[infsoldier0441]

Alright so our deployment is winding down in Iraq so I thought it was a good time to post my final verdict on the IOTV. First off the comfort and breathability were definately better compared to the IBA. It does cover more body area than the IBA did so in the interest of saving lives it worked. Of course our COC made sure we had every piece on at all times, but we eventually got used to all that extra stuff.

The issues I have had with it were with the quick release cord and the material used to make it itself. Our Squadron has had three instances where guys were seriously injured and our medics could not get the QR cord to pull out. I personally whitnessed our medic try pulling it with the casualty on his back and sitting up neither produced any results. The cord just seemed like it was stuck or glued into the vest and wouldn't budge. Talks with other medics told the same story they had to just take the gear off all together to get to the wounds instead of using the "high speed" QR cord. The material that makes up the non protective part of the vest is cheap and rips and tears easily. The side plate holders on every guy in my platoon have been ripped to shreds by simple day to day operations. Guys have resorted to duct tape for temporary fixes.

I think that the IOTV is better than the IBA, that much is obvious but there is still room for improvement. I dont know if anyone else out there has had the same experiences as I have but I know the stated above is pretty much the standard in my area.