Marines suspend order for 24K flak jackets over complaints by troops

Associated Press - February 27, 2008 11:23 PM ET

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The Marine Corps' top general has suspended an order for new flak jackets to be sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Corps spokesman says there are complaints the vests are heavy and cumbersome.

A spokesman says Commandant General James Conway made the decision after hearing troops complain about the vests during a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conway is said to have no concerns about the safety of the vests. The spokesman says 84,000 of the vests are already in use by combat troops.

The vests, manufactured by Protective Products International and known as Modular Tactical Vests, were ordered in 2006.

The vests were chosen because they can be tugged on over the head and have a quick-release cord that allows troops to remove them quickly in emergencies -- such as falling into water.

Ellie