Professionals understand the necessity of dressing for success. Deep-sea divers lumber into a complicated wetsuit and helmet.  Fighter pilots cinch down straps and buckles of a pressure suit, and the modern badged warrior pulls on body armor at the beginning of every shift. The unique nature of these examples is that they are all designed to keep the user alive. In essence, they are all up-armored.

Class is in Session – Time for Look at Body Armor

Gone are the days of Mayberry when officers nonchalantly strolled the streets with little more than a duty belt and a cup of coffee. The realities of the world now require that professional officers wear body armor to protect themselves from potentially lethal gunshot wounds. These same principles hold true for the civilian world. The last 20 years have seen incredible advancements in body armor technology as well as the gear designed to carry it.  From super light soft armor to plates with exceptional stopping ability, the age of serious body armor has dawned. A company that offers a variety of options is Premier Body Armor.

Going Soft

The modern warrior has a spectrum of choices in the body armor area. There are some guidelines, though, that anyone can follow in deciding what they will need when they upgrade armor.  First up is soft armor.  Soft armor has been one of the most powerful additions to law enforcement in the last 30 years.  It has saved countless lives and is now considered part of the uniform.  Soft armor is tested and rated by the National Institute of Justice.  The NIJ categorizes armor into five categories based on its ballistic performance.  Essentially, they are listed by what rounds they can resist.  The categories are:

Type IIA – 9mm – .40 S&W

Type II – 9mm – .357 Magnum

Type IIIA – .357 SIG – .44 Magnum

Type III – Rifles

Type IV – Armor Piercing

The armor works by decelerating the round and causing it to expand outward, or “mushroom” out.  This keeps the round from penetrating the vest.  A byproduct of this action is blunt force trauma.  Those who have survived gunshots because of armor say it is like being hit with a bat.  It is essential to note that few things are truly “bulletproof.”  The armor’s ability to resist bullets depends on the type of rounds fired and the condition of the vest.  The moral of the story is never to become complacent and to avoid relying too heavily on equipment.  

Various factors, including department policy, cost, and weight, can influence the level of protection a person chooses to use.  As a rule, however, it is highly encouraged that armor be rated at a minimum of the rounds issued for their weapon.  It is an unfortunate fact that many people have been shot with their own guns.  It is a prudent choice to wear armor that can resist the rounds that you carry. 

Plates

While soft armor is a solid performer at resisting handgun rounds, those who may face rifle threats turn to plates.  Armor plates are generally designed to supplement soft armor, with a few that can be “stand-alone”.   As with soft armor, plates are rated for the rounds that they can resist.  There are two main categories of plates: level 3, which are designed to protect against rifle rounds, and level 4, which resist armor-piercing rounds. 

Plates are constructed from a variety of materials and wrapped in proprietary covering.  The interior material defeats the bullet, and the backer material helps contain it inside the plate.  The most common types of plates are ceramic and polyethylene.  Ceramic plates have been around since the beginning of serious plate development.  They work by fracturing on impact, decelerating the round in the process.  The backing material, such as Kevlar or another material, keeps the round inside the plate. 

There are Many Plate Materials

Ceramic armor presents challenges due to its fragile nature and reduced effectiveness against multiple rounds. When a round strikes a ceramic plate, it creates a cavitation effect, resulting in a cone of damage that expands inward from the impact point. This area becomes less resistant to further hits. Because the plates are fragile, they can easily crack or break if tossed into cars or corners of a room. Even small hairline fractures can lead to armor failure. Weighing around 7.5 pounds, a set of ceramic plates adds a noticeable 15 pounds to an already heavy rig.

In contrast, polyethylene plates have gained popularity in the professional community. This specially designed plastic can effectively defeat rifle rounds. Poly armor operates differently; it expands the incoming round or breaks it apart while dissipating energy. It does this by leveraging the rotation of the round. As the round spins, it generates friction, melting a portion of the plate. This melting becomes one of the unique advantages of poly plates. Once the plate captures the round, it cools and seals around the bullet, enhancing its effectiveness against multiple hits.

Body Armor Steel Plates?

One last plate to mention is steel.  Steel plates were the very first effective armor.  The challenges faced by steel are both its weight and the spalling that occurs with bullet impact.  There have been advances in coatings being applied to steel to capture flying fragments.  While not at the top of elite operators’ loadout lists, correctly coated steel can be a less expensive and reliable alternative.

Carry the Load

Both soft and plate body armor must be worn in quality carriers to ensure they perform well. Most soft armor companies provide a cotton or polyester carrier with Velcro straps, making it suitable for officers who need to wear their armor under street clothes. However, this setup limits effectiveness. More frequently, officers opt for an exterior carrier, as the ballistic carrier market has rapidly expanded. With numerous respected gear builders available, modern warriors enjoy a wide array of choices. When selecting gear, it’s crucial to make an informed decision about what you wear. Carriers typically fall into two categories: full carriers that accommodate both soft and plate armor, and plate carriers.

Multi-load carriers come in various styles, featuring a range of MOLLE and attachment points for additional gear. Buyers should consider their intended use—will it serve as a SWAT vest or a patrol vest? Regardless of the application, specific characteristics make carriers reliable options. A common saying in the industry is “buy once, cry once,” which holds true. Generally, you truly get what you pay for. While a segment of the gear industry caters to airsoft and paintball enthusiasts, offering visually appealing gear, this isn’t suitable for serious use due to durability concerns. Instead, long-established brands like Tactical Tailor provide gear designed for serious applications without breaking the bank.

Look for Certain Things

People should actively seek certain characteristics when evaluating gear. First, look for multi-stitching on seams and attachment points. This detail is crucial not only for durability but can also save a life. Although drag handles attached to the upper back help in extracting a wounded comrade, they shouldn’t be the only places to grab the vest. A well-made vest allows you to grab it anywhere, ensuring it can withstand being dragged to safety if an officer goes down. Avoid gear with elastic in the shoulders, as elastic weakens over time, causing the vest to sag. This issue may seem minor, but a poorly fitted vest exposes vulnerable areas of the body. Ensure that shoulder straps are padded; while it might seem trivial, you’ll quickly realize its importance after wearing the vest for several hours.

Adjustability is another factor that separates the good from the bad. From the shoulder straps to the cummerbund, customize the vest to fit your body. Enlist a friend or teammate to help you fit the vest, as they can hold, tighten, and align the rig to ensure a proper fit. When the vest finally conforms to your body, make sure the front plate centers on your torso, with the top aligning with the top of your sternum. Don’t forget about the back plate. Even though it feels hot, heavy, and uncomfortable, wearing both front and back plates is essential for your protection.. 

Quick Protection

A popular alternative to an everyday vest is an emergency plate carrier.  This configuration has become increasingly common as active shooter scenarios unfold across the country.  For officers and warriors who do not wear a regular armor loadout, it is a quick alternative.  Generally, they consist of a ballistic nylon pouch for both front and back plates.  The rig is equipped with side snap clips and MOLLE attachment points.  The key considerations when purchasing a plate carrier are identical to those used for a full vest.

Things To Remember

Here are several key points to remember about body armor and carriers. First, the carrier itself offers no protection. Without armor, a well-made carrier becomes just an expensive shirt. Always keep your armor in the carrier. Remember, the only type of armor that is guaranteed to fail is the one left in the trunk. It’s essential to take care of both your carrier and your armor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain both in good working order. Additionally, most armor only lasts for about 5 years due to environmental factors, wear and tear, and general use.

Again, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your armor remains effective. If an impact occurs, replace the armor immediately, as the point of impact weakens it and can lead to failure if struck in the same area again. Lastly, keep in mind that body armor is bullet-resistant, not knife-resistant. If you work in an environment where edged weapons pose a real risk, make sure to invest in stab-resistant armor.

Wrap It Up – Body Armor

The arena of body armor and carriers is diverse and sometimes confusing.  Educate yourself on what your true needs are and dress to meet them.  Never take shortcuts and be diligent about wearing your armor.  Making an informed decision will allow you to secure a long-lasting, comfortable, and effective rig to help keep you alive.

Check out Premier Body Armor Bulletproof Vest line-up here.