Chief Financial Officer Departing Force Protection, Inc.

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB: FRPT), the leading U.S. manufacturer of specialty-armored vehicles, announced today that Thomas H. Thebes, Jr. has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer. His resignation was accepted by CEO Gordon McGilton, and was effective Tuesday (10/17).

"We appreciate Tom's contribution during a time of enormous growth for our company and wish him well as he moves on to new ventures," said CEO Gordon McGilton. "His decision marks an important step in the development of Force Protection for which we have prepared and anticipated for some time, and coincides with the final stages of a previously-initiated search for a new CFO with the qualifications and experience necessary to take the company to the next level."

"Force Protection has the infrastructure, skilled personnel and knowledge in place to fully support operations while the final selection of the new CFO is made," said McGilton. "We will do everything necessary to ensure that the company continues to supply life-saving blast-protection technology to our men and women in conflict, as well as address the needs of our customers and shareholders during this brief interim."

Force Protection currently produces two vehicle series - the Buffalo and Cougar - that have been actively used in mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team missions in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom for more than two years. Company sales have risen dramatically from $2 million in 2002 to more than $24 million in the first six months of 2005 and its workforce has increased to more than 270, as it has become the leading center for blast protection technology and counter IED research in the U.S.

About Force Protection

Force Protection, Inc. manufactures ballistic- and mine-protected vehicles through its wholly owned subsidiary. These specialty vehicles are protected against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection's mine and ballistic protection technology is among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C.

For more information, visit http://www.forceprotectioninc.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications may arise that could prevent the prompt implementation of the strategic plan outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.