USGI Gen 1 Ranger Body Armor, RBA, Woodland Camo

Description

This is an RBA, Ranger Body Armor, vest that was used by the US Military. RBA’s first saw use during Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia. It was the first vest to incorporate both ceramic plates for stopping small arms fire, and soft armor for fragmentation protection. There were two versions of the RBA, with the earlier only having a pocket for hard plates in the front, while later versions had both front and rear plate bags. This is the earlier version with only one plate bag, for a unique plate design with a cutout on one side to allow for easy shouldering of a rifle, while the other side is less rounded off for more protection. This version saw use in Somalia and was updated because of the lack of small arms protection on the back, which was found to be problematic in Somalia. It features soft armor protection on the front, back and sides and is adjustable for height and waist size. The vest is donned in a similar fashion to many modern vests, with two elastic cummerbunds that fasten in the front with hook and loop. There is a narrower elastic band attached to the back that fastens to itself under the front of the vest, and the front and back pieces also attach to each other with hook and loop, making the vest very secure when worn properly. Over this, there are thicker elastic cummerbunds that fasten to the front of the vest, right over left. The right cummerbund has a nylon panel to protect the elastic underneath. Overall, this is a great vest if you want a piece of history.

DOES NOT INCLUDE Ballistic Plate!

Features:

• Woodland Camo Pattern – Created and issued from 1981 onwards. Based on the ERDL camo patterns used throughout the Vietnam War and afterwards, specifically the 2nd pattern ERDL, RDF ERDL. The biggest change over earlier ERDL patterns was the enlargement of the patterns and shapes found in ERDL. The colors were also the same with light green, dark green and brown being used. Black would be used in twig shapes across the base colors. Woodland Camo is commonly referred to just as BDU or M81. M81 is an unofficial name for Woodland Camo that comes from its adoption date, 1981. It was used across the US Military till individual service branches replaced it with modern camo patterns.
• This is Fancy – This item has been deemed Fancy by the Cataloging Team.
• Can Hold Ballistic Plates – Ballistic plates can be held within included plate pockets.
• Adjustable Fitment – Includes adjustable straps to for proper fitment.

Manufactured by:

• Various Government Contractors – This item is manufactured for the US government by various contractors.

Country of Manufacture: USA – This product is manufactured in the #1 country, the USA.

Issue Type: USGI – These are genuine US government issued items made to military specification (mil-spec).