The A/3-69 AR XO's tank responded to a threat to the field trains of about 60 dismounted enemy. While engaging the enemy with the 7.62 MG, the loader felt an impact to his chest that knocked him back into the turret. He told the XO he had been hit. The XO checked him for a wound, found none and directed him to continue to engage the enemy. After the fight they found the entry hole to the IBA, significant damage to the edge of the SAPI plate and a 7.62 round embedded in the protective liner of the OTV.

7.62 round glanced edge of SAPI and embedded in OTV

Other soldiers in A/3-69 AR made fun of the loader above because he wore an IBA inside the turret of an M1 until he was hit in the chest and survived. Vehicle crewman expressed a desire for similar protection. Some of the soldiers we interviewed said IBA was suitable for the turret. Others said it was not. Due to the nature of the threat, M1 and M2 crews spent a significant amount of time exposed in the hatches, engaging dismounted enemy around their vehicles, as they pushed through. Vehicle crewmen took it upon themselves to modify their issued Spall Vest to increase the protection. One crewman in 3-7 CAV took the protective pads from three different spall vests and put them into one. The soldiers in 3-69 AR found they could put IBA SAPI plates into the spall vest.

Soldier-modified Spall Vest with 3X protection (6 layers)

JSLIST: The vast majority of comments reference this piece of equipment were positive. As one brigade commander stated "Unbelievable. I don't like wearing MOPP, but this one is OK." Soldier felt JSLIST was a vast improvement over its predecessor. The negative comments were that most received the woodland green suit and, for the crewmen, the material is not flame retardant which forces them to wear JSLIST and NOMEX - which is not ideal in this heat. They felt the suspenders were poor quality and made defecating in the field very difficult.

Combat Identification: Commanders expressed a need for thermal and IR recognition features for the uniform. The "bat wing" configuration for the helmet worked well because it was less prone to fall off. All soldiers had a small patch of Velcro on their left sleeve for glint tape - we should consider adding this feature to future combat uniforms. Another suggestion was to embed the recognition tape into the fabric of the helmet cover and uniform sleeve.

Aid Bag/Combat Lifesaver Bag: Soldiers were dissatisfied with how the aid bag mounts to the ruck. They felt it made for too wide of a profile in the back to front dimension especially when exiting an aircraft during airborne operations. The CLS bag is not currently attached to the ruck externally. Soldiers expressed a desire that the CLS bag be larger and attach externally. The Dixie splint in the aid bag was deemed too fragile.

Eye Protection: In general, soldiers were very appreciative of the WileyX sun glasses.