US Army IOTV

[Fighting-B]

Anyone have more info on this?

[Amazing KG3]

Is this the new armor issued out? Theres a big article somewheres on Militaryphotos.net.

[Lerch]

Yup that's the new stuff...

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/0..._vest_070402w/

[Fighting-B]

https://www.peosoldier.army.mil/mediaalerts/iotv.asp
I found that on this link here, but I still don't know which company it is and more information on it. Will there be a replica coming out?

[Drake]

I guess there'll be a lot of cheap IBAs on eBay now :P

[Desmodus]

Its a pretty sweet vest, I hear its 3 Lbs lighter than the vests they currently use, and has all these sweet little features. They'd better make a replica soon

[rc_p120]

I don't understand why they (DoD) didn't just make one universal replacement for the IBA instead of an army version and a marines version (MTV). But oh well, more money to spend eh?

Another thing I don't get is the decision to use a front opening system like the land Ciras, as opposed to side opening. It kind of restricts the amount of pouches and how you can configure them up front.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by rc_p120

I don't understand why they (DoD) didn't just make one universal replacement for the IBA instead of an army version and a marines version (MTV). But oh well, more money to spend eh?

Another thing I don't get is the decision to use a front opening system like the land Ciras, as opposed to side opening. It kind of restricts the amount of pouches and how you can configure them up front.

Well, for one, USMC and Army both select the gear they'll adopt, not DoD. And the Marine MTV had been in development long before the IOTV came along. The Marines have actually gone through quite a few armors since they replaced the PASGT flak vests (FSBE AAV, FSBE AAV QR, IBA, some FR were/are using CIRAS and other stuff).

As for the front opening, I think it's just generally easier to get in and out of. It may also have to do with the design, since the vest is quick releasable.

I also don't think PALS real estate is that much of an issue currently; if you look at pictures of troops (US) deployed right now, nobody's got that many. With plates in, in the heat, I doubt anyone is looking to carry around more shit than they need to. Plus if you look at how people are deployed now, everyone's pretty much mechanized... so they carry some ammo, but the rest probably stays in the HMMWV.