Seems the Russians have an innovation we might want to look into. “naval-technology.com” reports, “The Russian naval infantry is to be equipped with bulletproof life vests…(the vest)…provides full ballistic protection against light weapon threats in addition to being a floatation device. Delivery of the life vests will begin in 2011.”
Considering the drowning of ME3 Shaun Lin, Oct. 13th, during an exercise, perhaps we need to take another look at how we are equipping our boarding officers, to make sure that their flotation devices can in fact keep them afloat, even when wearing full boarding equipment.
Combining ballistic protection with the flotation device would, if nothing else, simplify preparation for boardings. It also looks like a good idea for our exposed gun crews on crew served weapons.
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I’m not 100% sure (I was Security Division, not Boat Division), but I think the PSU’s have had these in the past, possibly still do. I agree its a great idea for general use on all MLE/ATFP/”Combat” type operations.
I can’t find a link to a reference, but I do know the US Army fielded a PFD/body armor in Vietnam. I’m not sure how well it worked in either role.
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