Plate Carrier Gen III es la denominaci\u00f3n del nuevo sistema de protecci\u00f3n bal\u00edstica individual para el US Marines. Completamente modular, permite el agregado de diferentes Placas Bal\u00edsticas, siendo un 25% m\u00e1s liviano que el anterior, fue redise\u00f1ado ergon\u00f3micamente para dar m\u00e1s comodidad en el empleo de las armas de hombro, as\u00ed como movilidad y el ajuste al cuerpo de diferentes contexturas f\u00edsicas, tanto para hombres como mujeres.<\/p>\n
QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps has begun fielding a next-generation protective vest that provides improved fit, form and function for Marines.<\/p>\n
The Plate Carrier Generation III is a lightweight plate carrying system that guards against bullets and fragmentation when coupled with protective plates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis system protects Marines on the battlefield,\u201d said Lt. Col. Andrew Konicki, the Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command. \u201cThe PC Gen. III is important because it is nearly 25-percent lighter than the legacy technology.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Marine Corps constantly looks for ways to lighten the load for Marines. PM ICE worked with industry to remove excess bulk from the legacy Plate Carrier, which was fielded in 2011. The elimination of excess material reduces the overall weight of the system and increases maneuverability, said Konicki.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you lighten the load, Marines can get to their destinations faster and they\u2019re going to have more endurance, which increases their lethality,\u201d said Konicki.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe PC Gen. III improves the Marines\u2019 ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle stock weld,\u201d said Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead<\/p>\n
In 2016, MCSC conducted a study to analyze the components and effectiveness of a prototype version of the PC Gen. III. Marines tested both the legacy and prototype systems during various obstacle courses, including a 15-kilometer hike at a fixed pace.<\/p>\n
The results of the study showed that participants completed the courses faster and appeared better conditioned when using the newer technology. Marines\u2019 mobility and ability to handle a weapon improved when using the PC Gen. III prototype, said Konicki.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe PC Gen. III improves the Marines\u2019 ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle stock weld,\u201d added Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead in PM ICE.<\/p>\n
Fits men and women<\/b><\/p>\n
Another advantage of the PC Gen. III lies in its fit. MCSC increased the variation of sizes, enabling nearly 15,000 more Marines\u2014both male and female\u2014to fit into the system when compared with the legacy technology, said Konicki. The newer system fits closer to the body, increasing protection and decreasing the risk of injury due to improper fit.<\/p>\n
The next-generation system is designed to fit individuals of all sizes and statures\u2014from the 2nd percentile female Marine to the 98th percentile male Marine. A curvature in the associated protective plates accommodates chest and abdomen size without compromising protection.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think there\u2019s a misconception that all females are small, and that\u2019s not always true\u201d said Konicki. \u201cWe conducted a study that found the smallest Marine is actually male.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Konicki, during multiple user evaluations female Marines have said they prefer the newer technology to the legacy system because of its fit and mobility.<\/p>\n
Infantry and infantry-like Marines will be the first to receive the PC Gen. III. The new vest body armor will then be fielded to supporting units. The program office expects the PC Gen III to reach Full Operational Capability by fiscal year 2023.<\/p>\n