The U.S. Air Drive fifty fifth Safety Forces Squadron just lately issued new physique armor to Offutt defenders. What makes this piece of security gear particular is it was designed to higher defend females. For years, feminine defenders have worn the usual tactical vest issued to them. These normal vests come in numerous chest sizes and are mainly flat. They weren’t designed with the feminine physique body in thoughts. In June 2020 the Air Drive Life Cycle Administration Middle Feminine Fitment Program contracted TSSi out of Harrisburg, Virginia, to design and manufacture a greater becoming vest for females to stop publicity to the hazards of fight and every day operations. The brand new physique armor prices roughly $1,200 per vest. 100 new vests arrived on the fifty fifth Logistics Readiness Squadron April 29 and have been made obtainable for challenge to the 25 Offutt feminine defenders on the finish of Might 2021.
“The usual vest was very free and whenever you get right into a state of affairs the place you must run, it isn’t kind becoming, so issues transfer and get jostled round simply. The usual vest actually had no strain or tight match within the higher chest space. The brand new vest is extraordinarily comfortable. After I run in a state of affairs now, I’m not apprehensive about my vest getting jostled round,” mentioned 1st Lt. Madison Wilke, fifty fifth SFS Coaching officer in cost.
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“The match is snugger. It feels just like the higher a part of the vest wraps round somewhat extra. I do really feel somewhat extra protected; it’s formed to contour extra to my physique. It’s very thoughtful of the Air Drive to do that for us females. It makes our lives simpler,” mentioned Airman 1st Class Samantha Boyer, fifty fifth SFS defender.
The brand new vests are available in sizes small, medium, giant and additional giant, and so they have a curved chest plate to accommodate the feminine form. They’re adjustable and have a snap buckle as an alternative of Velcro. They’re properly padded and have choices to regulate to suit. Feminine defenders have the choice of switching to the brand new armor or preserving the usual vest. It’s thought-about a “house station challenge” merchandise, so any feminine presently deployed could have the choice to put on the brand new one as soon as they’re again at Offutt. Carrying correct becoming security gear is essential for the well being, consolation stage and security for day-to-day operations, reminiscent of driving round in patrol vehicles, standing guard on the Offutt gates or plane, or dealing with a army working canine. These conditions require flexibility and fast response actions for a defender to do the job and preserve the general mission.
