Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1000484
The front flap has Velcro straps. The right side of the vest is connected with the left part with three rectangular Velcro that allow the initial "donning", but they do not ensure the final, tight connection. For that purpose, there is another large Velcro strap sewn-on on the outside surface, which is also fastened with an outer flap. The closure is firm and reliable only when the second outer Velcro strap has been fastened. The front and the back part of the vest are tapered towards the collar. Protection of those areas is provided thanks to the shoulders that, on the outside, are made of reinforced 9 oz. Woodland nylon, and olive green, ballistic nylon on the outside. There are13 layers of Kevlar inside. The bottom edge of the shoulders includes elastic straps that are connected with the main part with double snaps. Depending on the manufacturer and the contract, those snaps can be visible on the straps or hidden under an additional layer of material. The addition of shoulder pads did not only increase the comfort of user's movements, but also allowed – depending on soldiers' preferences – wearing ALICE suspenders under or over them. When the equipment was worn under the shoulder pads, it increased stability and allowed setting up the vest together with load bearing equipment, as one element, which was of particular importance in case of emergency situations. When the equipment was worn over the shoulder pads, it was more comfortable, because the load was distributed on a wider area, but required to extend the suspenders, so it led to lower stability. Nylon 9 oz. was also used for the reinforcement for the rifle stock located below the shoulder pads. At the front part of the vest, there were also two sewn-on NYCO pockets fastened with Velcro straps – just as in M65 field jackets and pants. Above, there were three sections of 1-inch webbing strap, divided with seams, for grenades and other equipment. Inside the vest, on the back, there is a sewn- on pocket with a "shorter" manual and the contract printed on it. The manual booklet would be inside. In the bottom edge there were nine drainage holes. PASGT vests replaced the older models used in the American army at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. Photos from "Just Cause" in Panama in 1989 show that some soldiers were still equipped with old vests. In West Germany, at the end of the 1980s, the soldiers would still receive M69 and older models, even M1952A. Vests were relatively expensive and the price was approx. $200-300. Brand new vests were provided only for combat use. Fot training purpose they were only used for live fire training with grenades, LAW launchers or artillery. www.fragoutmag.com