TM 10-8400-203-23
(2)
Any vest exceeding the dry weight criteria above for the applicable size shall be returned for
replacement of vinyl casing and drying of ballistic insert or possibly for correction of size designation.
It is recommended that an appropriate in process examination be established to check on possible
ballistic inserts prior to incorporation of the outer shells which will minimize possible rejections of the
complete item. All weighings shall be determined to the nearest 1 ounce (28.35 g).
Water absorption test. The vests which have satisfactorily passed the test for dry weight shall be
arranged in lots of fifty or less vests. Select one of the completed vests and weigh it accurately to the
nearest 1 ounce (28.35 g). Record this weight. The vest with front closure completely closed shall
then be totally immersed in water 11-to 7-inches (27.94 to 17.78 cm) deep at a temperature of 70 ±
10°F. (21. 1 ± 5.5°C) for 30 minutes. The test vest shall not be folded unless material such as netting is
interlaid between folds which will permit free entry of water to all surfaces of the test vest. At the end of
the immersion period, remove vest, open front fasteners, and hang vest loosly so as to permit free air
circulation. Allow the vest to drain until dry for 24- to 48-hours, depending on climatic conditions. At
the end of this time check to make sure vest is dry and reweigh the vest. If an increase in weight over
the original weight of the vest prior to submersion of more than 1 percent is noted, leakage of envelope
is indicated due to faulty fabrication technique. If the vest selected for test shows more than one
percent increase in weight after immersion and drying, then all vests in the lot shall be tested for water
immersion. All vests showing absorption (increase in weight) in excess of one percent shall be
returned for new vinyl casing and drying of ballistic insert.
3-10. LABELS
a.
b.
Identification repair label for body armor shall be Type II, combined Class 1 and 2, except finish and
fastness shall conform to class 3. The information required of the class 2 label shall be placed above the
information required of the class 1.
Instruction label for body armor fragmentation protective vest shall contain the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
ARMOR, BODY, FRAGMENTATION PROTECTIVE. THIS ARMOR MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE! WHEN
PROPERLY CLOSED AND PROPERLY WORN IT WILL PROTECT VITAL AREAS AGAINST SHELL
AND GRENADE FRAGMENTS WHICH CAUSE MOST COMBAT CASUALTIES.
INSTRUCTIONS.
1. WEAR ARMOR OVER SHIRT AND UNDER FIELD JACKET,
2. With front properly closed, adjust side laces to make armor fit the body but still provide proper
ventilation. Do not fit too tightly.
3. Use protective flaps to cover opening under side laces and front closure. Protect front closure by
snap fastening front flap,
4. DO NOT DRY THE ARMOR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME OR HOT STOVE,
5. IF VINYL CASING IS PUNCTURED, TURN IN ARMOR,
6. Care in handling of the vest will prevent bunching of the ballistic insert. If bunching occurs smooth
out to prevent discomfort and unprotected areas.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS.
1. DO NOT USE DRY CLEANING SOLVENTS OR MACHINE LAUNDER.
2. DO NOT CLEAN VEST IF VINYL CASING IS VISIBLY PUNCTURED.
3. Remove loose soil using cloth of soft brush.
4. Wet armor in shower or immerse in water,
5. Apply soap or detergent solution and scrub vigorously.
6. Rinse armor with warm water and AIR DRY.
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