Here's a headspinner: After the DOD awarded an initial contract for 120,000 new XSAPI plates, the brass told congress in a hearing yesterday that they plan on shelving the plates because the extra 1/2 pound adds too much weight to an already heavy IBA.
From the AP:
Concerned that U.S. troops are already saddled with too much heavy gear, military officials will not require them to wear improved body armor until manufacturers cut the weight of the new protective plates. The Army plans to buy 120,000 sets of the advanced bullet-blocking plates this year. This initial purchase of the plates, known as "XSAPI," will be stocked in Kuwait and be available if commanders need them, service officials said at a congressional hearing Wednesday.
Click here for the blow-by-blow from the House Armed Services Committee hearing.
