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Costa Urges Armed Services Committee To Resolve

May 23, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC-Today, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, wrote to the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton, D-Missouri, asking that the Armed Services Committee investigate the body armor used by the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, men and women serving in the military are required to use Interceptor body armor, but a potentially better armor, Dragon Skin, may provide enhanced ballistics protection. "Our men and women in uniform deserve the best and most cutting-edge body armor available to them," said Costa. "While the Interceptor armor has been effective, Dragon Skin may be the best available armor on the market. I am hopeful the Committee can work with the Department of Defense to find the best available armor for the military."

In April 2007, Costa joined many of his colleagues and sent a letter to Department Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and the Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Green regarding the ongoing debate surrounding Dragon Skin body armor and Interceptor body armor. He asked that an unbiased, external investigation determine the most effective body armor available for the men and women in uniform.

Recent news reports conducted an independent side-by-side test of both Dragon Skin and Interceptor Body armor to determine which armor performed better. These tests were conducted at room temperature, and used a variety of ammunition. While the Interceptor did well during these tests, the tests showed more bullet penetration and the armor did not protect well against body trauma. Overall, Dragon Skin performed much better than Interceptor body armor. Dragon Skin is made by Pinnacle Armor, located in Fresno, California. Pinnacle Armor specializes in armor protection against ballistics and explosives, as well as facility protection.