Having a Vested Interest

By MARK THOMPSON

U.S. military planners are marveling over the success of a key piece of battlefield equipment, worn for the first time by U.S. troops in combat. The new lightweight Kevlar vest, officially dubbed "interceptor body armor," is being credited for holding down casualties in the just completed battle for Shah-i-Kot. Some soldiers pinned down in fire fights survived AK-47 and other small-arms fire to their chest and back because of the new vest. After the battle, soldiers noted that most of the wounds suffered by U.S. troops were in the arms and legs.

The $500 camouflage Outer Tactical Vest weighs in at a relatively light 8 lbs. and protects troops against flying fragments from artillery and hand grenades. Further protection against bullets is provided by two Small Arms Protective Inserts, ceramic plates weighing 4 lbs. apiece, which are slipped into pockets on the front and back of the vest. The whole outfit costs the Army $1,500 and adds just 16 lbs. to a soldier's gear, making it likelier than the old Kevlar vest (which weighed in at 25 lbs.) to be worn in all combat situations.

--By Mark Thompson