Paraclete RAV / Releasable Asault Vest Smoke Green

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Photo : bickyikeda 

The Paraclete RAV (Releasable Assault Vest) was a cornerstone of Special Operations equipment during the early stages of the Iraq War (OIF), defining the look of "Tier 1" units during that era.

Units and Adoption

Delta Force (CAG): The RAV is most famously associated with 1st SFOD-D around 2003–2005. It was often seen in Smoke Green, which became a signature color for the unit before the widespread move to MultiCam.

AFSOC: Air Force Special Operations, including Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Controllers (CCTs), heavily utilized the RAV for its integrated medical and communications capabilities.

ISOF (Golden Division): The Iraqi Special Operations Forces were famously equipped with RAVs (often clones or older stock) during their formation and subsequent urban battles.


Why it was Chosen

The Cutaway System: The "R" in RAV stands for Releasable. It featured a patented single-pull cable system that allowed the vest to fall apart in seconds. This was critical for CASEVAC (medical evacuation) or if an operator fell into water (a major concern during the crossing of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers).

Zip-on Back Panels: Long before Crye Precision popularized back panels, Paraclete used a heavy-duty zipper system. This allowed operators to swap mission-specific back loads (breaching tools, hydration, or extra flashbangs) without unweaving MOLLE straps.

BALCS Protection: The vest used the BALCS (Body Armor Load Carriage System) soft armor cut, which provided a large surface area of fragmentation protection while allowing for the insertion of SAPI hard plates.

Cummerbund Design: Unlike earlier vests, the RAV utilized an internal and external cummerbund, which provided a stable platform for heavy loads and prevented the vest from shifting during dynamic room clearing.

Legacy
The Paraclete RAV is considered the "grandfather" of modern releasable plate carriers. While it has been largely replaced by lighter systems like the Crye Precision AVS, it remains a legendary piece of gear for collectors and historians of the Global War on Terror (GWOT).