Variable Body Armor (VBA)

Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 admin The Vietnam War, Ballistic Protective 11,842 views

“Variable” means you may use the two plates them self, or integrated into vest.

(following instruction copied from carrier’s label)

THIS ARMOR MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.

  • This variable armor vest provides protection against shell and grenade fragments when worn without the rigid armor front and back plates.
  • When the armor plates are in the vest, .30 cal. ball protection is provided.
  • Plates are removable and can be worn with the load carrying suspender.
  • DO NOT LOSE THE PLATES.
  • Place vest on over the head, with snap fasteners closed and webbing adjusted to provide a large enough head opening.
  • Pull the webbing to close the shoulder opening and adjust for comfort.
  • Lap left side strap over front of vest and then lap right side strap over front, with front of vest overlapping back to prevent snagging.
  • For quick release, grasp end of elastic webbing on right side strap and pull. Pullup the snap fastener tab with pile ends.
  • Brush all dirt from “touch and close” fasteners.
  • DO NOT LAUNDER OR DRY CLEAN!
  • Wear the vest at all times in combat.

(following content copied from plate’s stamp)

THIS ARMOR MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE

It will protect vital areas against .30 cal. ball small arms fire and shell/grenade fragments.

The front and back armor plates may be worn several ways:

  1. Plates in the pockets of the variable armor vest. (Body armor, ground troops, variable type small arms/fragmentation protective nylon felt vest).
  2. Front Plate only — slip webbing strap ends thru and over the web keepers on top of the padded portion of the load carrying suspender and then thru the reverse side of the middle slot in the non-slip buckle, reverse direction of webbing and pass thru remaining slot so that the end of the webbing is toward the shoulder. Wrap the side webbing around the waist and lap over front plate. Adjust for comfort by pulling upon the 2 shoulder webbing ends. For quick release, pull forward on both buckles and open front strap.
  3. Front & Back Plate with — load carrying suspender — place back webbing strap ends thru the web keepers on top of padded portion of the load carrying suspender and into the non-slip buckles on the front plate, the same as described above. Wrap the side webbing around waist and lap over front plate. Adjust for comfort by pulling up on the 2 shoulder webbing ends. For quick release, pull forward on both buckles and open front strap.
  4. Front and Back Plate — without load carrying equipment — place back plate webbing strap ends thru the non-slip buckles on the front plate, the same as above. Wrap the side webbing around waist and lap over front plate. Adjust for comfort by pulling up on the webbing ends. For quick release, same as above.

WEAR AT ALL TIMES IN COMBAT

 

Stock Number Reference:

Body Armor w/ Plate Insert

Body Armor, Ground Troops, Variable Type, Small Arms

Assign Date: 1968-06-05

Chest Sz. / Height Sz. REGULAR LONG
MEDIUM 8470-141-0935 8470-141-0937
LARGE 8470-141-0936 8470-141-0938

 

Plate Insert

Body Armor, Ground Troops, Front And Back Plates w/ Integral Carrier, 30 Caliber Protective

Assign Date: 1968-06-05

Front Insert:

Chest Sz. / Height Sz. REGULAR LONG
MEDIUM 8470-141-0939 8470-141-0941
LARGE 8470-141-0940 8470-141-0942

Back Insert:

Chest Sz. / Height Sz. REGULAR LONG
MEDIUM 8470-141-0943 8470-141-0945
LARGE 8470-141-0944 8470-141-0946

 

Vest Main Body

Vest, Body Armor, Ground Troops, Variable Type, Small Arms

Assign Date: 1968-06-05

Chest Sz. / Height Sz. REGULAR LONG
MEDIUM 8470-141-0947 8470-141-0949
LARGE 8470-141-0948 8470-141-0950

 

ROK Force