April 5, 2007: The U.S. Army is introducing new body army, the Modular Tactical Vests (MTV), this year. This will replace the 1990s era Interceptor body armor. The MTV, true to its name, provides many protection options. If troops only want the same level of protection the Interceptor vests provides, the MTV is about three pounds lighter. But if the side armor, and several other additions, are included, MTV weighs about a pound more (18 pounds) than Interceptor. The MTV adds more protection to the sides, back and throat. Troops wearing MTV are expected to suffer 5-10 percent fewer casualties. A precise figure will be available after users experience several thousand combat hours with the new armor.

MTV is much more user friendly. It has a quick-release system that enables troops to drop the vest in seconds in emergencies. The vest includes channels for radio and computer wires. There's a rifle bolster, making it easier to handle a rifle while wearing the vest. The improved closure system makes it easier to put the MTV on, even after using the quick release. The U.S. Marine Corps is about six months ahead of the army in adopting the MTV, and spearheaded the new acceptance of the new armor.

Both army and marines are developing an MTV replacement, that will incorporate lighter, curved, ballistic plates, that will cover more of the torso. These next generation vests aren't expected to enter service for another three or five years.