Less body armor might be answer

WASHINGTON: Heavy layers of body armor, a proven lifesaver of US troops, also may be an impediment to winning the fight in Afghanistan.

Weighing as much as 15.4 kg each, the protective vests hinder American forces hunting down more agile insurgents who use the country's rugged peaks and valleys to their advantage, according to military officials.

The proper balance between troop safety and mobility will be examined this week during a series of oversight hearings by the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.