Body Armor in T2K

[dragoon500ly]

I remember reading someplace that kevlar is chemically inert so it doesn't break down over time. I'm checking some sites and if I can find more info, I'll post the link.

[HorseSoldier]

If stored in such a manner that it creases or gets folded that will also create weak points in the armor.

[dragoon500ly]

According to the US Army, kevlar vests have a service life span of 20 years. They are supposed to be stored flat and not exposed to direct sunlight unless being worn (i.e. supply can't leave a flat of vests exposed to weather).

Vests are to be inspected for water damage, tears, rips on a yearly basis and returned to depot in case any defects are discovered.

If a vest has been hit by fragments or bullets, the vest is to be carefully inspected and used if mission essential, but to be returned to supply at the first chance.

Ballistic plates are strictly to be replaced at the first chance. If, for any reason, the plate cannot be returned to supply, it is to be destroyed in such a manner as to render it useless.

Hope this helps!

[Griff]

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

[simonmark6]

Even if it doesn't degrade, I'd really hate to be issued a vest with ten holes, or patches in it...

[Griff]

Oh it's fine partner.....all you've gotta do is check the pockets for the "bullet magnet" and get rid of it!


Sua Sponte

[pmulcahy11b]

Every so often, I get a weird glimmering of an idea for a new body armor rating in T2K -- basically, your vest or helmet might have a rating of "0.7" or something like that, which would mean that the incoming damage is multiplied by 0.7 to determine how much damage goes on to your fragile body. In the case of the "0.7 armor" here, one would receive 2 points of blunt trauma damage -- the 0.3 stopped, x10, /2, rounded up. I just haven't really sat down and tried to firm up the concept.