TM 24562A-14

• 179 pages
• For Official Use Only
• September 1997

DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION
TM 24562A-14
ID: 10374A
SAC: 1

The Assault Vest System (AVS) provides the individual Marine with ballistic protection
and/or load bearing capabilities necessary for conducting Close Quarters Battle (CQB) missions. The AVS is comprised of three major items. These items are the Assault Body Armor, Ballistic Plate Insert, and Assault Load Bearing Vest.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance is required. All maintenance will be in accordance with TI-1 0374A-15, Marine Corps Individual Body Armor Performance Standard and Maintenance Instructions.

First echelon maintenance will be conducted by the owning/using unit and will include the
proper care, cleaning, and storage of the AVS. Regular care and cleaning is required to ensure
serviceability and accountability. The AVS shall be cleaned with mild soap and water only; bleach
and dry cleaning solvents can cause the material to lose its ballistic protection properties. User
maintenance will be in accordance with TI-1 0374A-15 and the overpacked manufacturer’s
instructions. Care and cleaning of non-ballistic materials will also be in accordance with FM 21-15,
Care and Use of Individual Clothing and Equipment.

Second echelon maintenance will also be performed by the using unit. Repair of the AVS is
limited to the stitching of non-ballistic components. Particular attention should be paid to the
integrity of the ballistic materials, as any rip, tear, or other damage can degrade the ballistic
protection level of the body armor. Any other repair may require returning it to the manufacturer.
Intermediate level (third/fourth echelon) maintenance includes care for the ballistic plates
and possibly sewing/repair of non-ballistic material. The ceramic plates should be X-rayed at least
annually and whenever they have been subjected to rough treatment. Due to the nature of
ceramics, only X-raying can detect defects in the material. Any cracks or chips render the plate
unserviceable. Using units should contact local military medical facilities with X-raying capability to
request this service. The X-ray procedures and inspection criteria will be found in Technical
Instruction TI-1 0374A-15, Marine Corps Individual Body Armor Performance Standard and
Maintenance Instructions. Any costs for this service will be paid by the using unit.
Fifth echelon maintenance is provided at the depot level. Body armor subjected to gunfire
while in operational or training use will be considered unserviceable and can be returned to the
manufacturer, either directly or via the MARCORSYSCOM Project Officer (Code CBG1-C), for a
replacement. All costs incurred for repair, maintenance, and/or replacement is the responsibility of
the using unit. Request for disposition instructions should be submitted to Commander, Marine
Corps LogistiCS Bases (COMMARCORLOGBASES), Albany, GA (Code 835-3).
An AVS requiring repairs beyond the capability of the using unit should be sent to the
manufacturer, Point Blank Body Armor Inc., P.O. Box 2646, Laurel, MD 20709, (301) 490-3524.
All costs incurred for repair, maintenance, and/or replacemen~ are the responsibility of the using
unit.

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