Ball State Alumnus Magazine, Saving Lives One Soldier at a Time

Alumnus Scott Burk has found a way to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries soldiers incur in combat. The creator of the newest addition to body-armor technology, Burk invented the ballistic gauntlet, an apparatus that protects lower extremities from the effects of small-arms fire and explosive devices while one is inside a military vehicle.

The gauntlet provides 360-degree protection for vehicle operators and occupants by incorporating two sets of overlapping flaps for cocoon-type protection to the upper legs and shins. The flaps are constructed of the same material as Kevlar vests. The gauntlet also serves to protect the vital organs of the lower waist and back. For additional protection against larger and higher-velocity fragments, the armor is reinforced with titanium inserts.

Designed for simplicity, the gauntlet fits inside most commercial and military vehicles without special installation and conforms to most seat shapes and positions. Made of both hard and soft armor, the lightweight structure allows soldiers to easily transfer the gauntlet from vehicle to vehicle.

According to the Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), the non-profit applied research organization that developed the gauntlet, the armor does not affect a vehicle's suspension system or ability to maneuver, and can be tailored to a specific mission by adding, removing, or modifying components.

Burk began working for CTC in 2000 as director of Intelligence Analysis. He never thought his job would involve the detailed product development required to complete the ballistic gauntlet. His job primarily entails providing leadership on multimillion dollar programs ranging from soft ware upgrades to intelligence analysis and he oversees more than 70 employees.

A former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, Burk gained experience that gave him the knowledge necessary to devise the much-needed improvement to out-of-date body armor.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Burk was called back to active duty. Experience from his 21-month term in Iraq helped him develop the idea for the gauntlet.

"I've been there," he says. "Everyone serving in Iraq knows that our soldiers are putting on anything they can find to protect themselves from harm while driving. bullet-proof vests aren't enough."

In addition to Burk's first-hand experience, empirical data shows that soldiers need lower-body protection. One medical investigation states the distribution of injuries has changed. Chest and abdominal injuries are now less common. Th e majority of injuries are to extremities.

According to the Navy Marine Corps, the combination of wounds sustained accounts for the single highest ratio of the location of injury and probablthose reports, Burk presented the concept of improving the current body armor technology.

A team at CTC developed the idea. After an initial three-week planning stage, the first prototype took four days to build. Subsequent prototypes were designed and tested over the next two months.

The team conceptualized six prototypes, but constructed only two. "D" prototype, the current model, was an improvement over its predecessor "C" prototype by including additional hard-armor inserts in the flaps.

After rigorous accreditation by the Department of Defense, 150 gauntlets were sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. By the end of 2006, 500-1000 units will be in use. In addition to those used overseas, CTC also provides the Army National Guard with ballistic gauntlets for use in the United States.

Burk says it "feels great" to reduce the number of casualties and injuries incurred by soldiers in battle. "I set out with one goal in mind—to save life and limb," he says. "The fact that we have accomplished this already is more than reward enough."