Operating environments will dictate body armor requirements, but some selection considerations to keep in mind are level of protection, fitment, design features, and occupational requirements.
Level of protection should be dictated by anticipated threats. For example, a possible threat for a law enforcement official in the U.S. is a criminal armed with a handgun. Based on this threat soft armor would be suitable. Another possible threat is their service weapon being used against them so at minimum a law enforcement official’s body armor should be able to protect them from their service weapon. Depending on the service weapon a type IIA, II or IIIA soft body armor would be necessary. This rule can and should be applied to anyone selecting body armor that carries a service weapon. For law enforcement in more dangerous environments and military personnel, type III or IV hard armor or in-conjunction armor would be appropriate for the extra protection from rifles and other threats. Whatever the occupation, level of protection based on anticipated threats should be the top consideration when selecting body armor.
Body armor selection often results in a compromise of protection and wearability because with more ballistic protection you typically get more heavy, bulky body armor and less comfort. This factor should be kept in mind when selecting body armor. A balance between protection and wearability is vital so the body armor is worn full-time. Increased ballistic protection is useless if the body armor is not worn.
Body shape regardless of gender should be considered when selecting body armor since it directly affects wearability and proper fitment. Body armor is available in male, female, and gender-neutral models and in multiple sizes. Male and gender-neutral soft armors are very similar in form and hard armors are usually gender neutral. The major difference is found in soft body armor with curved ballistic panels for the female bust. These design differences make individual body shape more important than gender when selecting body armor since not all genders have the same body shape.
Proper body armor fitment is essential in maximizing protection while not impairing mobility and performance of duties. Proper fitment can also make body armor more comfortable and wearable for extended periods of time. Body armor should fit snug while still being able to slide slightly on the body and not so snug that it affects breathing especially after physical exertion.
The front of concealable soft body armor panels should cover from just below the jugular notch to two to three finger-widths from the top of the belt while standing. The rear panel should cover from about two inches below the collar bone to about one inch above the belt. Overt soft armor and hard armor sizing can be slightly larger for more protection but fitment while sitting should be verified so the front panel does not disturb the throat. With hard armor, plates come in different sizes and shapes and need to be installed correctly in the carrier per the instructions in order to provide ballistic protection. Hard armor plates should protect the aortic region while keeping the mentioned guidelines in mind.
For proper side coverage with soft armor, the front panel should overlap the rear panel about two inches with the front panel being on top to prevent a bullet entering between panels. This overlap also accommodates for some fluctuation in weight without creating a gap. Coverage should be as high as possible into the armpit without affecting mobility or shooting positions. For hard armor side coverage, plate carriers’ cummerbunds typically have inserts for side plates that vary in size but are commonly six inches by six inches. Some plate carriers are worn over soft body armor that provides side coverage while the plates provide front and rear coverage.
These guidelines are meant to help with fitment but are not concrete and the goal should always be maximum coverage while maintaining enough mobility to perform occupational duties.
Some body armor design features to keep in mind are covertness, weight, thickness, and fastener type. Occupational policy will usually dictate if body armor is to be covert or overt. If for personal use the decision should be made on the intended use of the body armor. Increased protection typically results in increased weight and increased weight results in fatigue. Keeping a good balance in weight and protection is crucial because when fatigued ounces equal pounds. The thickness of body armor can also increase its weight and will likely trap heat and reduce mobility. When selecting fastener type, environment, ease of use and noise should be considered. Although the type of fastener might not affect performance the environment (dirt/water) can affect a zipper or hook and loop differently. Unless body armor is issued, fastener type will ultimately be personal preference. Many other features like camouflage, pockets, and MOLLE are available and should be considered if they assist in the completion of duties or the mission.
Occupational requirements vary by occupation and agencies, but a common requirement is body armor that meets a NIJ level of ballistic performance. To find if body armor has met the requirements of the NIJ CTP visit the compliant products list at https://cjtec.org/compliance-testing-program/compliant-product-lists/.
Occupation and mission will influence body armor requirements but knowing the different types of body armor, levels of protection, and proper fitment provides the knowledge to make a better-informed decision. While complete protection is impossible, choosing the right body armor for the job could mean the difference between life and death.