PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-627
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 627
FEBRUARY 2005
PS 627
FEB 05
47
NSNs and Sizes
As a rule, to fit properly, the SAPI should be the
same size as the vest. For example, if you wear a
medium vest, order the medium SAPI. The excep-
tion to the rule is if you wear an XX-, XXX- or
XXXX-large vest.
The SAPI doesn’t come in those
sizes, so order the X-large inserts. All size inserts are
interchangeable between front and back pockets.
Interceptor Body Armor…
For starters, don’t play
rough with the inserts. That
means no throwing them to
the ground. And no dropping
them on hard surfaces. Even
though they’re tough, the
inserts are ceramic and they
can crack if you manhandle
them. And cracks weaken an
insert’s ballistic protection.
Inspect the insert for cracks before each mission and once a day during garrison
or field use. It takes more than just looking it over, because cracks may be hidden
underneath the fabric. Here’s how to inspect:
•
Handle the insert to
see if it flexes.
•
Listen for crunch-
ing sounds that indi-
cate broken pieces.
•
Shake the insert and
listen for loose pieces
rattling around.
•
Look for rips, tears
or holes in the fabric
that expose the black
ceramic tile.
If you find any of these
problems, the insert is unser-
viceable. Turn it in to direct
support and get a replacement.
In a pinch, you can patch torn
fabric with 100 mph tape,
NSN 7510-00-266-5016, until
you can replace the insert.
NSN 8470-01-497-
8701
8709
8710
8712
8714
Size
X-small
small
medium
large
X-large
Above all, if
your SAPI is
hit by bullets
or fragments,
turn it in.
Two small
arms protective
inserts (SAPI) fit
into the pockets
of your inter-
ceptor body
armor vest…
one to guard
your chest…
…the other to
guard your back.
The SAPI
protects
you,
so how about
protecting the SAPI?
man!
this thing
is
heavy!
hey!
don’t forget
to wear
me!!
Listen for loose pieces
Tape torn fabric
Don’t
drop
inserts
or
vests
The SAPI will shield
your vital organs from
multiple hits by rounds
as large as
7
.62
mm
.
627.46-47(C)
12/26/04
10:53 AM
Page 1
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