“Chicken” plate carriers consist of just two platebags and often little else. The origin of the term is unknown [1], but it is likely related to the vehicle, particularly air crew, body armor systems which preceded the 21st century examples shown on this page (as early as the Vietnam War), which had a similar design, and were also referred to as “Chicken” vests [2][3][4]. These plate carriers were likely intended to be worn under other clothing for low visibility, or could have chest rigs and other load bearing gear layered on top for scalability like the similarly slick LV MBAV.
Black (2002):
This design from 2002 uses two differently shaped plates. The plates are also thinner than the more commonly encountered SAPI plates. The particular example here was obtained from a former SEAL assigned to Seal Teams 3 and 7, who was issued this item around 2016, though he never used it. This is possibly a rigger-made item, though it could also be a commercial Diamondback Tactical Gen 1 Chicken Plate Carrier [5][6].
Body side of Platebags:
Inside of Platebag:
Buckle:
2002 dated buckles. The buckles are the only informative markings on the item.
Shoulder Straps:
Shoulder Strap Buckle:
Waist Strap:
Elastic strap connects front and back platebags at the bottom on both sides. There are some non-elastic loops sewn onto the strap for holding something.
Usage Photos:
This type of black chicken plate carrier is seen in photos of Navy SEALs in the first few years (2001 – 2002) of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Coyote Brown (2014?):
This much later dated Chicken Plate Carrier in Coyote Brown is sized to fit ESAPI plates. The manufacturer is unknown, though it could be a custom tailored item since the strap ends seem “unfinished” compared to other commercial tactical gear.
Body side of Platebags:
Foam padding for comfort. This example has some napping on the material, indicating it was used.
Inside of Platebag:
The “wings” on the side have velcro, so it is unlikely they are meant for soft armor.
Buckle:
Like the black example, the buckles have the only informative markings on the item.
Shoulder Straps:
Usage Photos:
The user of this plate carrier is unknown since it was found in a surplus store, though the CIA’s Global Response Staff (GRS) personnel wore similar plate carriers during the mid-2010’s, contemporary with this example [16].