M1952 vest

coverage: shoulders, chest, stomach

armor value: DEF 12, velocity Ø

material: ballistic nylon

weight: 3.9 kg

introduced to Vietnam: pre-existing

availability: common throughout the war

The commonest vest issued before 1969 to the Army.

M1955 vest, armored

coverage: shoulders, chest, stomach

armor value: DEF 10, velocity 1

material: nylon and doron inserts

weight: 4.6 kg

introduced to Vietnam: pre-existing

availability: common throughout the war

The commonest vest issued before 1969 to the Marines.

M69 vest with 3/4 collar

coverage: neck, shoulders, chest, stomach

armor value: DEF 12, velocity Ø

material: ballistic nylon

weight: 3.9 kg

introduced to Vietnam: 1969

availability: common

An improved version of the M1952.

Variable body armor

coverage: neck, shoulders, chest, stomach

armor value: DEF 10, velocity Ø to DEF 16, velocity 4

material: ballistic nylon, boron carbide on fiberglas

weight: 2.4 to 10 kg

introduced to Vietnam: Fall, 1968

availability: uncommon

A light ballistic nylon vest with boron carbide inserts. Expensive at $800 each, and most often used by truck convoy crews, riverine units, and other 'stationary' users. Helicopter crew armor is of similar protective value.

Titanium-nylon composite vest with 3/4 collar

coverage: neck, shoulders, chest, stomach

armor value: DEF 11, velocity 2

material: titanium and ballistic nylon

weight: 4.0 kg

introduced to Vietnam: 1966

availability: rare

Used mostly by SEALs and riverine forces.