MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Female defenders from the 6th Security Forces Squadron received a new and improved protective body armor at MacDill Air Force Base in February.
The new Improved Outer Tactical Vest is designed to fit higher on the waist, includes an adjustable corset on the back to tighten as needed, curved plates to better adapt to female curvature. It consists of a layered armor system versus the traditional vests, increasing range of motion, weight distribution and enhances necklines.
These new modifications and maneuverability are expected to help reduce injuries, improve effectiveness and increase morale and readiness. These improvements align with the Air Force’s dedication to enable Airmen to be more combat effective and ready every day.
“The 6th SFS, is bounding forward in efforts to actualize Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Brown’s charge, ‘Accelerate Change or Lose’, with the implementation of a brand new system of body armor specifically designed for female Defenders,” said 1st Lt. Clayton G. Utley, 6th SFS logistics officer.. “This is a giant leap forward for the security forces enterprise and enhancement to the operational readiness of our defenders on the front lines every day.”
The expectation of the new body armor is that it will better fit the female frame, countering a common problem of ill-fitting armor that can cause discomfort or even injury. Female defenders will now be able to choose armor made with their frame as the standard, keeping them from having to select a size that was the next closest size available.
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