All You Need To Know About The Body Armor Used By The Military

When it comes to the safety of soldiers, body armor is a much-needed part of the gear as it is capable of shielding personnel from a range of threats in both combat and non-combat zones. As warfare evolves, so does the technology behind body armor. Modern-day solutions offer improved comfort, mobility, and enhanced protection. This blog explores the types of body armor used by military forces, the materials that make them effective, and other aspects of dealing with this vital gear.

Body Armor Falls Broadly into 2 Types!

Body armor can be broadly categorized into soft body armor and hard body armor. Each type has a unique purpose, and understanding these differences can clarify how they protect soldiers in various situations.

Soft Body Armor

Made from flexible and light materials such as UHMWPE, soft body armor is designed to provide protection against smaller threats, primarily handguns and shrapnel. While soft armor is not effective against rifle rounds, the advantage includes improved comfort and ease of movement. It is more suitable for soldiers in non-combat roles or where mobility is a priority.

Hard Body Armor

Hard body armor offers a higher level of protection compared to soft body armor. It is designed to withstand higher-velocity threats such as rifle rounds. To maintain a balance of strength and weight, it typically uses materials like ceramics and polyethylene. Soldiers in active combat zones rely on hard armor for maximum safety. However, it is bulkier and can restrict movement.

Key Body Armor Used in the Military

Here are some of the major body armor systems used in the military! Each of these are designed to serve specific needs and protection levels. 

1. Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) Plates 

ESAPI plates are a type of hard armor insert designed to fit into tactical vests. These plates are made from ceramic composite materials to protect against rifle rounds and other high-velocity threats. Generally, ESAPI plates adhere to NIJ Level IV protection. Level IV plates can stop armor-piercing rounds. These plates are standard in most military body armor systems, particularly for frontline soldiers.

2. Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV)

The IOTV is a body armor system also used by the U.S. Army. It incorporates soft armor panels and in case of the need for extra protection, it can also accommodate hard armor plates like ESAPI. The IOTV also comes with modular components for the protection of other parts of the body like the shoulder, groin, and collar, resulting in increased coverage area. Designed with a quick-release mechanism, the IOTV allows soldiers to remove the vest in emergencies swiftly.

3. Modular Scalable Vest (MSV)

Introduced as an improvement over the IOTV, the MSV emphasizes flexibility and customization. This vest can be scaled up or down based on mission needs, allowing soldiers to add or remove plates and padding as required. The MSV is lightweight, reducing the burden on soldiers while maintaining high levels of protection. Its customizable nature has made it a preferred choice for many service members.

4. Soldier Protection System (SPS)

A soldier protection system is a comprehensive system of protection gear designed to enhance safety, mobility, and performance. The system typically includes body armor, helmets, and protective eyewear to safeguard against ballistic threats, shrapnel, and other hazards. Modern systems incorporate lightweight, durable materials such as UHMWPE and advanced ceramics to provide a balance between protection and comfort. Modular designs allow customization to adapt to specific mission needs, while MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing enables soldiers to easily attach and access equipment.

5. Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System

The Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System was a significant advancement in military body armor when it was introduced. The IBA consists of a tactical vest that incorporates soft armor panels for protection against fragmentation and handgun rounds. It comes with the option of incorporating hard armor panels, such as ESAPI plates, to protect against rifle rounds. The IBA system includes additional protective components such as a groin protector, throat protector, and shoulder guards, for a wider coverage than earlier systems. While it has been largely replaced by new systems such as the IOTV and MSV, the IBA laid the groundwork for the modular, scalable designs used today.

Materials Used in Military Body Armor

Military-grade body armor is made up of advanced materials that minimize weight, provide durability, and are highly effective in safety. Some of the key materials used include:

• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE): Known for its flexibility and high tensile strength, UHMWPE is used in soft armor and provides protection against shrapnel and handgun rounds. 

• Ceramics: Often used in hard plates, ceramic materials absorb the impact energy of bullets by fracturing on impact. Ceramics are highly effective against rifle rounds, making them ideal for front-line soldiers. 

• Steel: Although highly durable, steel armor plates are less common in military use due to their high weight. Some units may still use them when cost is a concern or if high durability is needed.

Protection Levels of Military Body Armor

Body armor is rated based on the level of protection it provides. It typically adheres to the standards prescribed by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Here’s an overview of the typical protection levels: 

• Level IIIA: Protects against most handgun threats, including 9mm and .44 Magnum rounds. This is commonly found in soft armor vests used in less intense environments. 

• Level III: Designed to stop rifle rounds like 7.62mm NATO full metal jacket (M80 Ball), Level III protection is common in hard armor plates. It’s suitable for a wide range of threats soldiers may face in combat. 

• Level IV: This is the highest level of protection, capable of stopping armor-piercing rounds. ESAPI and other advanced plates typically meet this protection level, making it a standard for military-grade armor in high-threat areas. 

It is to be noted that military armor must endure multi-hit testing to ensure it can handle sustained threats without failure, a vital consideration in intense combat scenarios.

More Body Armor Designs

Additional Components of Military Body Armor

In addition to vests and plates, military body armor often includes various protective components to shield other body parts of soldiers. These include:

• Ballistic Helmets: Helmets are crucial for protecting against head injuries from bullets, shrapnel, and debris. Modern military helmets, like the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), are designed with lightweight ballistic materials. 

• Side Plates: While front and back protection is standard, side plates enhance coverage by protecting against threats from the sides. 

• Groin Protectors: Designed to cover the lower torso, groin protectors are particularly useful in areas with high risk of explosive devices. 

• Collar and Shoulder Guards: These attachments add an extra layer of security around the neck and shoulders, which are otherwise vulnerable areas in combat.

Testing and Quality Standards for Military Armor

For all grades of body armor, there are required protection standards. For military-grade, rigorous testing is required to ensure military body armor meets the specified protection standards. One of the most important tests is ballistic resistance tests, often simulating real-world conditions where they’re exposed to multiple hits. The testing process also includes environmental assessments, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, water, and impact forces, ensuring the armor remains effective in diverse climates and scenarios. 

Strict quality control measures are enforced for military armor manufacturing, with multi-hit capability being one of the most crucial requirements. Since soldiers rely on them for protection in combat, even slight defects can have severe consequences.

Conclusion 

Body armor remains a fundamental part of military equipment, protecting soldiers from a range of threats encountered on the battlefield. From soft armor to hard armor plates, military body armor has advanced to meet the rigorous demands of modern warfare. With continued innovation and research, the future of military body armor promises even more. Some of the focus areas of ongoing innovation include greater levels of protection, enhanced comfort, and technology integration, among others, with the objective of improving the safety of military personnel.