Previous models, particularly the Interceptor Body Armor, were designed
to be worn as a jacket. As a result, IOTV has required another person to
help in fitting.
Soldiers can also detach the fasteners of IOTV on the wearer's left
shoulder. This would enable the wearer to slip into the vest from the side.
IOTV has been issued to soldiers with 120 days or more remaining on
their tour in Iraq. Officers said most soldiers were reported to have been
adapting to the new body armor system.
The new system also contained a quick release lanyard that reduces the
vest to its component pieces. The design was meant to enable the wearer to
shed his vest easily in an emergency.
IOTV also contained a flush front. Officers said this enabled more room
to attach accessories to carry weapon magazines and other equipment.
Still, soldiers have complained that some elements of IOTV were flawed.
They cited the penchant of the quick release system to pull the vest apart,
forcing soldiers to add tape to the cord to prevent it from loosening.
"The quick-release feature was a good idea," Piotrowski said. "But I
hear it's a pain to put back together. If something does happen where you're
submerged under water or something like that, it'll be a lot better to take
this vest off rather than the other one where you have to take it off like a
jacket. The new system will just fall off of you."
