The British Army utilises three combat body armour systems. For training activities, old stocks of Enhanced Combat Body Armour are utilised; first introduced in the 1980s, this is a soft body armour vest that can be augmented with hard armour plates. For operational activities since 2006, soldiers have been issued with a combined soft and hard body armour vest known as Osprey body armour, with the latest iteration being the Mk 4 and Mk 4A 'Osprey Assault' body armour. The Osprey Mk 4 vest provides the same level of ballistic protection as older Osprey vests while improving the comfort of personnel on operations by being closer fitting, less bulky and easier to move in; this is aided by having a thinner hard armour plate which is carried in an internal pocket as opposed to the external pockets of Enhanced Combat Body Armour and earlier Osprey vests. A new ribbed material lining on the inside of the vest improves breathability in hotter climates such as that of Afghanistan. The Mk 4A version achieves a further weight reduction by switching from a cummerbund to a smaller side plate pouch. All versions of Osprey body armour are modular in that MOLLE loops on the outside of the vest allow soldiers to attach various load carrying pouches to suit their role, with the Osprey Mk 4 having a higher number of loops and introducing new pouches such as a "commander's pouch" for holding stationery and open magazine pouches with elastic draw-cords for easier access to ammunition (though pouches with Velcro flaps and Fastex fastenings were also included).