Re: Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) ESAPI/ESBI
IOTV's (and OTV's and plates) are a 100% accountable item. If you lose or have yours stolen, you are financially responsible for it. But here's the b!tch of it all, just because you pay the bill for lost stuff does not make it yours. If you find it or it's recovered, it must be returned. Thank all the idiots who in the beginning claimed to have crap stolen or lost, paid the percentage of the value, then sold their gear for profit.
If it was issued, it is government property until the DRMO says otherwise. To date, no SAPI, ESAPI, IOTV, or OTV manufactured under contract for the US Government is legal to own or sell. It doesn't matter if you have a bill of sale, receipt or a letter from your Senetor...by law it belongs to Uncle Sam.
There are some civilian versions, but if you buy those you'd better be sure of the source. Tags, markings and features are different. Just because someone on eGay says they bought it for "contract" work doesn't make it so. More often than not, it's some jackhole who stole it and is now trying to pass it off as personal property. Some may think, "Hey I'm a private citizen (not military) so if I buy it what's the government gonna do about it?" Well, the FBI and Military LEO (CID & OSI) can seize questionable gear pending investigation (good luck trying to get it back). Just visit any pawn or surplus shop near a military base and ask if they have an IOTV. The reputable ones won't touch the stuff and will tell it to you straight.
I've seen piles of questionable gear for sale on eGay. Sellers skirt the rules by not showing labels or in the case of plates, only the front side (U.S. is on the back). Be safe and avoid them. For those who read this and still want to buy? Be aware that eGay WILL readily hand over your info to the authorities upon request. So why don't they ban the sale of such items entirely? Simple, they're a business that gets their cut from the sale no matter what. And it's up to the sellers/buyers to comply with the law (read user agreement). eGay has a department of legal geeks who know the law and remain in compliance just be providing infomation whenever requested. Okay, I know some are thinking "Dude you're full of it! I've never heard of anyone getting busted from eGay." Well believe what you want, but know that: 1) eBay is not going to advertise that they turn people in. 2) Sellers and buyers are not going to comment on pending investigations.
Be smart and save yourself the troubles. If you want an IOTV, buy a replica or wait until they become a surplus sale item. And don't think you're safe in buying the real deal and stripping the labels...there is nothing more questionable than something that's unmarked and can still be seized. How is all this legal? It's covered under a B.S. National Security addendum to Title 18 of the United States Code.
ETA: Damn, I kinda come off sounding like a d!ckless boy scout on the matter. But I had to buy all my own armor 8 years ago when they were in short supply and to see people selling servicable gear that can be reissued just pisses me off. Rather than being that "NO" guy...if anyone needs to replace gear to clear CIF, feel free to contact me directly. There are not for profit groups out there that put together gear from remnants and civilian market items to help soldiers/airmen meet their turn in requirements. So olease no gear whores.