I've been wondering this for a while, but how does the NCR manufacture their armor, and what materials are used in it's construction? The NCR's economy seems largely backed by expansion and the brahmin industry, with a decent manufacturing industry as represented by the Gun Runners, likely using salvage rather than extraction for resources like steel. So that makes me wonder the question then, since the NCR's trooper (and patrol ranger) armors are clearly produced by the Republic, what textiles do they use to produce these? Additionally, are the armoring over the fatigues steel woven into a carrier, or maybe some kind of layered leather? What do you think?
My guess: I'm pretty sure they're recycled prewar fatigues made for desert warfare, which might have been underfunded due to the fact that none of the desert areas were an active frontline at the time of the great war.
The plates are likely low grade polymer armor.