[GarySpFc]

The third-generation body armor the Army is looking at, which at 31 pounds weighs twice as much as the current vest, could actually interfere with soldiers' ability to operate, Wells said. "Let's look at the weight," he said. "And what is this taking away tactically from the soldier in terms of speed and maneuverability that can have an adverse effect?"

Thirty-one pounds will create slow targets for the enemy. I would rather be a faster and more elusive.

[jb6]

Oh, good God. A 31 pound vest on top of a 70 lb ruck, a 10 lb uniform, your weapon, ammunition, water, MREs, etc. Yeah, you'll be able to roll and manuever all right. Not to mention the present crappy vest (the chicken vest worn by crew members stops bullets better, we shot both in Bosnia to test them) raises you core body temp by 10 degrees.

[endthematrix]

"I would rather be a faster and more elusive."

What about on a security detail at a Baghdad intersection?

Granted while on patrol in full gear, the load is HEAVY! But without the pack and everything else close in a vehicle, having that extra protection is lighter with that peace of mind.

[Sarajevo]

31lbs is nuts, especially in that environment.