Originally Posted by shillard
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?
Thanks for the info. The last time I wore one of those vests was in 1996. Good thing I didn't put too much stock in those flak vests. Certainly would have given me a pretty sour attitude to find out the hard way just how ineffective those vests really were.
