Abstract: In one embodiment, the inventive ballistic garment includes a front panel and a rear panel; a plurality of connecting element, wherein each connecting element having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each connecting element is operatively fastened to a first end of a respective anchor element and each of a second end of each respective anchor element is operatively fixed to the rear panel of the ballistic garment; a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is operatively fixed to the ballistic garment; at least one releasable plug for releasably engaging the locking assembly, wherein the at least one releasable plug is operatively attached to the second end of at least one connecting element, and wherein the front panel of the ballistic garment is attached to the rear panel of the ballistic garment when the at least one releasable plug engages the locking assembly.