The new vest includes a quick-release system that allows the soldier to get out of it quickly in case there’s a risk of drowning. The IOTV, Generation II is lighter than the original OTV worn by soldiers during the first Gulf War and offers much more protection than the old flak vest worn by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Both soldiers were also wearing the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, Generation II, which Medina said protects from small-arms fire up to 7.62 mm in the chest, side and back, and up to 9 mm in the collar, groin and lower back extenders. The goggles were ready for use in less than two minutes. To demonstrate the ease with which NVGs can be attached, another soldier assisted Amstutz in mounting the goggles to his helmet. The ACH offers increased ballistics protection, Amstutz said, and like the PASGT, includes a clamp on the front of the helmet that allows for the attachment of night vision goggles.

Both soldiers were wearing the new Advance Combat Helmet, which replaced the Personal Armor System for Ground Troops helmet. Luis Medina, also a scout with the 2/7th, on Tuesday demonstrated the body armor now worn by most 3rd ID soldiers as their unit prepared for a training exercise.

“A lot of our guys were peppered with shrapnel, but there were no injuries.” Amstutz and Spc. Daniel Amstutz, a scout serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment. “When I was in Afghanistan, our convoy was attacked by (rocket-propelled grenades),” explained Sgt. Two soldiers serving with 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division said they’ve learned to “trust” the new body armor that protects more than just their heads and hearts from small-arms fire. Personal body armor has been worn by soldiers for thousands of years even ancient warriors recognized the need to protect the head and heart, whether it was from arrows and spears or bullets and shrapnel.

Ancient warfare 2 courier