Report says Army cut corners on body armor tests
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The Pentagon inspector general says the Army cut corners when testing body armor used by U.S. troops.
In a report issued Wednesday, the watchdog agency says service officials did not consistently enforce — and at times lowered — ballistic testing requirements for protective vests that cost U.S. taxpayers $434 million.
Taking shortcuts around the testing standards means the Army has only limited assurance the vests met what the contract required, the report says.
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The Army has agreed with an inspector general's recommendation to determine whether a recall of any of the critical battlefield gear is necessary.
The body armor used by most American forces consists of a ballistic vest with two large, specially hardened ceramic plates that protect most of the upper body from enemy bullets and shrapnel.