{"id":4693,"date":"2013-03-06T19:07:02","date_gmt":"2013-03-07T00:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thinblueflorida.com\/?p=4693"},"modified":"2013-03-06T23:19:08","modified_gmt":"2013-03-07T04:19:08","slug":"armored-mobility-inc-rapid-response-carrier-and-sapi3-plates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinblueflorida.com\/?p=4693","title":{"rendered":"Armored Mobility Inc. Rapid Response Carrier and SAPI3 Plate Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>My agency responded to an active shooter in the workplace last week. \u00a0Shots were fired.\u00a0 Hundreds of workers, fearing the worst, hid in their offices. \u00a0There were gunfire injuries to a civilian. \u00a0Our PD response was swift and decisive.\u00a0 The shooter was arrested.\u00a0 Afterward, some of my co-workers expressed a desire to upgrade their patrol load out to include a critical incident vest. \u00a0I could not help but give them my opinion on the importance of armor and ammo.<\/p>\n

I currently have an Armored Mobility Inc.<\/a> (AMI) Rapid Response Carrier<\/a> with two AMI SAPI3 plates<\/a> in the CVPI trunk while on duty.\u00a0 Armor–check. \u00a0Multiple AR-15\u00a0 and Sig magazines.\u00a0 Ammo–check.<\/p>\n

Since leaving the active part of SWAT after 20+ years, I have gone minimalist for patrol critical incidents. \u00a0Again, armor and ammo. \u00a0For urgent street calls, my go-vest has rifle plates to go over the uniform and concealed IIIa body armor. \u00a0A reasonable payload of 5.56 x 45mm bullets, an extra .40 cal. mag, and a Benchmade SOCP dagger<\/a> complete the package.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>On any hot patrol call, I will already have all my daily carry gear on board.\u00a0 My work environment has BLS and ALS on scene in mere minutes. \u00a0We are lucky. \u00a0A CAT tourniquet and dressings will hold the line for TCCC<\/a>, but you have to survive the fight.<\/p>\n

The AMI Rapid Response Carrier is an extremely well constructed and thoughtful product.\u00a0 In speaking to AMI Rep Bill Gazza at SWAT Round-Up last year, he said the aim for the Rapid Response Carrier was to make a simple, lightweight plate carrier with just the essentials and nothing unnecessary.\u00a0 “Throw and go,” seemed to be the mantra for this carrier.<\/p>\n

The Rapid Response Carrier is built with USA-made 1680 denier Nylon material.\u00a0 PALS webbing is found on the front and back panels, along with hook and loop fields for ID patches (not included).\u00a0 The interior surface of the carrier is the smooth nylon, so uniform adornments such as badges, name plates, and pins will not snag.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>This is a one size for all vest.\u00a0 I like the adjustable shoulder straps that have a primary hook and loop hold down and a secondary strap that threads back through a buckle then folds over to Velcro back on itself.\u00a0 This two-part system ensures a good fit and secure connection between the front and rear panels.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>Cinch straps with buckles on each side snug the Rapid Response Carrier to the torso and a custom rubber-c0vered grab handle allows your buddies to drag you to safety.<\/p>\n

Both the front and back panels load their 10″ X 12″ rifle plates from the top down.\u00a0 Nothing will fall out here.\u00a0 More hook and loop closes the opening and another wide strap seals the plate in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>AMI sent me two of their SAPI3\u00a0(Small Arms Protective Insert) rifle plates rated at Level III.\u00a0 It is suggested the SAPI3 be backed by Level IIIa body armor.\u00a0 Not a problem here, since the Rapid Response Carrier and SAPI3’s will protect me over the “blue bag.”<\/p>\n

Meeting NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level III, AMI states the SAPI3 will stop (pistol and) rifle rounds to include:<\/p>\n