As has been mentioned on several occasions and even threads posting article on it, and divecon touched on above ... you can KEEP your spiffy-ass "new" protective vest. It weighs almost 40 pounds. Stripped down to combat load I'm still carrying 80 pounds of shit and you want to stick 20 more on me?
I'd rather have my mobility, thanks, because that will save me from direct fire WAY more than a flak jacket designed to deflect only schrapnel.
But you wouldn't know about any of that because YOU haven't been there and humped that shit while someone was shooting at your ass.
Lol! Ain't that the truth! Hacking about in full combat gear in dust and sand and having to cope with heat of 45 degrees as well.
In 2006 we were issued with new technology Osprey combat body armour. It covers front and back with ceramic plates. Not only is it heavy, it's crap. It's so bulky that it hampers your ability to fire an assault rifle. When you wear it you can't fit your weapon comfortably to your shoulder. It's so thick the rifle butt slips off the edge, and you can't get your eye to the sight.
Guess what happened the first time we came under fire. To a man we all removed the plate inserts and threw them away. We felt freedom of movement and the ability to fire our weapons with accuracy was more likely to save our lives than thicker armour.
This freakin gear may well have been designed for greater protection when under fire, but most British soldiers will tell you it puts them at greater risk. It obviously wasn't designed by someone with combat experience.
Most British troops now ignore orders to wear it.