Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
San Diego Union-Tribune
February 28, 2008 By Chelsea J. Carter, Associated Press
The Marine Corps commandant has halted the remaining delivery of new flak jackets after his troops in Afghanistan and Iraq complained that the gear was too heavy and cumbersome.
Gen. James T. Conway made the decision to suspend the order of 24,000 vests, known as the Modular Tactical Vest, after questioning whether the new design was practical for Marines.
At about 19 pounds, depending on the size, the vest is 3 pounds heavier than the model it replaced, Conway's spokesman, Lt. Col. T.V. Johnson, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. Concerns also have been raised about its pull-on design, which can be difficult for Marines to put on.
“His bottom line was the Marines aren't happy with it, and we need to take a look at mitigating it,” Johnson said. He also said Conway's decision had nothing to do with concerns over the vest's safety.
“Some of the features are probably not quite where they need to be,” Johnson said.
The vest manufacturer, Protective Products International of Sunrise, Fla., did not return a telephone call seeking comment.
Johnson said 84,000 of the new vests that were ordered in 2006 are already being worn by combat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. An additional order of 24,000 that was expected to be delivered later this year has been put on hold, he said.
The new vests cost the Corps about $600 each. They were chosen to replace the predecessor Outer Tactical Vest, which varies in weight between 9 and 33 pounds.
They can be tugged on over the head and have a quick-release cord that allows the wearer to squirm out quickly in emergencies – such as falling into water.
Marines tested the vest in early 2006 and selected it based on recommendations made by a group of Marine combat veterans, Johnson said.
Conway made the decision to halt the order after evaluating the vest during a recent visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, where concerns raised by his troops about the design “sealed the deal,” Johnson said.
News of Conway's decision to halt the order comes as investigators are looking into allegations that the Marine Corps delayed sending blast-resistant trucks to Iraq and whether they were negligent in delivering a laser to divert drivers and other people from checkpoints and convoys.
February 28, 2008 By Chelsea J. Carter, Associated Press
The Marine Corps commandant has halted the remaining delivery of new flak jackets after his troops in Afghanistan and Iraq complained that the gear was too heavy and cumbersome.
Gen. James T. Conway made the decision to suspend the order of 24,000 vests, known as the Modular Tactical Vest, after questioning whether the new design was practical for Marines.
At about 19 pounds, depending on the size, the vest is 3 pounds heavier than the model it replaced, Conway's spokesman, Lt. Col. T.V. Johnson, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. Concerns also have been raised about its pull-on design, which can be difficult for Marines to put on.
“His bottom line was the Marines aren't happy with it, and we need to take a look at mitigating it,” Johnson said. He also said Conway's decision had nothing to do with concerns over the vest's safety.
“Some of the features are probably not quite where they need to be,” Johnson said.
The vest manufacturer, Protective Products International of Sunrise, Fla., did not return a telephone call seeking comment.
Johnson said 84,000 of the new vests that were ordered in 2006 are already being worn by combat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. An additional order of 24,000 that was expected to be delivered later this year has been put on hold, he said.
The new vests cost the Corps about $600 each. They were chosen to replace the predecessor Outer Tactical Vest, which varies in weight between 9 and 33 pounds.
They can be tugged on over the head and have a quick-release cord that allows the wearer to squirm out quickly in emergencies – such as falling into water.
Marines tested the vest in early 2006 and selected it based on recommendations made by a group of Marine combat veterans, Johnson said.
Conway made the decision to halt the order after evaluating the vest during a recent visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, where concerns raised by his troops about the design “sealed the deal,” Johnson said.
News of Conway's decision to halt the order comes as investigators are looking into allegations that the Marine Corps delayed sending blast-resistant trucks to Iraq and whether they were negligent in delivering a laser to divert drivers and other people from checkpoints and convoys.