Article

2006-01-12 Iraq

Army to Send Even Better Body Armor to Iraq

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Posted by Steve White 2006-01-12 00:00|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 So just adding the two side plates adds 6 pounds to the vest?

I can't help but wonder if titanium plate might be better... believe it or not, there's one company manufacturing titanium and/or ceramic and/or other composites (they're a little secretive) scale mail (with circular scales).

Posted by Phil 2006-01-12 01:02|| 2006-01-12 01:02|| Front Page Top

#2 How much do the ceramic inserts for the side weigh, per square inch of coverage?

Posted by Phil 2006-01-12 01:02|| 2006-01-12 01:02|| Front Page Top

#3 The committee chairman, Sen. John Warner, said he was satisfied the military was ensuring that U.S. troops had adequate body armor. ``Everything that can be done, is being done,'' said Warner, R-Va. ......Congressman Barney Franks D-MA indicated he was taking personal interest in the utility and functionality of velcro cod pieces.

Posted by Besoeker 2006-01-12 07:20|| 2006-01-12 07:20|| Front Page Top

#4 ``Our soldiers and their families deserve nothing less,'' Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said in a statement.

Just like Mary Jo Kopechne, eh, Senator?

Posted by Raj 2006-01-12 08:39|| 2006-01-12 08:39|| Front Page Top

#5 Do HUMVEES float? Well, they should...

Posted by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy 2006-01-12 09:46|| 2006-01-12 09:46|| Front Page Top

#6 "Sorenson said the protective vest that soldiers now wear has been improved seven times." Sounds like they are doing exactly what should be done: Find flaws and improve. Teddy and Shillary think that if we add another 50 pounds of armor each soldier will be invincible. Idiots!

Posted by Cyber Sarge">Cyber Sarge 2006-01-12 10:48|| 2006-01-12 10:48|| Front Page Top

#7 6 pounds doesn't sound like a lot but any added weight makes a difference. How much ammo or other stuff will be left? One of the problems on D-Day in Europe was the soldiers, (airborne and infantry) were overloaded, many of them carrying over 100 pounds of stuff. There are the quick and there are the dead. Speed makes a BIG difference.

Posted by Deacon Blues">Deacon Blues 2006-01-12 11:18|| 2006-01-12 11:18|| Front Page Top

#8 Six pounds is a ton of weight to add to what they already wear. Are they even going to wear that stuff once they get it?

Posted by bigjim-ky 2006-01-12 13:28|| 2006-01-12 13:28|| Front Page Top

#9 But some Democrats urged more congressional oversight on body-armor issues.

Oh, great! Boy, nothing would kill initiative and inventiveness quicker than congressional oversight. Not to mention stretching out development times and increasing costs. Somebody please shoot this bunch of idiots before they cost us another war.

Posted by Old Patriot">Old Patriot 2006-01-12 16:14|| http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/]">[http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com/] 2006-01-12 16:14|| Front Page Top

#10 I'm torn on this issue. My son is a young Marine who served in Iraq with the 3/2. Marines did take casualties that could possibly have been prevented by the addition of these new side body plates. However, summer temps can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit in Iraq and that puts one hell of a stress on the body when hauling all of the gear that these Marines are required to carry. I know of many boys that were overcome by that heat. Add to that the potential loss of mobility. It makes me wonder if we could be doing more harm than good. Though I know the intentions are sincere. I know there are people out there working to develop a more light weight protective plate. I've met some of those people. Lets all hope that one of them makes a breakthrough soon.

Posted by Buzzsaw 2006-01-12 18:07|| 2006-01-12 18:07|| Front Page Top

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