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chaotic_nipple"The troops don't need heavier armor, it will just slow them down and get them killed." There is some truth to this argument, eventually you'll get past the point of diminishing returns. I just don't think we're there yet. Specifically, the extra ten pounds added by side mounted SAPI plates is almost guaranteed to save more grunts than it kills.
Why am I so sure? Because I remember when people made the EXACT SAME CLAIMS about the front and back SAPIs when the Interceptor vest was first issued. Is there anyone left who still thinks the extra 7 pounds wasn't worth it?
If the added weight really does turn out to be an issue when troops are on foot, it should be trivially easy to rig up a quick-release system. Wear the side protection while riding in a humvee and be safer from IED explosions (which usually come from the side), spend ten seconds taking them off before you go out on foot. Best of both worlds, right? Which is why, of course, the Powers What Is will never even consider it. :-P
Why am I so sure? Because I remember when people made the EXACT SAME CLAIMS about the front and back SAPIs when the Interceptor vest was first issued. Is there anyone left who still thinks the extra 7 pounds wasn't worth it?
If the added weight really does turn out to be an issue when troops are on foot, it should be trivially easy to rig up a quick-release system. Wear the side protection while riding in a humvee and be safer from IED explosions (which usually come from the side), spend ten seconds taking them off before you go out on foot. Best of both worlds, right? Which is why, of course, the Powers What Is will never even consider it. :-P