The Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) uses the same soft and hard armor protective plates issued by the Marine Corps and the Army and provides the same level of fragmentation and ballistic protection.

The IMTV provides a number of features that improve upon mission performance, user comfort, and improved load carrying capability when compared to the existing MTV including:

• modified removable ballistic panel pattern to provide more acceptable body coverage and protection;
• improved ergonomics, mobility, and fit at the shoulders;
• improved cummerbund design;
• improved comfort utilizing a lumbar pad support; and
• increased PALS footprint for load carriage.

Component

• one base vest assembly
  • an outer shell base vest carrier with a ballistic insert set made up of removable ballistic (front and back) inserts
  • one set of shoulder straps
    • two shoulder straps with female buckle ends
    • one shoulder strap with yib-yab end, to create a lower profile for shouldering weapon
• one yoke and collar assembly with non-removable ballistic inserts
• one throat protector which attaches to the front base vest and collar with non-removable ballistic insert
• one groin protector assembly made up of a groin protector carrier with non-removable ballistic insert
• one lower back protector assembly made up of a lower back protector carrier with non-removable ballistic insert
• one cummerbund assembly
  • two interchangeable left and right sides
  • two interchangeable cummerbund adapters
  • one emergency release cable
• two side plate pockets
• one rifle bolster capable of being attached to either the left or right side of the front base vest

Purchase Description

• 2009-07-07: [pdf]
• 2009-04-28: [pdf]

Acquisition

• Solicitation: M67854-09-R-3000 [RFP including attachments and amendments]
  • Contract:
    • M67854-09-D-3000
    • M67854-09-D-3001

References

• http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/01/marine-better-body-armor-on-the-way-011011/
• http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/Sentry/StoryView.aspx?SID=3954
• http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/04/marines-altering-body-armor/
• Marine Corps Concepts and Programs 2010. Chapter3, p. 73. [pdf]
• http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/products/military/usmc-improved-modular-tactical-vest/
• http://www.kdhdefensesystems.com/images/stories/products/downloads/military/imtv-product-sheet.pdf
• https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/USMC/M67854/M6785409R3000/listing.html
• http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4128