The RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest with Level IIIA Soft Armor is a purpose-built SWAT, entry team, and special operations soft armor vest system with integrated NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA protection. Available with Commander (1.24 lbs/ft²) or Relentless (0.94 lbs/ft²) armor packages, it features a 2-point quick-release, 360° laser-cut MOLLE, a side-loading plate pocket for rapid armor upgrade, SAPI-compatible plate pockets, spacer mesh comfort liner, and removable Epic Shoulder Pads.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | RTS Tactical (Made in USA) |
| Soft Armor Options | Commander HG2 (1.24 lbs/ft²) | Relentless HG2 (0.94 lbs/ft²) |
| Protection Level | NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA (both armor packages) |
| Plate Pocket (S) | 8"×10" front & back SAPI inserts |
| Plate Pockets (M/L) | 10"×12" front & back SAPI inserts |
| Plate Pockets (XL/2XL) | 11"×14" front & back SAPI inserts |
| Quick Release | 2-point quick-release system (waist) |
| Side Plate Loading | Side-loading plate pocket — insert/remove plates while wearing vest |
| MOLLE System | Full 360° laser-cut MOLLE platform |
| Interior | Breathable spacer mesh; removable Epic Shoulder Pads |
| Available Colors | Black, Coyote Tan, Ranger Green, Multicam |
| Available Sizes | Small through 2XL |
| Carrier Warranty | 2-year warranty on all carriers |
Product Overview
The RICO (Rapid Integrated Combat Operations) vest represents RTS Tactical's integrated soft armor + carrier platform, combining the NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA soft armor insert with the full-featured carrier system in a single purchasable unit — eliminating the need to source compatible soft armor panels separately. This integration simplifies procurement and ensures the armor panels are certified and properly sized for the carrier's pocket dimensions.
Two soft armor packages are available: the Commander HG2 at 1.24 lbs/ft² and the Relentless HG2 at 0.94 lbs/ft². Both packages are NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA certified and Made in the USA. The Relentless package, at 0.94 lbs/ft², provides the lighter option for operators where reduced weight is the priority — approximately 25% lighter per square foot than Commander. The Commander package, at 1.24 lbs/ft², may offer different thickness or backface signature characteristics. Both provide IIIA protection against the full spectrum of handgun threats including 9mm, .357 Magnum, .357 SIG, and .44 Magnum.
The unique side-loading plate design is an operationally significant feature: most plate carriers require plates to be inserted through the top or front of the pocket, requiring the carrier to be removed to change plates. The RICO's side-loading system allows the operator to insert or remove hard armor plates while wearing the vest — enabling rapid adaptation from a soft-armor-only configuration to full hard armor when an active rifle threat is identified, without doffing the carrier. This is a meaningful tactical advantage in dynamic environments where threat levels change rapidly.
Comfort and Extended Wear
The breathable spacer mesh interior allows air circulation between the soft armor panels and the wearer's torso, reducing the heat buildup that makes extended vest wear uncomfortable in warm climates or high-activity deployments. Removable Epic Shoulder Pads distribute plate and kit weight across the shoulder girdle — operators who do not want the additional shoulder bulk can remove them for a slimmer profile. Full 360° laser-cut MOLLE on all surfaces allows complete loadout customization including comms, magazine pouches, medical kit, and admin gear. The chest and admin pockets include a full-size phone pocket — an increasingly important feature for operators using smartphones for maps, comms apps, or tactical applications. Pair the RICO with hard armor plate upgrades from MED-TAC International for a complete NIJ Level III or IV protection system.
See also: Plate Carriers & Tactical Vests | Armor Plates & Panels | Ballistic Protection Collection
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
