Whack the snaps.

Dear Sergeant Blade,

If aircrews or ALSE inspectors report loose or torn snaps on the aircrew integrated recovery survival armor vest and equipment (AIRSAVE), it may be that the snaps are not seated with enough pressure. Here's a way to take care of that problem.

We save money and the hassle of trying to replace snaps by using a snap setter we locally purchased and a rawhide mallet, NSN 5120-00-222-2220. We re-seat the freewheeling snaps and then give them two to three good whacks with a mallet.

When we repair the snaps, we orient them properly before whacking. Also, we're careful not to damage the snap in the process. After the repair we snap and unsnap them a few times to make sure they're fixed and don't spin.

SSG Jimmy Hicks

101st Airborne Division

Ft Campbell, KY

Sergeant Hicks,

Good idea! Let me remind ALSE techs to always complete a QDR for replacement of defective vests under warranty, like DA-PAM 738-751 instructs.

Rotor Blade