Modular Body Armor Vest

The Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV) is a bullet-proof vest made by Eagle Industries and used by the United States Military. The vest is standard issue for many members of the United States special operations forces including the 75th Ranger Regiment. 10,000 vests are being deployed on an interim basis with the U.S. Marine Corps while it develops the Scalable Plate Carrier. The vest was also evaluated by the U.S. Army.

Design
The vest has removable plates. The MBAV doesn’t offer as much coverage as the IOTV. The vest weighs 16 lb, averaging about 13 lb lighter than the IOTV. Lighter armor has become a priority due to the terrain of Afghanistan. It is only meant to protect the vital areas with armored plates, instead covering non-vital areas with soft armor.

History
The vest has been standard issue for many members of the United States special operations forces including the 75th Ranger Regiment. 10,000 vests are being deployed on an interim basis with the U.S. Marine Corps while it develops the Scalable Plate Carrier. 500 vests were intended to be evaluated by the U.S. Army for two months beginning in April 2009 in Afghanistan. Army acquisition officials delayed the assessment to complete additional safety testing. Three-dozen airborne troops took part in Soldier Protection Demonstration VII at Yuma Proving Ground in May 2009. The soldiers analyzed eight plate carrier vests including the MBAV. A different plate carrier was selected for procurement.