Protecting the protector

PS: The Preventive Maintenance Monthly, July, 2004

Note: This article addresses the body armor, fragmentation protective vest, ground troops. This vest is being replaced by the interceptor body armor (IBA) system. A future PS Magazine article will address the IBA system.

Protection doesn't come cheap. Sometimes you have to pay for it with thorough preventive maintenance.

Take, for example, your fragmentation protective vest body armor. Considering how it protects you against shell and grenade fragments, you have a personal stake in its condition.

But when was the last time you gave your vest some PM? If it's been a while, take some action.

Inspection

Start with a close inspection of your vest. Here's what to look for:

* Cuts, rips, tears, holes, or burns

* Loose or broken stitching

* Broken or missing snap fasteners

* Torn, damaged or missing hook-and-pile fasteners

* Torn pockets or flaps

* Torn or frayed side elastic webbing

* Front hook-and-pile fastener won't close completely

* Worn shoulder straps or snaps

Depending on the amount of damage, your vest could be repaired or replaced. Ask direct support for guidance. A badly worn or damaged vest may not be worth repairing--it's not economical. Turn it in to your supply folks as unserviceable. They'll give you a replacement.

Cleaning

A vest layered with mud and grime demands a good cleaning. Washing the vest now and then helps prolong its life and makes it more comfortable to wear. Besides, the Central Issue Facility (CIF) expects you to clean it before you turn it in. Follow this cleaning advice:

* Use a cloth or soft brush to sweep away loose dirt from the hook-and-pile fastener and the outer cover. Never use a stiff-bristled brush. It'll damage the material.

* Wet the vest with warm, not hot, water. Hand-wash with detergent, NSN 7930-00-9291221, and a soft brush. Never machine wash and dry. It causes too much wear and tear on the fabric.

* To clean heavy grease and oil, apply a mix of detergent and water directly on the spots and scrub with a soft brush. Repeat the cleaning if the stain is stubborn.

* After washing, rinse thoroughly in clean, warm water until all traces of soap are gone.

* Hang the vest to dry by sliding a stick or pole After washing, hang dry through its armholes. You can dry the vest either indoors or outdoors. Never dry it near a heater or open flame--they'll fade and shrink the fabric.

* Never use chlorine bleach, solvents, cleaning fluids or petroleum products to clean the vest. They can damage the fabric and shorten its life.