Tips on How to Get Good Ballistic Protection from your Military Body Armor

The following are some basic tips on how to get good ballistic protection from your military body armor. When you are buying military body armor, be sure to remember the following.

1. When buying military body armor or any type of body armor, assess first the risks and threats that is present or that you will likely be facing. Also, determine the reason why you need military body armor. Determining the risks, threats and reasons will help you decide on what type of military body armor you will need, whether it will be concealable or tactical type of body armor. The rule of thumb is to get the body armor that can protect you from your own weapon.

2. Good ballistic protection and performance is highly dependent on the materials used. Be sure to check the labels regarding the fabric content of the military body armor that you intend to buy.

3. Right fit is essential to have maximum protection from your military body armor. Right fit means your body armor must conform to your specific body size and type. Right fit will enhance the comfort ability and will allow you to move freely making your fight back or avoid certain weapons when necessary.

4. Maintain the effectiveness and ballistic performance of your military body armor by observing proper care and maintenance on your body armor. Make sure to follow specific manufacturer’s instructions and basic care instructions. Moreover, make regular inspections on your military body armor for possible wear and tear as well as damages for immediate attention and repair. Consult your manufacturer for a replacement or for the needed repairs for your body armor.

5. Other factors that ensure the ballistic protection from your military body armor are the presence of certification and the name of the testing laboratories. Certifications add value to the military body armor, attesting that the military body armor has complied with certain standards.

Necessary Specifications That Your Military Body Armor Must Have

Having military body armor is an investment in your safety. It is not a luxury item that you can only have because you can afford it. All law enforcers should be required to wear and use a military body armor at all times especially when they are on duty and on combat missions. Because of the need for protection and safety, it is but necessary that your military body armors must be able to meet your protection needs. They must be able to have the following specifications as an assurance that you are having the best protection and safety from your hard earned money.

1. Good Ballistic performance – Ballistic performance means the effectiveness and the ability of the military body armor to give maximum protection to the wearer. When purchasing military body armor, make sure that it is of good quality so that it can provide you with good ballistic performance. Materials such as Dyneema, Kevlar, Spectra Shield and Twaron are so far the best materials used for body armors that will give you excellent ballistic protection.

2. Comfortable Ballistic Carrier – Another important factor that you need to look for when buying military body armor is the ballistic carrier. You must be able to wear it without any discomfort. Check the material of the ballistic carrier. It must be made of materials that have great absorption capabilities so that it will keep sweat and perspiration away to keep you drier and cooler.

3. Protection Level – Your military body armor must contain labels indicating the level of protection of the body armor. Protection levels will help you decide on what type of military armor will suit your specific protection need. Moreover, the presence of the NIJ rating and protection level assures you that the military armor you are buying has complied with the required standards and policies.

4. Weight – Your military body armor must be lightweight so you can be able to carry it with ease and will allow greater mobility. 

Features That Your Military Body Armor must possess

When making a purchase on your military body armor, make certain that the body armor that you intend to buy possesses the following features and attributes. Finding the following features in your body armor is an assurance that you have purchased a good product. Moreover, these features will guarantee the durability and maximum protection from your military body armor.

1. The fabric used on the military body armor is a high grade fabric – The ballistic protection that your military body armor will provide your will greatly depends on the fabrics used for the ballistic panels. The ballistic panel is the one responsible in repelling bullets and other weapons so that you will not be harmed and injured so make sure that the fabric used for the ballistic panel is a superior one.

2. Adjustability – Your military body armor must be adjustable so that when you need greater protection, it will be easier for you to just upgrade your body armor rather than buying a new one.  Your body armor must have external pockets that allow hard armor plates to be inserted to increase the protection level of your body armor. Moreover, your military body armor must have adjustable straps that you can use to ensure the optimum fit.

3. Comfort and wear ability – Comfort from your military body armor can be achieved by having the right fit on your body armor. It must be able to hug your body and fit perfectly on your body size. In addition, your body armor must be lightweight so you can be able to carry your body armor without any restrictions on your movements. Your body armor must allow you to do your normal activities just like you were not wearing any body armor at all. And lastly, your military body armor must be wearable. It must be created with simple style so it is easy to wear and remove.  

General Guidelines on the Proper Care and Maintenance of your Military Body Armor

The military body armor is constructed from different materials which can be ballistic and non ballistic materials. These materials are highly sensitive and delicate thus proper care and maintenance should be observed. But since military body armors are made up of different materials and has many styles, there is really no complete care and maintenance guide that is applicable to all body armors. However, these general guidelines on the proper care and maintenance of your military body armor are basic and can apply to almost all body armors.

1. Read the instruction labels of your military body armor. These instruction labels indicate the proper washing and cleaning of your military body armor. Moreover, these instructions are more specific and are more applicable to the material used on your purchased military body armor.

2. It is ideal if the military body armor is personally cleaned and washed by the owner.

3. Hand washing is recommended for your military body armor. Never have it machine washed or dried because the fabric of the body armor might be damaged by the laundry equipment. Also, the detergents used by commercial laundries maybe harmful to the ballistic materials causing degradation on the ballistic performance of your military body armor. There are models wherein the carrier of the armor is removable. If this is the case, remove the ballistic panels of your armor and have the ballistic carrier be machine washed.

4. If soap is used when washing and cleaning the military body armor, make sure that you will properly rinse the the armor afterwards. All traces of soap must be removed so that it will not accumulate because the accumulated soap can cause the absorption of water thus reducing the effectiveness of the ballistic materials.

5. Physical inspection should be observed before wearing your body armor. This is to ensure that wear and tears, damages are immediately attended and repaired. Users of military body armor should never try to repair their armors by themselves. It is better to consult first your manufacturer. 

Basic Information That You Need to Know about your Military Body Armor

The following is an overview of your military body armor. It presents the basic information that you need to know about your military body armor.

1. Military body armor is a form of personal protective apparel that is used to shield the human body from various dangers and threats that can cause injuries, wounds and death. Military body armor is not only restricted to the military bulletproof vest but also includes helmet, shields, the additional trauma plates, ballistic gloves and neck, leg and groin protectors.

2. Military body armor is generally of two types: the concealable body armor and the tactical body armor. The concealable body armor is covert and is capable o concealment and worn underneath a thick shirt or jacket. On the other hand, the tactical body armor is worn over ordinary clothing and is thicker than the concealable military body armor. The concealable body armor offers lesser protection than the tactical body armor because the panels used are thinner whereas the tactical military armor can protect you from higher velocity firearms.

3. The military body armor is not a luxury item but rather a necessity that must be used at all times by law enforcers, soldiers, military and even private citizens that faces high risks and threats.

4. The military body armor is available to all but there are certain states and countries that restrict the sale and use of the military body armor. Some countries encourages the use of body armors, some prohibits the sale of body armors on convicted felons and some countries and states only allows the sale to members of the police force and military.

5. When buying your military body armor, make sure that you can find the following qualities: superior fabric materials, proper labeling and care instructions, comfort ability and wear ability, adjustability, optimum coverage and warranty. These qualities are necessary because they ensure maximum protection and comfort in your military body armor. 

What Can Decrease the Ballistic Performance of your Military Body Armor?

Your military body armor is not just an ordinary garment. Military body armor means your safety and protection so make sure that they are handled properly in order to maintain their ballistic performance and effectiveness throughout its service life. The following are the things that can cause degradation on the ballistic performance of your military body armor. Be sure to avoid them so you can be able to enjoy uncompromised protection of your body armor for a longer time.

1. Ultraviolet rays of the sun – The ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause major degradations on certain types of ballistic fabric when exposed for a long time. Various tests have proven that the effectiveness of the ballistic materials is significantly affected when exposed to sunlight. To avoid this, never dry your military body armors directly under the sun. Choose a well ventilated area indoors where you can dry your body armor.

2. Soap – Strong detergents can also decrease the ballistic performance of your military body armor. When soap residues are accumulated in the ballistic fabric, it can cause water absorption which can diminish the protective properties of some ballistic materials or fabrics.  

3. Water – One of the basic care and maintenance of military body armor is not to submerge or immerse the body armor in water. This is because immersion in water can weaken the materials used in the military body armor.

4. Dry cleaning – Never have your military body armor dry-cleaned. This is because dry cleaning solvents can degrade the ballistic efficiency of the body armor. There is only one solvent which cannot degrade the body armor and that is the perchlorethylene which is sometimes not present or often mixed with other dry cleaning solutions.

5. Improper storage, handling and washing – Improper storage, handling and washing can also cause degradation on the ballistic performance of your military body armor. Storing the body armor that is damp from water and perspiration can cause molds to grow. Hanging it will cause creases and wrinkles on the body armor. 

How to Retain the Ballistic Performance of Your Military Body Armor

The minimum lifespan of military body armor is five years and you are required to replace your military body armor after this period. How do you ensure that your military body armor will give you uncompromised and maximum protection during this period? In order to retain the ballistic performance of your military body armor for the minimum required period, proper care, maintenance and handling is required on your military body armor. How? Here are some basic tips on proper care and maintenance on body armors in order to maintain their quality and ballistic performance for a longer time.

1. Take precautions when cleaning the military body armor

Cleaning is important for your body armor every after wear in order to avoid build up of bacteria and foul odor. When cleaning your military body armor, take necessary precautions so that the materials of the body armor will not weaken. Use a mild detergent, cold water and sponge when washing your body armor. If it is possible to remove the ballistic panels from the carrier, it will be much better so you can be able to clean the body armor properly. Never submerge the ballistic panels in water. Do not use bleaching products or starch on your military body armor as these products will decrease the level of protection of the armor.

2. Observe correct handling, storage and drying of your military body armor

Aside from taking precautions when cleaning your military body armor, proper handling, storage and drying should also be observed. Drying of your military body armor should never be dried under direct sunlight or outdoors even when in shade. This is because the ultraviolet rays of the sun can have significant effect on the ballistic fabric. Your military body armor should always be properly laid flat on the floor so as not to cause wrinkles and creases on the ballistic garment. When not in use, ensure that is properly stored and not just discarded at the bottom of your storage cabinet. 

Key Attributes to Look for in Military Body Armor

Best buy means a purchase that offers an optimum combination of price, quality and other benefits that would meet the buyer’s need. How to ensure that you will have the best buy for your military body armor? Here are the key attributes that you need to look for in your military body armor.

1. Highest level of protection – All body armors provide protection but choose the military body armor that can offer you the best protection. Check the materials used on the military body armor. It should be made of superior fabrics like Dyneema, Twaron, Spectra, Goldflex and Kevlar. Currently, they are the best and leading materials used for body armors because of their great ballistic properties. Aside from the materials used, also look for the military body armor that offers wider area coverage. It should be able to cover the vital parts of your body. For heavy combat missions, make sure that a greater part of your body is covered and protected.

2. Comfort and Relief - When it comes to body armors, there is a tradeoff between comfort and protection. Choosing comfort ability would mean foregoing protection. But you can still feel comfortable on your military body armor even if you are completely covered. You can still experience comfort on your military body armors by having the body armor that has the right fit on you. Your body armor must match and adapt your body size and measurements. For greater comfort, look for the body armor that has adjustable straps and carrier fabrics that has great absorption capabilities so you can still stay cool and dry while wearing your military body armor.

3. Accessories – When buying military body armor, check also the accessories that go with the body armor. Some manufacturers offer it for free or with big discounts. Some examples of these accessories are anti stab panels, soft trauma panels, and leg and groin protector. These are essential because they provide increased protection for your military body armor. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Military Body Armor

What is military body armor?

Military body armor is a form of protective gear used by the military during combat situations that can also be used by policemen and law enforcers. Military body armor comes in varied colors, shapes and brands. And they are not only limited to the military vest usually worn on the torso.

What are the different kinds of military body armor?

The different kinds of military body armors are the military vests that is worn on the torso, protective helmets for the head, ballistic inserts that raises the protection level of the vest, optional groin and neck protectors and military shields.

How does a military body armor work?

When a bullet hits your military body armor, the bullet is captured into a web of fibers that will stop the bullet and prevent it from penetrating human skin. The ballistic panel works in a way that is deforms or bends the bullet forming a mushroom shaped bullet. Each layer of the military body armor helps in stopping the bullet, absorbing the impact of the bullet and scatters it into a wider portion of the body armor thus reducing the blunt trauma.

What is the best protection level for your military body armor?

The best protection level for your military body armor will depend on the threat level and varied risks that you will be facing. The best protection level for your military body armor would range from Level II to IV, and can be concealable or tactical. Concealable is ideal for ideal use whereas the tactical military body armor can be used during heavy combat missions.

What are the key attributes to look for in military body armor?

To get the maximum protection and comfort from your military body armor, the following are the key attributes that you must look for: superior materials used on the armor, specific areas that can be covered by the armor, flexibility and adjustability and right fitting.  

Basic Tips When Buying a Military Body Armor

Buying military body armor is similar to buying your bulletproof vest. There are important things to consider so that you will end up having the right military body armor for your particular need. Here are some basic tips that you can follow when buying your military body armor.

1. Do not purchase military body armor without trying it first. Right fitting is essential in body armors because it will help you achieve the greater comfort and mobility when wearing your military body armor.

2. Military body armors follow the standard protection level set by the National Institute of Justice. This protection levels is classified into six: Level I, Level IIA, Level II, Level IIA, Level III and Level IV. Level one is the lowest giving the least protection and Level IV is the highest giving the highest protection. Level I have the least protection because the ballistic panels used are thinner and have lesser number of ballistic layers compared to the other levels.

3. Always remember that there is a tradeoff between comfort and protection. If you choose comfort, you need to sacrifice protection. Military body armors classified under Level IIA provides a balance between comfort and protection. Body armors on Level III and IV are generally bulky, heavy and cumbersome.  

4. Military body armors are designed to stop projectiles but not necessarily resist stab and slash attacks. If your think sharp weapons are the most likely threat that you will be facing, choose for stab resistant military body armor.

5. All body armors such as military body armors are not 100% bulletproof. There are times that strong firearms can penetrate your body armor and cause you injuries. Moreover, there is the blunt trauma that you can experience from the impact of the bullet. When buying your military body armor, it is important that you determine first the threat level and the different risks that you will be facing so you can be able to get the military body armor that can give the right level of protection that you need.