Taiwan's Marine Corps has rolled out a new body-armor vest built to come off fast in emergencies, a modest but practical upgrade for troop safety.

• The vest can be pulled off quickly if a soldier is shot, hurt, or dragged underwater.
• Four quick-release buckles let medics reach and treat wounds faster.
• A pull-cord anti-drowning feature lets a trapped soldier ditch the vest in the water.
• The new design fits female troops, who found the old vests too big and unadjustable.

Outlook: The vest is now being issued to Marine units, part of Taiwan's steady push to modernize its forces amid tension with China.