The ballistic assault vest is a body armor system used by UNSC soldiers and Marines. They are worn over the wearer's camouflage utility uniform and are made of hard black nylon.[1]
Overview
The vest itself is modular, allowing for pouches for equipment such as ammunition or canteens to be added to it for mission requirements.[2] It also features a holster for a sidearm.[3]
SSgt Avery Johnson and SSgt Nolan Byrne used ballistic assault vests throughout the duration of the First Battle of Harvest, though they are not effective against plasma weaponry.[2][3] This is because ballistic gear is designed for defense against projectile weapons, such as the ones used by the UNSC.