BULLET PROOF

"CAMP FALLUJAH, IraqCpl. Brandon L. Blair is a man who is thankful for his body armor.

Blair, from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment’s Weapons Company, was hit in the chest by a sniper’s bullet. Any doubts he ever had about his enhanced small-arms protective insert not working disappeared in one quick moment. The plate did its’ job, and he’s alive to tell the story.

“Everyone needs to wear their protective gear,” said Blair, a 23-year-old vehicle commander from

Andrew, N.C.

“It will save your life. I’m a testament to that. I’m living proof.”

The E-SAPI was issued to Marines when they first arrived in Iraq . They are designed to stop nearly any small-arms bullet fired by insurgents. Marines complained about getting heavier SAPIs, but now many reconsidered their complaints."
One Marine's View