Modular Tactical Vest: A Case Study in Success and Failure

摘要

The Marine Corps currently stands at a crossroads in the development of the next generation of individual body armor and may be able to leverage lessons learned in the recent development of the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV). This research paper will examine the primary issues associated with the development, procurement, and fielding of the MTV program and will consider how the lessons learned may be applied for the acquisition of the next generation of individual body armor. The MTV was developed in order to satisfy immediate in-theater needs and to remedy the shortfalls of the Marine Corps' previous tactical armored vest. The MTV acquisition demonstrated the Government's ability to meet urgent requirements while still complying with all applicable statues and regulations. In the case of the MTV, the total lead-time from formal,requirement (USON) to contract award was 123 days. However, the implementation and execution of training did not go as planned and there were significant repercussions across the Service as a result of-this issue. Upon initial fielding of the MTV to the Operating Forces in March 2007, it appeared that there were significant issues/deficiencies with the MTV. Further analysis revealed that the majority of Marines/Sailors were not trained or fitted on the MTV and it was believed that there was a direct correlation between training and user acceptance.