The Plate Carrier (PC) improves the load bearing capabilities of the scalable plate carrier, integrates primary components among the improved modular tactical vest, and contours the product for comfort and wear.

The Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC) is used as an additional ballistic vest, not to replace the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV), but to provide additional warfighting effectiveness by allowing greater maneuverability, agility, and mobility with reduced thermal stress in high elevations, thick vegetation, and tropical environments than that provided by the Outer Tactical Vest/MTV. The SPC offers the same level of ballistic protection as the MTV but reduces overall weight by reducing area coverage for fragmentation.

The Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS) is designed as a lightweight alternative, not a replacement, for the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, the core of the Interceptor body armor system. It is intended to increase mobility and maneuverability by lightening the Soldier's load when operating on foot in mountainous terrain or at high altitude.

The Marine Corps Plate Carrier Generation III (PC Gen III) improves mobility and fit of the legacy PC.

Purchase description AR/PD 10-04 provides for a multiple threat body armor system consisting of a base vest, cummerbunds and side plate pockets for tailoring protection levels to defeat multiple ballistic hazards across the battlefield continuum and manage armor weight. The SPCS is a critical safety item. This specification delineates system, subsystem, component, and subcomponent level performance requirements to accomplish the end item body armor performance. SPCS is functionally integrated with Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE).

This purchase description provides for a multiple threat body armor system consisting of a base vest and modular components for tailoring protection levels to defeat multiple ballistic hazards across the battlefield continuum and manage armor weight. The Plate Carrier is a critical safety item.