Originally Posted by Bart
I used to think the flak vests issued to us were just that: great for protecting us against fragments from an explosive device, landmine, etc but not very effective against small arms fire. Then I saw a video clip of a soldier in Iraq who was shot by a sniper. The soldier went down, moved a little bit and then stood right back up with his weapon at the ready looking for the sniper. Unfortunately, not much information was available, but I think it's safe to assume that the sniper probably used an AK-47 and that the range was within 100 meters (most combatants lose accuracy due to panic, excitement, fear and other combat factors). Could be wrong, but like I said, there wasn't much supplementary information with the video clip. It was enough to dispel my previous beliefs about the flak vests.
Depends a GREAT deal on the vest.
The rifle used in the video was a Drugonov 7.62mm sniper rifle.
If you served pre-1999 and were issued with a PASGT vest (the one with two pockets on the front, not full webbing) - your fears were correct. Great for stopping fragmentation, and maybe pistol rounds if you're lucky - but anything from a rifle would zip right through.
The newer interceptor vests (double-over front fastening, with webbing attachments all over the front and lower back) and the great SPEAR vests (side-fastening, issued to special forces) are great. Lighter than ranger or PASGT + ISAPO, greater protection that anything that came before them, and the happy-flap groin panel will even save the family jewels from enemy fire.
What more could you want?