U.S. Marines can now go on missions with a lighter load as they the infantry units start getting to receive the Plate Carrier Gen III. This next generation plate carrier is 25% lighter than the plate carrier that the Marines are currently using. As a plate carrier, it guards against bullets and fragmentation when protective plates are added.

Lt. Col. Andrew Konicki, the Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command in a report at the Marine Corps Systems Command website said that, “This system protects Marines on the battlefield. The PC Gen. III is important because it is nearly 25-percent lighter than the legacy technology.”

New Jersey-based Vertical Protective Apparel LLC was selected to manufacture up to 225,886 in 2018. The contract is worth US$62 million.

The obvious benefits of having a lighter plate carrier makes the grunts move faster and go further distances with reduced fatigue without compromising  the level of protection.  “When you lighten the load, Marines can get to their destinations faster and they’re going to have more endurance, which increases their lethality,” said Konicki.

The MCSC conducted a study in 2016 to analyze the components and effectiveness of a prototype version of the PC Gen. III. Comparing it to the existing plate carriers through obstacle courses and a 15 mile hike, it was obvious that those who were the lighter prototype Gen III finished faster and were in better condition. Another added benefit is that mobility and weapons handling are improved.

Photo: U.S. Marine with Plate Carrier Generation III during a training exercise (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jack C. Howell)

“The PC Gen. III improves the Marines’ ability to shoot and move by eliminating excess bulk from the design, and cutting out the shoulders for a better rifle stock weld,” added Lt. Col. Bryan Leahy, Individual Armor Team lead in PM ICE.

The material used in the PC Gen. III is said to reduce water absorption and was made lighter by cutting excess fabric and made it better fitting for both men and women. It will be used together with the new lightweight ballistic plates that is claimed to reduce 40% of the hard body armour weight.

First to receive the new generation plate carriers are the infantry and infantry-like Marines will be the first then the supporting units will be next. The Corp expect the plate carrier to be fully deployed by 2023.

Top photo: U.S. Marine with Plate Carrier Generation III during a training exercise (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jack C. Howell)