Why aren't frag vests camoflaged ?

[Binary 0]

Topic says it all :)

I've been wondering for a while - fragmentation vests, like the one the ArmA 2 USMC riflemen use, why aren't they camoflaged like the rest of the uniform? Doesn't it stick out quite a bit, with that brownish color??

[wipman 1]

Hi, not really, keep in mind that you are supposed ot keep a low profile in the field, and when

in CQB a plain/flat colour can be almost as good as the black (colour that the brain don't see)

so if you're laying down prone facing the enemy, he'll only see your shoulders and head.

That... and the cost of the software program plus the components for the machines that

make those certain vests or a new entire machine that can use more than 1 colour string.

It don't really matters that much, there're certain colours that are good enough in many

terrains and situations. Let's C ya

[da12thMonkey 1943]

To reduce costs most probably.

IIRC the same tan vests are used by the USMC with both temperate and desert MARPAT uniforms. If they were camouflaged they'd have to issue two different vests for different environments (or produce a 'hybrid' pattern like us Brits are doing), which is expensive.

Issuing a plain vest in a colour that works reasonably well in both environments is cheaper not only because you only have to issue one vest, but also plain condura is cheaper than patterned stuff.

[That guy 10]

Plus tan is a very nice neutral color that blends in quite well just about anywhere

[Gollum1 0]

Plus tan is a very nice neutral color that blends in quite well just about anywhere

IIRC the USMC IBA and MTV vests use Coyote Brown (or something very close to it), which is a much darker brown than the more sand-coloured "Tan". Just a heads up. :)

Also @OP, the vests used by the USMC in Arma 2 (and in real life) are not fragmentation vests but proper ballistic vests with SAPI plate protection.