Body armor is available in many sizes and shapes, as well as different levels of protection. It's difficult to find concise, clear information on the basics. We know you can always benefit from knowing the basics about protection, whether you are buying body armor for a security force or your first bulletproof vest.
What is Body Armor, and How Does it Work?
The words bulletproof vest and bullet-resistant vest are often used interchangeably. They may sound the same, but they are not the same. Body armor is a term that can mean a bulletproof vest or sleeve, but it can also refer to a full body protective armor. It can even be used as if the plate was bulletproof. Bulletproof vests come in many forms, but they all provide the same protection against bullets.
So how does it work?
Body armor usually uses either para-aramids or Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Para-aramids, which are basically plastics woven into fibers of high strength to weight ratio, are made from para-aramids. When used in a material like Kevlar, these fibers can absorb large amounts of energy due to their strong and flexible nature. These materials work because they disperse the energy of the bullet as it travels across the fibers. This slows the bullet to a complete halt, and also traps it within the extra-strong fibres. UHMWPE is another gel-spun multi-filament plastic fiber that works in a similar way. It is also found in Dyneema. These materials can be found in vests designed to protect against the majority of ammunition. These vests are not designed to protect against high-caliber ammunition. Hard armor is made of plates made from ceramic, steel or titanium. These work in the same manner. These are heavier and thicker, but that's a small price for the extra protection.
Which Vest Is Right For Me?
It is vital to ask this question when buying body armor, as it could be a matter of life and death. You will waste money and put yourself in danger if the vest that you wear does not provide protection from the threats that you may face. You should also avoid choosing a body armor piece that provides unnecessary protection. It may be heavier or more restrictive than vests with less protection.
Covert or Overt ?
Covert and overt body armor are the two main types of body armor. Covert armor is intended to be worn underneath clothing. Overt vests are protective vests designed to be worn on top of clothing.
Covert Vests
They are usually produced in lighter colors. These are made as thin as they can be to make them invisible when worn underneath clothing. They are often made of moisture-wicking materials that will keep you cool when worn over a long period. These are ideal for those who don't wish to be seen wearing body armor. For example, close protection officers, undercover agents, and door supervisors.
Overt Vests
These are meant to be worn on top of your clothing. They are usually black but can be produced in other colors if needed. Bulletproof vests are often worn by security personnel in high-visibility vests, while vests for the military come in camouflage patterns. Overt armor tends to be thicker and more difficult to wear than the covert kind. Overt vests can be worn by police officers, military personnel, and security guards.
What Threats Am I Likely To Face?
Research the area where you plan to work, and the previous attacks that occurred there. You can then decide what type of body armor you need and how much protection you require. Here are what we think the most common threats would be in various situations. This list is by no means exhaustive.
Police and Prison Officers
You will face different threats depending on where you patrol. A police officer patrolling the streets in an inner-city is more likely to be threatened by an attacker with a firearm than an officer working in a smaller town. In addition, officers may be in situations where they are at risk of being attacked with a needle or knife. They must be protected from these types of attacks. To protect officers from the many threats they may encounter in their daily lives, a multi-threat vest with spike, bullet and stab protection is required.
Security Personnel
Every night, security personnel are exposed to danger when dealing with aggressive and often drunken customers. These same customers are able to easily access bottles and glasses, so the risk of them being stabbed becomes a real threat. A stabproof vest can protect you from both traditional knife attacks and attacks with broken glasses or bottles. When selecting a vest for security personnel, it is important to consider the region where they work. In some places, firearms are used against them frequently. Body armor that provides stab protection is essential. A multi-threat bulletproof and stabproof vest might also be needed.
Military Personnel
In war zones it is vital to have the best bullet protection possible. Body armor is essential for those who are at risk of being attacked by someone with an assault rifle. Soft body armor alone will not be enough to stop a round of a rifle, so hard armor plates must be added. The plates are heavier, but they provide the extra protection needed. In a military zone you will need a NIJ level IIIa vest, along with NIJ hard armor plates of Level III or Level IV, plus additional arm, neck and groin coverage.
Shipping Crew and Coastguards
In recent years, piracy on the sea has increased. This puts those who work in this industry in great danger. Pirates use a variety of weapons, from handguns up to high-velocity assault rifles. This makes it hard for companies to prepare. The traditional bulletproof vest is flexible and lightweight, and protects from handgun rounds. When used with hard armor plates, the vest's weight and restriction increase. Shipping companies and coastguards need to consider NIJ level IIIa vests that have hard armor inserts of NIJ levels III or IV. This is because pirates armed in rifles may attack their workers. These vests wouldn't have to be worn every day, just if the ship was attacked. The extra weight shouldn't be an issue, and it will provide the best protection.
