[scan59]

I remember being issued the heavy, old style flak jacket for training and manuvers, and then being told that if this was a real situation they really wouldn't do us any good.

Protection against shrapnel, not bullets.

[68skylark]

I remember being issued the heavy, old style flak jacket for training and manuvers, and then being told that if this was a real situation they really wouldn't do us any good. Protection against shrapnel, not bullets.

I was taught in basic that shrapnel wounded or killed soldiers 4-5 times as often as bullets. So protection against shrapnel isn't worthless. Still, this country is very wealthy and I can't imagine any reason why our troops shouldn't have the best new body armor.

[RightWhale]

Protection against shrapnel, not bullets.

Yes, and little use against bomb blast and fire. The guerilla weapon of choice seems to be bombs. Competent snipers seem to be rare anymore.

[FlyVet]

Protection against shrapnel, not bullets.

Not to mention, they weigh a ton. I never had to wear one except for a few week long exercises, but I can how it could slow you down after awhile. $650 is a lot cheaper than severe injury or death, not even counting the SGLI payout.

[El Gato]

if this was a real situation they really wouldn't do us any good.

Well, since "shrapnel" typically kill more soldiers than bullets, I'd say they would do you alot of good. YMMV depending on the situation. With most of the casualiteis now appearing to come from mortars and improvished explosives, not AK rounds, I'd say even the old flak jacket would be worth keeping around your bod.

[Centurion2000]

I remember being issued the heavy, old style flak jacket for training and manuvers, and then being told that if this was a real situation they really wouldn't do us any good.

Protection against shrapnel, not bullets.

Artillery is still the biggest killer on the battlefield.

I cannot think of one soft body armor vest that will stop a 308 round. You have to add the plates.

And the soldier of today has money spent on his gear than ever before.