French Military Flak Vest

French Army Flak Vest

This is a flak vest issued to the French Army. Flak means fragmentation, and the vest is cut to cover the chest, back and upper torso, with a high collar to close in around the neck. It suits collectors of French kit, reenactors building an accurate loadout, and anyone who wants genuine issued body armor rather than a commercial lookalike. It is photographed here in CCE woodland and Daguet desert camouflage.

Features

• French Army Issue — This vest was made for and issued to the French military, so it is the real item and carries real provenance.
• CCE And Daguet Camouflage — The vest is shown in CCE (Camouflage Centre Europe), the French woodland pattern, and in Daguet, the French three-color desert pattern.
• High Protective Collar — A tall stand-up collar rises around the neck, and a zip runs around its top edge.
• Front Zip Closure — A vertical zip on the left side of the chest opens the vest for putting it on and taking it off.
• Flapped Chest Pocket — A large front pocket closes under a flap, and on the woodland example it has a clear window panel.
• Hook-And-Loop Patch Panels — Strips of hook-and-loop fastener (the same system as Velcro) on the chest and pocket flap take name tapes, rank or unit insignia.
• Adjustable Side Tabs — Strap tabs at the sides let you tighten the fit around the torso.
• Sleeveless Cut — Open armholes leave the arms free and let the vest go on over a field shirt or jacket.

Authentic French Issue

French Army issue was built to the army's own specification, not a maker's version of it, which is why it is worth owning. The camouflage, collar design, pocket layout and hook-and-loop panels all match the vest that French troops wore. For a French impression, or for a surplus collection organized by country, it is the right piece to have.