Since we started recieving these new vests (2001 and on) we've been told that they have to be checked every year (end of deployment) for major tears, kevlar breaking down (heavy use, excessive weather exposure), and impact damage. Apparently the average vest issued to an Infantyman (or anybody else who operates in it alot) lasts about 3 years (this according to several supply types over the last 6 years of turning stuff in). The plates get updated about every two years so I have no idea how long they last, but my guys were told to look for any plate over three years old, and to turn it in if found. We've had a couple of defective serials on K-plates, and they break down just like the vest. Since they're hard, they tend to break when they've taken a heavy impact (designed to to help mitigate kenitic impact). The plates apparently breakdown more from extreme temps (heat/cold).
For T2000......I wouldn't worry about it too much (just another pain to track/worry about). Tracking the impact damage seems solid enough. Now as possible GM tool to hint at/use to help the story move about...sure. I would imagine the plates being the hardest thing to find/replace in T2K (same goes for K-pots). Hope this helps.
Scouts Out
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