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Corps Fields Next-Generation Body Armor To Marines
by U.S. Marine Corps Matt Gonzales, Systems Command
April 10,
2020
The Marine Corps has begun fielding a next-generation protective
vest that provides improved fit, form and function for Marines.
The Plate Carrier Generation III is a lightweight plate carrying
system that guards against bullets and fragmentation when coupled
with protective plates.
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January 25, 2020 - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division provides cover fire during the Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.
While these Marines are wearing vest body armor ... a new
vest body armor using Plate Carrier Generation III (inset
bottom right), a lightweight plate carrying system, will be
fielded to supporting units by fiscal year 2023. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jack C. Howell)
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“This system protects Marines on the
battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Konicki, the Program Manager for
Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command. “The PC
Gen. III is important because it is nearly 25-percent lighter than
the legacy technology.”
The Marine Corps constantly looks for
ways to lighten the load for Marines. PM ICE worked with industry to
remove excess bulk from the legacy Plate Carrier, which was fielded
in 2011. The elimination of excess material reduces the overall
weight of the system and increases maneuverability, said Konicki.
“When you lighten the load, Marines can get to their
destinations faster and they’re going to have more endurance, which
increases their lethality,” said Konicki.
In 2016, MCSC
conducted a study to analyze the components and effectiveness of a
prototype version of the PC Gen. III. Marines tested both the legacy
and prototype systems during various obstacle courses, including a
15-kilometer hike at a fixed pace.
The results of the study
showed that participants completed the courses faster and appeared
better conditioned when using the newer technology. Marines’
mobility and ability to handle a weapon improved when using the PC
Gen. III prototype, said Konicki.
“The PC Gen. III improves
the Marines’ ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk
from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle
stock weld,” added Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead
in PM ICE.
Fits Men and Women
Another advantage of the
PC Gen. III lies in its fit. MCSC increased the variation of sizes,
enabling nearly 15,000 more Marines—both male and female—to fit into
the system when compared with the legacy technology, said Konicki.
The newer system fits closer to the body, increasing protection and
decreasing the risk of injury due to improper fit.
The
next-generation system is designed to fit individuals of all sizes
and statures—from the 2nd percentile female Marine to the 98th
percentile male Marine. A curvature in the associated protective
plates accommodates chest and abdomen size without compromising
protection.
“I think there’s a misconception that all females
are small, and that’s not always true” said Konicki. “We conducted a
study that found the smallest Marine is actually male.”
According to Konicki, during multiple user evaluations female
Marines have said they prefer the newer technology to the legacy
system because of its fit and mobility.
Infantry and
infantry-like Marines will be the first to receive the PC Gen. III.
The new vest body armor will then be fielded to supporting units.
The program office expects the PC Gen III to reach Full Operational
Capability by fiscal year 2023.
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