SinoDefence Forum

simonov

During Peace Mission 2009 i saw that PLA soldier not wear a body armour even they use elbow and knee cap. Is body armour not a standard yet for PLA?

RavenWing278

I don't think they've standardized their body armour yet, probably trying out different kinds before they make a final decision. I've been very disappointed with the body armour seen issued to PLA troops eg the PLA SOF on the anti pirating mission in somalia. Seems to be very flimsy and not able to take ceramic plate inserts.

T-U-P

In addition, they seem to mix the camo of the armor. I've seen desert camo armors wore by the troops on the somalia mission (granted, camo doesn't really matter in this case). They seem to lack digital camo armor, most of the soldiers I've seen wore digital camo uniform and the old-style camo armor.

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RavenWing278

more then any other infantry equipment, the lack of 'effective' body armour within the PLA, and PAP infantry concerns me the most. The troops in the Somalia anit pirate mission are issued with urban digital camouflage vests. Though its an improvement from the old style plate carriers ive seen, it leaves much to be desired. Theres a Kidney gap similar to the oldstyle Modular tactical vests issued to the USMC before they addressed that issue. the body armour also doesnt appear to 'fit' snugly like most western vests. the lack of information on the web concerning chinese body armour really frustrates me, as in my mind the chinese govt doesnt see it fit to issue en mass even these inferior vests.

RedMercury

If you're so concerned, start a charity, "Buy a PLA soldier body armor". Har har.

hao903

It appears that the PAP has fielded more body armour than the PLA.

Hell, even the city cops seem to have body armour.

pla101prc

either there arent enough funds for the infantry units, or because the PLA have a different combat doctrine. body armours are nice but it is still extra weight, if you have to do ruck march with one of those in hot summer days you wouldnt love it as much, and the PLA sorta focuses more on soldier's agility and speed.

RedMercury

PAP and police are seen with body armor because they use it on a daily basis. Rumor says PLA stockpiles body armor but does not issue it for regular use because of concerns over expiration date, i.e. the armor lasts longer if stored in a controlled environment.

HKSDU

Why would you want to make body armour for all your troops when your not in war status. Body armour doesnt last forever and their is a certain shelf life before it becomes to weak to be used as body armour. China if ever needed can produce them very quickly on their assembly line, around the clock 24/7. PAP deal with criminals that are armed with weapons more then the troops who currently are only training. For those troops sent off to Somalia I've seen footages that have them in full gear, body armour, helmets (not the flimsy ones), tactical radio etc... But I dunno they probably think it looks better in photos to not wear them??

Why wear body armour in training? To get used to the weight and the bulk of the armour that restricts movement. You can do that with other means then wearing body armour.

Doctrine. Do snipers wear body armour, nope. They substitute it with stealth, movement, staminia.

hao903

Yea I'd expect PLA to wear sandbags that have equal mass/size as the body armour to "familiarize" with the extra weight and bulk.

PeoplesPoster

This line of reasoning is ridiculous. The PLA either cannot afford body armor for the majority of it's troops right now or just don't believe in protecting it's soldiers is a current top issue. All this talk about body armor shelf life and using sandbags to familiarize to body armor is just silly.

optionsss

although not mass equipped, but I have seen pictures of marines and elite divisions training with body armor.

pla101prc

they dont, except for when they do their daily 5 km run they have that extra weight on to make life hell. but other than that its just the webbing.

vesicles

Please explain to me why PLA needs body armor NOW when China is not in war with any one and none of its troops is being shot at (except a few in Somalia).

PeoplesPoster

Why does the PLA need rifles, why do they need artillery, why do they need anything thing infact when China is not in a war with anyone. If you don't train like your in a war your not doing yourself any good.