Body Armor Basics

Have you heard the terms 'body armor, bulletproof vest and bullet-resistant vest used interchangeably, yet none seem to mean exactly the same thing? They could all refer to something different. Body armor refers to anything from bulletproof vests, as well as additional forms of protection such as helmets, leg and groin guards and plate protectors that provide you with security. SafeGuard Armor's Resources Pages explain bulletproof vests clearly, though there are various kinds. Some prefer using the term 'bullet-resistant vests' because bulletproof vests cannot offer 100% protection; nonetheless, body armor has saved many lives over its history.

But how exactly does body armor work? Body armor typically utilizes either para-aramids or Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Para-aramids are plastic fibers woven together, boasting an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. UHMWPE offers additional options. Kevlar material made of these fibers can 'absorb' large amounts of energy due to their strong yet flexible filaments. These materials work by dissipating the energy from a bullet as it passes through their fibers, slowing it down while trapping it within extra-strong fibers and stopping its progress completely. UHMWPE works similarly, as a gel-spun multifilament plastic fiber found in products like Dyneema that provides an alternative protection for most ammunition rounds. Vests constructed using this material offer additional defense. However, for others the threat can be much greater and vests cannot offer sufficient protection from higher caliber bullets. Hard armor consists of ceramic plates made of steel or titanium which protect in extreme situations; similar plates of ceramic could also be used; their primary drawback being heavier weight and thickness compared to their lightweight and thinner counterparts; nevertheless this extra protection comes at no great expense.

Law enforcement and public safety agencies must constantly adapt to emerging threats, which calls for improved ballistic-resistant body armor standards to meet them. Recognizing this need, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) plans on issuing its revised standard in April 2024: Draft version "NIJ Standard-0101.07 Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor". This draft version has been developed through a collaborative effort that includes criminal justice professionals, testing specialists and law enforcement representatives collaborating together with input from members of their law enforcement community.

Key Changes and Innovations:

1. Shaped/Female Body Armor Testing Protocol:

One of the key changes in this new standard is the addition of an effective testing protocol specifically tailored for female body armor designs that recognize anatomical differences and bust area scrutiny for comprehensive evaluation of female armor designs. Female armor will now also be tested against ammunition used to evaluate planar (non-shaped) armor for improved overall confidence in performance.

2. Revamp of Threat Rounds:

Recognizing the changing threat environment faced by law enforcement, the new standard incorporates an updated set of threat rounds based on input from officers, subject-matter experts, and surveys conducted by Fraternal Order of Police. Additionally, this document serves as a central reference point across all ballistic-related NIJ protective equipment standards to promote greater consistency and compatibility across ballistic standards.

3. Collaboration with ASTM:

NIJ has joined forces with ASTM, an internationally-recognized standards development organization, to produce universal components of its Standard. This partnership expedites testing processes by enabling NIJ to focus on performance requirements while ASTM develops robust laboratory standards - providing greater consistency across locations while increasing reliability of results.

4. New Naming Convention:

The familiar Type/Level IIA, II, IIIA, III and IV designations will soon be retired in favor of a more streamlined naming convention that uses "HG" for handgun and "RF" for rifle, making the nomenclature simpler and modern. Look out for NIJ HG1.07 through to HG2.07 levels along with hard armor protection levels 1.07 through 3.07. This shift reflects industry needs while decreasing soft-armor levels overall.

5. Hard Armor Testing Innovations:

To address the need for increased protection without significant weight increases, the revised standard introduces changes to hard armor testing. Manufacturers now have an opportunity to offer improved performance against wider ammunition threats with minimal or no added weight burden for wearers - this strategic approach seeks to strengthen overall protection capabilities against threats identified as such.

As the National Institute of Justice continues its pioneering role in setting body armor standards, advancements represent their commitment to adaptability, innovation and maximum protection of our nation's public safety professionals. Their revised NIJ Standard-0101.07 sets an excellent standard in ballistic-resistant body armor technology.

At the core of it all lies one essential question when purchasing body armor: Does the vest offer sufficient protection from threats you face? Choosing a piece that provides too much extra coverage may weigh heavier and be more restrictive than one with less coverage.

COVERT OR OVERT?

Body armor comes in two main styles - covert and overt. Covert armor is intended to be worn under clothing while overt protective vests may be worn over clothing for added protection.

• COVERT VESTS

Covert vests typically come in light colors and are intended to be unnoticeable when worn beneath clothing, making it virtually undetectable when worn for extended periods. Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep wearers cool on long journeys. Ideal for people that do not wish for others to know that they have body armor on, such as door supervisors, undercover agents and close protection officers.

• OVERT VESTS

These are designed to be worn over your clothes. Generally, they will be black, however, they are also produced in a variety of colors when required. For example, bulletproof vests worn by members of the media in war zones are blue, security personnel will often wear high visibility bulletproof vests and vests worn by the military will come in camouflage designs. Overt armor is normally thicker and harder to wear than covert armor. Overt vests are worn by people such as police officers, security guards, and members of the military.

Before purchasing body armor, it is wise to conduct extensive research on your working environment, any previous attacks that have taken place there and determine which type and level of protection you require. Below we outline what we believe to be some of the main threats you could be exposed to, however this list should not be considered exhaustive.

Police and Prison Officers

Your experience will depend largely on where you patrol; those working the streets of an inner city are far more likely to face threats from assailants armed with guns than officers working the countryside. Officers also often encounter situations involving suspects where there is risk of attack with knives and needles; therefore they need protection against all possible attacks such as bullet, stab, spike and spike attacks in everyday situations. A multi-threat vest featuring bullet, stab and spike protection would provide enough coverage against threats an officer might encounter when out on patrol.

Security Personnel

Security personnel face serious risks on a nightly basis dealing with drunken, often aggressive customers. With easy access to bottles and glasses in these environments, stabberies become a serious threat. A stabproof vest provides essential protection from attacks from broken bottles or glasses as well as traditional knife attacks; furthermore it should take into account their area of work, since some use firearms against security officers - thus body armor with stab protection would be essential as would a multi-threat bullet and stabproof vest combination may also be needed.

Military Personnel

War zones require soldiers to have the highest possible levels of bullet-based protection available to them. As the threat of attack by someone wielding a rifle is ever present, body armor that provides adequate defense must also include hard armor plates which will add weight but provide necessary additional defense. NIJ Level IIIa vests with hard armor plates such as those from Levels III or IV plus additional arm, neck and groin protection may provide the best total defense available in warzone environments.