Skip to page content

Combat Armor

Solution
Lightening Body Armor
Soldiers serving in Afghanistan regularly marched carrying more than 100 pounds of arms and equipment. Approximately one third of that burden is body armor. How can the weight of body armor be reduced without risking the lives of the soldiers it protects?
Jan 1, 2014
Report
Lightening Body Armor
The body armor that U.S. forces wear in Afghanistan is effective against ballistic threats, but it is heavy in weight and makes up a large portion of the load that soldiers and marines carry on patrol and into combat.
Mar 7, 2012
Report
Observations on Recent Trends in Armored Forces
Militaries from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Denmark, and Israel all see a role for heavy forces, including tanks, in irregular warfare and hybrid warfare environments because they reduce operational risk, minimize friendly casualties, and provide an intimidation factor against adversaries.
Jun 14, 2010
Report
In the Middle of the Fight: An Assessment of Medium-Armored Forces in Past Military Operations
This monograph presents a qualitative assessment of the performance of medium-armored forces in 13 past conflicts that span the range of military operations. The accompanying analysis is designed to help inform U.S. Army decisions about fielding medium-armored forces in the future. The case histories yielded three major insights.
Nov 2, 2008
Report
Examining the Army's Future Warrior: Force-on-Force Simulation of Candidate Technologies
Explores and assesses selected technology options for future dismounted soldiers that could improve mission effectiveness and reduce casualties.
Aug 15, 2004

RAND Topic:
Combat Armor

Topic Synonyms:
Combat Armour;
Combat Body Armor