Change 1 to Marine Corps Policy on the Wear and Purchase of Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This MARADMIN amends Marine Corps policy on body armor and personal protective equipment (PPE) to allow installation commanders to purchase commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) body armor using government funds specifically for military police performing law enforcement duties on Marine Corps installations. The COTS body armor must be NIJ certified Level IIIA and cannot be used as a substitute for Marine Corps approved body armor in combat zones.

Issued: March 27, 2017

Announcements Logistics

1.  This MARADMIN announces a change to reference (a).
a.  The following language is added to the end of paragraph 6 to read:  This prohibition does not apply to installation commanders using government funds to purchase commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) body armor for use by military police performing law enforcement duties aboard Marine Corps installations.  COTS body armor must be National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified Level IIIA as listed at the NIJ website https:(slash)(slash)www.nij.gov(slash)topics(slash)technology(slash)body-armor(slash)Pages(slash)compliant-ballistic-armor.aspx.  COTS body armor purchased for installation law enforcement duty will not be worn by Marines as a substitute for Marine Corps tested/approved body armor in a combat zone or theater of operation.
2.  Direct all questions regarding this policy change to the POC.
3.  Release authorized by SES Randy R. Smith, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Security Division, Plans Policies and Operations.