It’s bigger, easier to get out of — and just a bit heavier — but Corps officials say the new body armor vest will take care of Marines and make them more combat effective than they’ve ever been.Marine officials have released the first details of the new vest, known as the Modular Tactical Vest, after showing a prototype to Commandant Gen. Mike Hagee, who reportedly liked what he saw and gave it the final nod Oct. 19.
Officials say the MTV — which Marines will start wearing in February — is more comfortable, offers more areas of protection from bullets and shrapnel, and distributes the load better.
ThereÂ’s just one catch: At least for now, the MTV is about one pound heavier than the Interceptor Outer Tactical Vest system Marines have been wearing in combat since the war in Afghanistan began in October 2001.
Officials say the extra pound is offset by an improved weight-distribution system. And when you consider that the MTV offers far more side protection than the old Interceptor system, the extra pound or so is worth it, said Capt. Jeff Landis, a spokesman for Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico, Va.