Body Armor 101: Types, Levels, NIJ Rating & Practical Applications

Body armor is personal protective equipment designed to protect individuals from, bullets, sharp objects, and blast fragments. Historically, body armor was primarily used by police, military personnel, and security guards. However, in recent years, due to increasing safety concerns, many private citizens have begun considering body armor for personal protection. This post aims to provide a guide on personal body armor, including its types, levels, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) ratings, and the difference between NIJ compliant and NIJ certified armor.

Different Types of Body Armor

Body armor can be divided into two primary types: soft and hard armor.

Soft Armor: This type of body armor is primarily made from high-strength fiber materials that are woven together in layers to create a web-like structure, designed to catch and dissipate the energy of a bullet upon impact. Some example of soft armor material are kevlar, twaron, spectra and dyneema. Soft armor is primarily designed to protect against handgun ammunition and is more comfortable and flexible than hard armor. This armor is often worn by police officers, private security guards, and anyone else who might face unexpected threats.

Hard Armor: Also known as ballistic plates, hard armor is typically made of metal, ceramic, or polyethylene. The plates are inserted into a plate carrier and is worn over the chest. It offers higher protection than soft armor, capable of stopping rifle rounds. Hard armor is mostly used by military personnel, SWAT teams, and those in high-risk situations.

Levels of Body Armor

Body armor levels are standardized by the NIJ, which classifies body armor into different protection levels based on the kind of projectiles they can resist:

1. Level IIA: This armor protects against lower velocity 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition. No rifle ammunition protection.
2. Level II: This armor offers protection against higher velocity 9mm and .357 Magnum ammunition. No rifle ammunition protection.
3. Level IIIA: It can stop high-speed 9mm and .44 Magnum ammunition. No rifle ammunition protection.
4. Level III: Designed to resist up to 7.62mm full metal jacketed lead core rifle ammunition.
5. Level IV: The highest level of body armor that can protect against .30 caliber armor-piercing rounds.

NIJ Rating and the Difference Between NIJ Compliant vs NIJ Certified

The NIJ rating system provides an industry standard for body armor effectiveness. It includes testing against various ammunition types and calibers to ensure that the armor will provide the appropriate level of protection.

The terms “NIJ Compliant” and “NIJ Certified” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

NIJ Compliant refers to body armor that meets the performance standards set by the NIJ. These standards evaluate the armor’s ability to protect against specific types of ammunition. Armor manufacturers often test their own products to ensure they meet these standards.

On the other hand, NIJ Certified armor has been tested by an NIJ approved independent laboratory, ensuring that the body armor meets or exceeds the NIJ’s stringent performance standards. The NIJ maintains a list of compliant body armor, which includes only those models that have been tested and verified by NIJ approved third-party labs.

Why Would Someone Need to Own Body Armor?

While body armor is generally associated with military and law enforcement personnel, private citizens may also find it beneficial for their safety and protection. The reasons can vary widely:

1. Personal Safety: Given the uncertainty of modern times, many individuals invest in body armor for personal safety reasons. It could be useful during natural disasters, civil unrest, or in situations where personal safety may be at risk.
2. Professional Requirement: Private security personnel, bounty hunters, bodyguards, or journalists working in conflict zones might need body armor as part of their job.
3. Shooting Sports and Hunting: Participants in shooting sports or hunters may choose to wear body armor for added safety from misfires or ricochets.
4. Preparedness: Some individuals, particularly those interested in emergency preparedness, may choose to keep body armor as part of their gear for unexpected situations.

In conclusion, body armor serves as a vital protective tool in the face of various threats. Understanding the different types, levels, and NIJ ratings can help individuals choose the right armor for their specific needs. Remember that while body armor can significantly increase your safety, it is not a substitute for cautious behavior or other safety measures. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations whenever possible. Lastly, laws regarding purchase and ownership can vary from location to location so be familiar with your local laws before purchasing body armor.