Evaluation of the Low Intensity Threat Environment (LITE) Armor Plate and Third Generation Plate Carrier System for the United States Marine Corps
Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare a new low intensity threat environment armor plate and third generation plate carrier system (PC GEN III+LW) to the currently fielded enhanced small arms protective insert armor plate and legacy plate carrier system (Legacy+ESAPI) for combat effectiveness, comfort and fit. METHODS: Activ-duty Marines from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division aboard Camp Pendleton (San Diego, CA) were recruited for this effort. To analyze the effect of each body armor configuration on subsequent changes to metrics of physiology (heart rate and caloric expenditure), countermovement jump performance (peak force, peak power, and modified reactive strength index), and subjective opinion (comfort, maneuverability, and fatigue) data were collected during various training activities. These activities included field ruck march training, unit physical training, and culmination exercises over several weeks. RESULTS: The PC GEN III+LW body armor arrangement resulted in a significantly lighter absolute and relative load when compared to the Legacy+ESAPI personal protective configuration. Although relative and absolute loads were lighter when wearing the PC GEN III+LW, the bodys physiological response to each activity (average heart rate and caloric expenditure) were not significantly different. Nevertheless, Marines wearing the PC GEN III+LW expressed greater performance changes in peak power and modified reactive strength index during the countermovement jump task. From a subjective standpoint, Marines preferred the PC GEN III+LW body armor for its overall comfort, maneuverability, and subsequent perception of fatigue. However, Marines expressed recurrent themes requesting ergonomic alterations of the PC GEN III+LW to include a kangaroo pouch, an updated/strengthened buckle system, and more robust hook-and-loop closures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1106306
Entities
People
- Andrew Jensen
- Brenda Niederberger
- Dale Bergquist-Turori
- Jake Bernards
- Karen Kelly
- Laura Arrington
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center