[LetsRok]

Since when is body armor part of the normal gear of a soldier? I don't remember body armor being part of the normal equipment in previous wars.

Body armor is a luxury item to be used only for police actions, NOT wars.

[dixierat22]

During Viet Nam, some cambat troops were issued "flak vests" which were heavy and not very good. In the mid 70's, we (in the 2nd Ranger Batt) were issued more modern stuff for trials. The body armor is a more recent development and just keeps getting better.

[military cop]

Don't take this the wrong way, but Bite Me.

I just got back from Iraq in December. The new body armor is a replacement for Vietnam issue flak vest that were worthless in the desert. The new Interceptor vests are Point Blank Level I police body armor with three ballistic plates capable of stopping a 7.62 round (that's AK-47 for you who went "Huh?")

I'd MUCH rather be there with than without and I've seen the results of firefights where a young troop took a 7.62 from about 25 feet and walked away from it with nothing more than a deep bruise and a case of the ass.

Our troops deserve the best. MY President insisted on giving it to us. I'd follow the man to hell and back. So would the lion's share of my troops.


RLTW

[armymarinemom]

Body armor is a luxury item to be used only for police actions, NOT wars.

Sorry but they do have body armour. I wouldn't use that argument against a lib.