Army witnessed the FUE testing at Camp Lejeune.
“Having been deployed for eight months to conduct combat operations in Afghanistan, I can honestly say the Marine Corps really put the evaluators and the MTVs to the test during those three weeks,” stated GySgt. Charles Baker, anti-armor platoon commander for weapons company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “I am happy to see that the Marine Corps took the time to get input from those who have been on the battlefield and know what the warfighter needs to be more effective in combat.”
The field evaluations included realistic environmental and situational scenarios. Test events included a forced march, movement to contact, rifle range, emergency exit drills and military operations on urbanized terrain facility maneuvers. Additional testing was conducted at other government laboratories. Overall design, fit, comfort, ease of assembly and the quick release design were key characteristics favored by 89 percent of the Marines.
“It is common for a Marine to wear a loaded vest for many hours in a harsh environment,” said Mujica. The cummerbund design really makes the vest feel lighter and more comfortable because the weight is better distributed throughout the body. This added comfort will help us be faster and more agile during combat situations while affording us a maximum amount of protection from various enemy threats.”
Tests validating the final MTV design will be conducted next month. This means Marines should expect the first batch of MTVs to arrive in Feb. 2007 at stateside Consolidated Issue Facilities. The Marine Corps currently has a contract with Protective Products International for 60,000 MTVs. This 11-month fielding process will sustain two rotations supporting OEF/OIF. The fielding of MTVs will be complemented with a comprehensive training program conducted at each MEF.
What Does the Future Hold? Emerging Technologies in Individual Body Armor
The Marine Corps is jointly working with other services, industry and various government labs to push technology to the next stage. “As technology continues to leapfrog, so will improvements to body armor,” said Gutierrez. “The next generation of body armor will offer significant advancements to existing solutions.”
The Marine Corps wants a more flexible armor solution, getting away from the hard ceramic plate. The desired next generation solution includes a 30 to 50 percent reduction in weight and while covering more of the torso area. “We are asking for a lot, but you have to push industry where you want it to go,” stated Gutierrez. “We want something that fits the body better and weighs less.
“Technology will always continue to advance, as will the Marine Corps’ ongoing efforts to provide increased protection and comfort to help the Marine become more combat effective,” said Gutierrez. “The Marine Corps is committed to provide the best available protective equipment to the warfighter in combat. Today, part of that equipment is the MTV.”
Ellie