The best bet if you’re in a unit that mandates all the soft armor attachments is to just fail two consecutive PT tests so you can get discharged quickly and under honorable conditions
How bout we just be better leaders and recognize that there are better product the service members can use to prevent injuries and increase unit lethality
@@LegionPreparedness there are, but show me a unit that requires you to wear DAPS and I’ll show you a unit that prohibits personal gear and mandates all kit to be dress right dress
I just used the shock cord method that you added in at the end except I did it to tuck all of the extra padding so it looks like a gen 4 iotv. Thanks you for that piece of gold I'm gonna try it on my upcoming live fire range.
If anyone is interested, the Gen 4 is functionally identical to the Gen 3 with the major exception of the flaps on the plate bags. It omits those, as well omitting the soft armor in the shoulder pads. Its a vast improvement in fit.
Just reentered service and got issued a gen 4; its definitely an improvement over the UCP one I had back in the day, but I'll be sure to try your shock-cord mod on the cummerbund.
The deltoid protectors can be used as a micro flak jacket. One on the chest and one on the back. Make straps to run through the molle slots on the inner side down to the velcro
My unit requires us to have Kevlar inserts so some guys swapped out the fat inserts and swapped them for the deltoid inserts- with some minor modification it seems like a good idea
Just as a little update, since I am also trying to procure one, since somebody at my unit thinks it's funny to try and ban perso al gear by saying anything we use has to be "military standard". They are still incredibly hard to find, and when you can, they are still multiple thousands of dollars. In another few years they might start surplusing them in large batches like they have the Gen 1, 2, and 3 IOTVs and are starting to do with the 4
Just found this video and have a question about this gen of IOTV. Does the back plate have an extra sleeve to secure the plate in place so it's not sliding around everywhere?
I honestly dont remember. I was only able to mess around with this system for a couple weeks as it was a temporary loan from the military. I am working on purchasing one to be able to address more indepth questions like yours. One fix to the sliding is to get foam padding like the one in the assault pack and wrap it around the plate or purchase the body armor vents
The DAPs, groin, and low-back pads were made for protection from IEDs, shrapnel, and emplacements were mobility isn't important (the turret pajamas for Gen 1s were awful from what I heard). If those aren't conditions you're dealing with, shelve them - tho I did like wearing a left DAP at times for protecting my forward shoulder. For the yoke and collar, they're also for IEDs and shrapnel, but they don't work well together - hence why guys get choked. You can adjust their fitting, tho I don't have experience with G3 (G1 and 2 are the same I believe). Restitching obv isn't an option, but running cord to let it sag a bit helps if you have to wear them, or just wear the front only. Urban conditions in Iraq is where the full setup was useful from what I heard, but they had more vehicle support where the extra gear isn't going to be humped as far. Still, guys streamlined the stuff. Fortunately webbing got removed from the groin and low-back pads.
Yes they were made for shrapnel protection. However, I have had to dismount the turret on numerous occasions and having that all of that excessive armor on in the turret can restrict movement. At the end of the day you have to realize that even in a turret, tower, static position. There will come a time you need to move out and having that extra armor will slow you down and will get in your way. IMO its better to just leave it off and set yourself up for success when the time comes, you have to move out, and the environment and situation does not allow you to down grade.
I’m really curious about the cbund from the gen2-It was a Lastic and with strap to the front underneath the placard panel. And had a lot better retention. Wouldn’t bounce around when I would run in full kit… Any alternatives like that for the cbund on the GEN three or four
Some guys add padding to the shoulders to try and make the system more comfortable. Might be worth looking at downsizing if possible because you may have been fitted wrong. I have been in that situation.
Appreciate that you are sharing with all of your unit. It’s a rewarding thing to see soldiers benefiting so much from this series. I have I’m trying to find one to purchase along with the plate carriers.
Go through the series videos there’s videos on how I would set it up for all the positions. Most of the setups are setups with issued or nearly identical items to issued equipment.
Can confirm what Legion Preparedness said, Rogers. I’m 5’9, 180 lbs, and the medium sized Gen 2 IOTV (in the previous ACU pattern, the UCP) that was issued to me is way too big for me. I definitely recommend going with a small Gen 3 IOTV.
We both have different perspectives and approaches which I think everyone should hear so that they can figure out what will be best suited for their mission, operational environment, and duty position.
@@LegionPreparedness I’m only referring to the verbiage part. When the careerfield screams for a plate carrier and you are handed what is a marginally better IOTV labeled plate carrier, words matter.
I was issued a gen 1 when they first came out for my Iraq deployment in 2009. They were a MAJOR improvement over the IBA/OTV, Even with all the attachments. I was a turret gunner and luckily my unit didn’t make us wear the DAPS or the armpit protectors but I don’t understand the hate for the Yoke and collar. What is choking about it? Lol
Honest opinion and factual conclusion. The IOTV / IBA systems are walking death traps. When you put service members against a par time/on a shot timer. There is a very distinct/noticeable time difference and drop in performance. We tested it with some peers in SOF just for the heck of it and it was a disturbing to say the least, and when conventional forces were put on the same clock it was an abortion to say the least. We are in the process of expanding the business into multiple TH-cam channels and we will be recreating the shoot to demonstrate why individual equipment has to be taken more seriously and why it has a very intricate role any service members performance. At the end of the day when you really push a service member to perform under a level of stress that takes them to the spirit world. You will see a dramatic drop in performance and cognitive function with systems like the IOTV, and when your life is on the line every little attachment will find a way to work against you. In simple terms, not to insult your intelligence. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain, which leads to an early onset of fatigue, and to specifically answer your question the collar typically ends up restricting the airway.
@@LegionPreparedness I’m sure again SOF everyone’s times would have been off. We weren’t fighting conventional forces a couple months after the invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan. Our biggest threats were IEDs and snipers. Even when facing individuals head to head, even if they got the first shots off, they would be extremely lucky to score a hit at any range past 100 yards. During my deployment we tried to teach the IA how to zero their rifles. I don’t think any of them did. Even in the combat we are seeing currently in Ukraine, drones and artillery/shrapnel are the number one killers. When we eventually go back into combat operations like we saw all throughout GWOT again, I wouldn’t be surprised if you see an IOTV gen 1 and 2 type vest reappear.
Don't buy an iotv. Get a cry JPC or a Magnum KDH TAC-1, or anything else. I'm literally only watching this video because I'm forced to where this gear.
I agree. The army needs to put out a blanket policy that states you can purchase your own plate carrier as long as its on an approved memo determined by guys that have used them in combat.
You only need the front and back panel and the cummerbund. The rest of the system is going to slow you down and make you a slow moving and easy target on the battlefield. All of the accessories: groin protector, back flap, daps, neck protector. Are unnecessary and will restrict and limit your ability to freely move and be agile. Trust me cut the system down lose the soft body it only provides minimal protection against shrapnel and pistol cal. We have a range demo video planned for this year to demonstrate the iotv and similar systems against modern plate carriers and setups. Stick around it’s going to be an eye opener for a lot of people.
@@LegionPreparedness oh in terms of that, i %100 agree with you. But I was just looking for a video to assemble it as I need to turn back all my gear to the US army and they want it assembled
The best bet if you’re in a unit that mandates all the soft armor attachments is to just fail two consecutive PT tests so you can get discharged quickly and under honorable conditions
How bout we just be better leaders and recognize that there are better product the service members can use to prevent injuries and increase unit lethality
@@LegionPreparedness there are, but show me a unit that requires you to wear DAPS and I’ll show you a unit that prohibits personal gear and mandates all kit to be dress right dress
@@jamesdc9595drop a packet
@@LegionPreparedness2 Words STANDARD ISSUE. if it’s 2 heavy just ware it out of training YOU WILL GET USE 2 IT
I just used the shock cord method that you added in at the end except I did it to tuck all of the extra padding so it looks like a gen 4 iotv. Thanks you for that piece of gold I'm gonna try it on my upcoming live fire range.
Hit us up with any feedback you have. We're glad that piece of information has helped you out
If anyone is interested, the Gen 4 is functionally identical to the Gen 3 with the major exception of the flaps on the plate bags. It omits those, as well omitting the soft armor in the shoulder pads. Its a vast improvement in fit.
I’m definitely trying the bungee cord to pull the soft armour, I have the same issue whenever I try to shoulder the stock
Its been working out for other people!
I just run the front plate 2-3 inches below my breastbone and it allows me to pull the stock into the soft armor above it to get a stable grip.
Just reentered service and got issued a gen 4; its definitely an improvement over the UCP one I had back in the day, but I'll be sure to try your shock-cord mod on the cummerbund.
The deltoid protectors can be used as a micro flak jacket. One on the chest and one on the back. Make straps to run through the molle slots on the inner side down to the velcro
very interesting
My unit requires us to have Kevlar inserts so some guys swapped out the fat inserts and swapped them for the deltoid inserts- with some minor modification it seems like a good idea
Id love to see this series continue with the new MSV
Working on trying to get one. Little difficult at the moment. We'll update in the future. Eventually it will happen.
Just as a little update, since I am also trying to procure one, since somebody at my unit thinks it's funny to try and ban perso al gear by saying anything we use has to be "military standard". They are still incredibly hard to find, and when you can, they are still multiple thousands of dollars. In another few years they might start surplusing them in large batches like they have the Gen 1, 2, and 3 IOTVs and are starting to do with the 4
I actually didn’t know you could tighten the clips in the back, thank you!
Your welcome
Great video sir.
Thank you
Just found this video and have a question about this gen of IOTV. Does the back plate have an extra sleeve to secure the plate in place so it's not sliding around everywhere?
I honestly dont remember. I was only able to mess around with this system for a couple weeks as it was a temporary loan from the military. I am working on purchasing one to be able to address more indepth questions like yours. One fix to the sliding is to get foam padding like the one in the assault pack and wrap it around the plate or purchase the body armor vents
The DAPs, groin, and low-back pads were made for protection from IEDs, shrapnel, and emplacements were mobility isn't important (the turret pajamas for Gen 1s were awful from what I heard). If those aren't conditions you're dealing with, shelve them - tho I did like wearing a left DAP at times for protecting my forward shoulder.
For the yoke and collar, they're also for IEDs and shrapnel, but they don't work well together - hence why guys get choked. You can adjust their fitting, tho I don't have experience with G3 (G1 and 2 are the same I believe). Restitching obv isn't an option, but running cord to let it sag a bit helps if you have to wear them, or just wear the front only.
Urban conditions in Iraq is where the full setup was useful from what I heard, but they had more vehicle support where the extra gear isn't going to be humped as far. Still, guys streamlined the stuff. Fortunately webbing got removed from the groin and low-back pads.
Yes they were made for shrapnel protection. However, I have had to dismount the turret on numerous occasions and having that all of that excessive armor on in the turret can restrict movement. At the end of the day you have to realize that even in a turret, tower, static position. There will come a time you need to move out and having that extra armor will slow you down and will get in your way. IMO its better to just leave it off and set yourself up for success when the time comes, you have to move out, and the environment and situation does not allow you to down grade.
I’m really curious about the cbund from the gen2-It was a Lastic and with strap to the front underneath the placard panel. And had a lot better retention. Wouldn’t bounce around when I would run in full kit…
Any alternatives like that for the cbund on the GEN three or four
How to fix the IOTV:
Step 1 pray to god your chain of command doesnt suck
Step 2 buy something that isn't a bulky flak vest from hell
Agreed
How do you add clips that connect the sides?
Is there a quick video on how to re-assemble.
Absolutely hate the shoulder straps in this iotv. Can’t run with them because it bounces up and down my traps. Any suggestions on how to adjust that?
Some guys add padding to the shoulders to try and make the system more comfortable. Might be worth looking at downsizing if possible because you may have been fitted wrong. I have been in that situation.
Ngl, probably going to make this video series mandatory for new dudes struggling with their equipment. Have you looked into testing the Gen4 IOTV?
Appreciate that you are sharing with all of your unit. It’s a rewarding thing to see soldiers benefiting so much from this series. I have I’m trying to find one to purchase along with the plate carriers.
Is that shock cord actually 3/8 inch? I just ordered some and mine is huge compared to yours
maybe 1/8th i cant remember it was so long ago
Can we explain how to adjust the shoulder straps please
Will get back with you shortly with a detailed break down.
How would you set one of these up as a rifleman only using issued equipment
Go through the series videos there’s videos on how I would set it up for all the positions. Most of the setups are setups with issued or nearly identical items to issued equipment.
Just had my unit order me a brand new gen 3 iotv in OCP. I told them a medium. I’m 5’8 160lbs, hopefully it won’t swallow me lol
I have a feeling it might be too big for you !
Can confirm what Legion Preparedness said, Rogers. I’m 5’9, 180 lbs, and the medium sized Gen 2 IOTV (in the previous ACU pattern, the UCP) that was issued to me is way too big for me. I definitely recommend going with a small Gen 3 IOTV.
My front panel is a small and back panel medium long
edf moment from delta
DAPs low key make awesome plate backers for small sapis.
I feel attacked. ;)
I like it !!!!
Competition breeds success my man!
We both have different perspectives and approaches which I think everyone should hear so that they can figure out what will be best suited for their mission, operational environment, and duty position.
@@LegionPreparedness I’m only referring to the verbiage part. When the careerfield screams for a plate carrier and you are handed what is a marginally better IOTV labeled plate carrier, words matter.
@@LegionPreparedness absolutely agree. The more info the better.
You say get rid of those pieces but where do they go? How do you put them on an IOTV?
Get rid of them / don’t wear them.
Don't loose the pieces though. CIF is already out to screw you so don't give them a legitimate reason.
I broke they plastic clips where do I go to get extra?
CIF will probably have replacements or check ebay
I also broke one of mine. Is there a name for it so I can buy extra one? What shops might have them?
I was issued a gen 1 when they first came out for my Iraq deployment in 2009.
They were a MAJOR improvement over the IBA/OTV, Even with all the attachments. I was a turret gunner and luckily my unit didn’t make us wear the DAPS or the armpit protectors but I don’t understand the hate for the Yoke and collar. What is choking about it? Lol
Honest opinion and factual conclusion. The IOTV / IBA systems are walking death traps. When you put service members against a par time/on a shot timer. There is a very distinct/noticeable time difference and drop in performance. We tested it with some peers in SOF just for the heck of it and it was a disturbing to say the least, and when conventional forces were put on the same clock it was an abortion to say the least.
We are in the process of expanding the business into multiple TH-cam channels and we will be recreating the shoot to demonstrate why individual equipment has to be taken more seriously and why it has a very intricate role any service members performance. At the end of the day when you really push a service member to perform under a level of stress that takes them to the spirit world. You will see a dramatic drop in performance and cognitive function with systems like the IOTV, and when your life is on the line every little attachment will find a way to work against you.
In simple terms, not to insult your intelligence. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain, which leads to an early onset of fatigue, and to specifically answer your question the collar typically ends up restricting the airway.
@@LegionPreparedness I’m sure again SOF everyone’s times would have been off. We weren’t fighting conventional forces a couple months after the invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan. Our biggest threats were IEDs and snipers. Even when facing individuals head to head, even if they got the first shots off, they would be extremely lucky to score a hit at any range past 100 yards.
During my deployment we tried to teach the IA how to zero their rifles. I don’t think any of them did.
Even in the combat we are seeing currently in Ukraine, drones and artillery/shrapnel are the number one killers. When we eventually go back into combat operations like we saw all throughout GWOT again, I wouldn’t be surprised if you see an IOTV gen 1 and 2 type vest reappear.
👍👍👍
Thanks - Hope it helps
Can i know how i buy this? Cuz its not available in my country. I want to know how much the price of it, and from where i can get it? Hope u reply me
you can find them on ebay
@@LegionPreparedness do u know how much it is?
@@hrjddujfjrhrjru4407 it depends on who’s selling it can be 300-750
Don't buy an iotv. Get a cry JPC or a Magnum KDH TAC-1, or anything else. I'm literally only watching this video because I'm forced to where this gear.
Iotv would ok if they actually issued me the size a asked for...still rather use my own plate carrier
I agree. The army needs to put out a blanket policy that states you can purchase your own plate carrier as long as its on an approved memo determined by guys that have used them in combat.
Yeah I'm 5'8" 185, they gave me a large
I wasn’t even issued a yoke collar assembly, but it’s on my record 🙃
I think thats a good thing
@@LegionPreparedness might get ackward if and when homey turns his kit in at CIF.
I bought another iotv so I can modify it just so army can’t tell me to take it off so I am gonna modify it 😭 thanks
absolutely
I Identify As ‘Body Armor’.
you're a goober
im so glad they gave infantry the MSV plate carriers i hate the iotv
It’s definitely a better system all in all
Step 1 Get rid of everything.😂
absolutely
This guy... I'm looking for a way to ASSEMBLE my iotv for a cif turn in and he just said, oh get rid of this, that, that.....
You only need the front and back panel and the cummerbund. The rest of the system is going to slow you down and make you a slow moving and easy target on the battlefield. All of the accessories: groin protector, back flap, daps, neck protector. Are unnecessary and will restrict and limit your ability to freely move and be agile. Trust me cut the system down lose the soft body it only provides minimal protection against shrapnel and pistol cal. We have a range demo video planned for this year to demonstrate the iotv and similar systems against modern plate carriers and setups. Stick around it’s going to be an eye opener for a lot of people.
@@LegionPreparedness oh in terms of that, i %100 agree with you. But I was just looking for a video to assemble it as I need to turn back all my gear to the US army and they want it assembled
@@theReaper0908 I can do that unfortunately it's gonna take a month before I can get to it due to my current move from Europe back to the states
@@LegionPreparedness Good luck man. I'm ETS'ing from colorado
@@theReaper0908 nice! I’ll be back in Colorado in a couple weeks
Been thinking its time to buy a stab-proof shirt,
LOL I've never purchased one but if you do send us some feedback on what you find.