Government

Military Unveils Latest Body Armor: ‘Ballistic Groin Protection’

We‘ve revealed some of the military’s latest and greatest weapons and tools on this site. There was the H.U.L.C and the Punisher, for example. But never have we shown you something like this before. Folks, we bring you the next thing in body armor: “ballistic groin protection.”

For those who need me to spell it out, it’s like a sports cup, but with Kevlar. Also called “cod pieces,” they’re right out of medieval times. Oh, and there’s also new ballistic underwear. No lie.

Military Reveals BAllistic Groin Protection and Underwear National Journal has the details, including how the new piece of equipment is stored:

The cod pieces, which the military formally describes as “ballistic groin protection,” are made of kevlar and weigh less than 2 pounds. They’re designed to be rolled up when not in use. On patrol, a soldier or Marine can unfurl the armor between his or her legs and snap it into place. British troops in southern Afghanistan, who have already begun wearing the equipment, jokingly refer to them as “combat cod pieces.”

[...]

Barbero said that his command plans to spend roughly $20 million this year on cod pieces and new ballistic underwear designed to provide dismounted troops with additional protection against roadside bombs. In the interview, he said that troops should start receiving the cod pieces in September.  All told, the U.S. plans to purchase 190,000 sets of the ballistic underwear and 45,000 of the cod pieces.

So why the new equipment? The pieces are meant to protect against the threats posed by IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, which have become a deadly weapon by insurgents in the Middle East. National Journal reports that the bombs have killed 2,700 troops in Iraq and more than 1,100 in Afghanistan. Just this year, they have claimed the lives of 158 of the U.S.-led coalition’s 283 battlefield fatalities in Afghanistan.

Is the new equipment really just meant to protect a soldiers private parts? No. The protection is also meant meant to guard a soldier’s femoral artery, which is located in the leg.

“It is a very simple response to a very simple weapon,” Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, the head of the military’s Joint IED Defeat Organization, told NJ in an interview.

So far so good. But there is one glitch. The military is buying the cod pieces from a manufacturer that already makes them for British soldiers. That means they will come with the British military camo pattern and not the U.S. one. Still, Barbero says that’s a small price to pay.

“That’s what we’re going with, because it’s fastest,” Barbero said.

Comments (91)

1 2
  • The_Midas_Curse
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:12pm

    Oh dear God! You know somebody is going to put a Hello Kitty sticker on it and it will end up in some photo somewhere.

    Report Post » The_Midas_Curse  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:52pm

      You are so right….

      Report Post »  
    • last frontier
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 5:30pm

      With don‘t ask don’t tell lifted hello kitty may become mandatory.

      Report Post » last frontier  
    • bigben357mag
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 8:02pm

      If I had one of these, I’d put a sticker on it!

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 8:28pm

      they are getting ready for the up coming riots across America when the crash our currency
      or commit another False Flag like 911.

      mark my words the military will be used against US citizens with in the next 5 years
      good thing we have thousand of drones to kill without reason just programming
      by the likes of Bill Gates

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • omglol
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 9:37pm

      Everyone I know is FOR the people, and I have 12 years in now so…..

      Report Post »  
  • DocGDC
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:04pm

    It’s like a chastity belt – but with different intentions

    Report Post »  
    • johnnyvaughn
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:10pm

      Where were these when I was married to my 1st wife?

      Report Post » johnnyvaughn  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:19pm

      I don’t understand the need for this or the $20 million it will cost to field it.

      We were already issued groin protectors that actually covered more than this. We just never wore them. We were also issued DAPS for our shoulders and side protection, that we never wore. They all stayed in my duffle bag in a connex for the entire deployment.

      I never wore underwear because of comfort level. They call it going commando for a reason. Why would I exchange the freedom of no underwear for a 2lbs underwear that’ll be even more uncomfortable. If I wasn’t willing to wear 1oz boxers or military issue underwear, why would I wear this?

      Protection from roadside ieds? Groin is the least of my worries. Both my legs and femoral artery is still exposed.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:53pm

      @American Soldier (Separated)

      I guess that’s where my husband gets the no underwear thing….always knew it was called going commando, but it still irritates me when we‘re in Denny’s.

      Report Post »  
    • CrawfishsClaw
      Posted on August 5, 2011 at 5:00pm

      Going commando was almost mandatory for the guys in Vietnam, as underwear would literally rot off and cause problems in that area.
      There is another group that goes commando, and that is those of us who occasionally wear a kilt. Yes, we do have to be careful at Denny’s or other dining establishments!
      Sidenote: The sporran (pouch worn hanging from the belt when wearing a kilt) has developed a new modern title among renaissance faire patrons…pop-up blocker.

      Report Post »  
  • Praise God Almighty
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:51pm

    Thou Shall Not Kill

    Report Post » Praise God Almighty  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Actually the correct interpretation is Thou Shall Not Commit Murder. On another note and less “spiritual” we can’t forget the very important commandment “Protect Your Family Jewels”!

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:06pm

      Thou shall not covet thy neighbors house, nor thy neighbors wife, nor his manservant or handmaiden,nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbors.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Diablo4965
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:09pm

      Thou shalt not kill? tell that to the Jihad crazy radical muslims!

      Report Post » Diablo4965  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Things that get lost in translation….

      Report Post »  
    • crabbyoldman
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:53pm

      Tell that to the crazy arabs!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • busterpuddles
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:43pm

    I was wondering when something like this was going to be invented.

    Report Post » busterpuddles  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:40pm

    let me guess, with the lift of don‘t ask don’t tell this will be available in sequens and glitter, or maybe leather and spikes??

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • Pastor Ray
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:22pm

    In the words of Lt. General Harry Kinnard…NUTS!

    Report Post » Pastor Ray  
    • HemiOwner
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:43pm

      That was first said by General McAuliffe

      Report Post » HemiOwner  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:45pm

      Pastor. That quote should correctly be credited to BGen Anthony McCaulliff, 101st Div. Arbrne Bastogne, Belgium Dec 1944…..Just sayin’

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:00pm

    Now they need Armored Diamond Gussets (Gousset) in the crotch – where you need it most.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • chucklesworth
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Will women wear them? Sense the main purpose is protecting the femoral artery?

    Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:07pm

      Gays are now allowed in the military and they need extra protection in that area. Moslem snipers like aiming for the homosexual groin area.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:21pm

      Its about time these are going to the troops, if there was such a need before this time; why did we not have them already in prodcution and out to the field units? Why does it matter if we have to get them from the British — save that we should already have them made here, and the administrations loathing of the British would also explain the delays…

      I wonder how many will be sold in the surplus stores after the military is gutted? Many a cheating husband may wish he had some after a long, shall we say, close encounter with someone else…

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:25pm

      I think the old groin protectors protected the femoral artery better than this. This doesn’t seem to protect it at all, really.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:51am

      re : Will women wear them? Sense the main purpose is protecting the femoral artery?
      ***
      Now, you wouldn’t want to discriminate in the protection category. Of course they’ll be issued to women!
      After all, this is the 21st century, we mustn‘t suggest that there’s any difference between men and women!
      Remember, if men and women aren’t exactly the same, then what good’s evolution?

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • blue_sky
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:59pm

    What a waste of public money!

    Bring the ALL home to protect OUR borders.

    Report Post »  
  • Race
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Little to no protection for the femoral artery, and increased incidences of chafing and crotch rot over in the sandbox. And all for only 20 million. You just can’t make this crap up……….

    Report Post » Race  
    • rkwhyte2
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:27pm

      I totally agree this doesn’t look like it will provide protection for the femoral artery and to top it off it will be a different camo pattern which will make it stand out..

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:56pm

    It’s about time. Medieval knights had groin protection, our guys need it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Son_of_Liberty
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:50pm

    “My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but independent of, all the nations of the earth. To share in the broils of none. To fulfil our own engagements. To supply the wants, and be carriers for them all: Being thoroughly convinced that it is our policy and interest to do so.” George Washington

    3%

    Report Post » Son_of_Liberty  
  • El Pistoffo
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:46pm

    Hey, makes sense to me, you have to protect the Family Jewels. At least they’re bieng supplied by the British and not the Japanese otherwise they would much too small. Sorry, I had to get one in there

    Report Post » El Pistoffo  
    • GPS-Tech
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:45pm

      I wear a jock when I play paintball. You only need to take one shot to the package and then you will never run around with out protection again.

      Report Post » GPS-Tech  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:45pm

    DADT repealed. Just sayin.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:43pm

    .
    If anyone know’s a relitive of the guy who invented the Zipper. Please let me know, as I need some payback! I was 9 at the pool, jumped out to go to the bathroom. Then Wham! Hit Mr. Happy with the zipper, all frank no beans thank God. I DAMN NEAR WENT BLIND from the pain.

    So help me open this Can of Whoop Ass I’ve carried now for 42yrs, while I’m still as good as I once was lol……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Secessionista
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:42pm

    Getting one’s balls blown off is no minor injury, and schrapnel doesn’t stop there but continues into the body. There is more than just the femoral artery, there is the abdominal artery that is as big around as three fingers – if it is nicked, even on an operating table, you can die in less than a minute. Fun to have a little potty humor I suppose, and I am sure I will laugh at the sure-to-come jokes. But this is serious business, too. So bring on the jokes, I need a laugh today – my senate and congress just sold out my country.I need a good laugh, I repeat.

    Report Post » Secessionista  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:49pm

      Agreed.

      With all the negative going on in our country, we do need a good laugh now & then. Sadly, they’re getting fewer and fewer every day.

      Report Post »  
  • Drum Man
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:40pm

    Nice! Gotta keep Big Jim & the Twins safe!

    Report Post » Drum Man  
  • ProbIemSoIver
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:36pm

    I am supremely disappointed with the BLAZE. While the administration just created a “Super Congress” to bypass the Congress and the Constitution, to begin taking property and guns, they are printing stories about Jock Straps. How Freakin’ pathetic.

    Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • Brizz
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:56pm

      Agreed! Even the headline is a horrible pun.

      Report Post » Brizz  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 2:45pm

      This is big news if you have ever been in the service. Imagine being a 19 year old soldier or Marine, having your testicles blown off and living. This is a soldier’s worst nightmare. I hope the armor works.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • GiGi80
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:40pm

      @Dismayed Veteran

      “This is big news if you have ever been in the service. Imagine being a 19 year old soldier or Marine, having your testicles blown off and living. This is a soldier’s worst nightmare.”

      Don’t waste your breath. I have a feeling that most Blaze posters haven’t had the stones to put on a uniform since Boy Scouts. “Supporting the Troops” is just a meme to make one feel like a “patriot.”

      Thank you, thank you, thank you for your service.

      Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 4:55pm

      Yes. I am happy about your new military jock-strap. That was not the point….. nevermind. lol.

      Is the government that pathetic ( why do I even ask ), that it is the year 2011, and someone just thought about a bullet-proof ball shield ???

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 5:08pm

      I also thank you for your service Dismayed Veteran. You and GiGi80 can also thank me in advance for MY SERVICE Defending America and the Constitution when the time comes soon !!!! I am a Gun-Owner that WILL NOT give up my arms to communist regimes !!! I don’t know if you were referring to me about “no stones” GIGI80. I am what is considered a 3%er. I am a small minority that will fight the NWO. ARE YOU 3% ????? Just saying I am 3% is dangerous. But it is too late for that crap !!! I have already commited the crime of “exercising my free speech”. I am prepared. You guys go ahead and talk Jock-straps while we lose our country.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 5:02pm

      @PROBLEMSOLVER
      My family has been in every war since the Spanish American War. My son is on his 3rd tour in Iraq. Anything that might help him come home unharmed, I take a keen interest in.

      I still keep the oath I took in 1969. No one in family has waivered from that oath. I don’t know what a 3% is or why you are more dangerous than a combat experienced soldier, Marine, airman or sailor.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • romadave
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:29pm

    And you thought Dukakis wearing the tank helmet was goofy, let’s see Joe Biden wear one next time he visits the troops. He’ll probably wear it as a hat.

    Report Post »  
  • MeMadMax
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:27pm

    This body armor is good. That artery that it is designed to protect is extremely vital. Once you cut that artery ur done, within minutes, even seconds.

    I’m glad we are doing more to protect our warriors on the field.

    Report Post » MeMadMax  
  • Locked
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:26pm

    The idea seems silly, but knowing it protects the femoral artery makes a lot more sense. Getting cut there will bleed out a man within minutes.

    Know what would help them even more? Get them the heck out of the Middle East!

    Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:31pm

      Protection for the femoral artery was my first thought – and that’s a good thing.

      My second thought was “insert Tab A into Slot B” – Please forgive my warped sense of humor. I couldn’t resist..

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:26pm

    .
    Just like the Squirrel said “Guard Your Nut’s”…………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • unsalvageable.org
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:25pm

    We could start by leaving Lybia, we have to declaration of war.
    http://www.unsalvageable.org
    I say give our soliders EVERY bit of equipment that can protect them, but more importantly, let them do their jobs without the media reporting everything they do as a “crime”. Do NOT send a person to war and then punish them for killing the enemy!

    Report Post »  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:08am

      @unsalvageable.org
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:25pm
      We could start by leaving Lybia, we have to declaration of war.
      http://www.unsalvageable.org
      I say give our soliders EVERY bit of equipment that can protect them, but more importantly, let them do their jobs without the media reporting everything they do as a “crime”. Do NOT send a person to war and then punish them for killing the enemy
      *****
      The 1st new piece of equipment we need to give them is NEW RULES OF ENGAGEMENT!!!
      How about, ALL military in hostile nations, or dangerous assignments be allowed to carry LOADED WEAPONS AT ALL TIMES!! AND USE THEM IF THEY SEE THE ENEMY PLANTING IED’s OR CARRYING OTHER WEAPONS! When someone is taken prisoner on the battlefield, the FBI be told, they ARE NOT US citizens, and therefore do NOT have Miranda rights! Stop actual torture, yes, but if it’s part of our troops training, IT’S NOT TORTURE! AND ***NO***MEDALS FOR RESTRAINT, THEIR FAMILIES WANT THEM TO COME BACK SAFELY!!!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:24pm

    They will be a smaller size too…Because they are British…

    Report Post »  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:24pm

    Insert penis joke here…..I have way too many of them to be able to fit this post.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
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