Bulletproof vests provide the wearer special protection from weapons fire. There are different levels of protection offered by these vests, depending on the needs of the wearer. Military and law enforcement personnel have special protocols which require certain protection levels while on duty or involved in an operation. This may include the assault or tactical vest.
Bulletproof vests are used for stopping penetration and preventing blunt trauma. When bullets impact the body, they hit with tremendous force. The vest prevents serious injury at different levels as rated by the National Institute of Justice.
Most are made from heavy duty nylon mesh. With each grade of protection added to the base, such as Kevlar or clay, the impact on the body lessens. Some tactical vests include a plate carrier as well.
Level I
This thickness should stop a .38 Special at 850 feet per second (fps) or a .22 caliber bullet at 1,050 fps. While not recommended for serious police or military operations, it is effective for riots or the game of paintball. These types are relatively comfortable and allow freedom of movement more than the heavier ones.
Level II-A
When used for basic threats encountered on the street at the duty level, this type should stop a 9mm Full Metal Jacket at 1,090 fps or a.357 Jacketed Soft Point at 1,250 fps and similar shots. A weapons fire from a 12-gauge or OO buckshot has lesser impact of force as well. The II-A carries only the minimum recommendation for preventing blunt trauma, but works well for concealment and still has a moderate comfort level. A thickness of about 4 mm is most common.
Level II
This kind of bulletproof vest will prevent penetration from the same threats as the II-A, but are thicker, less comfortable and are more visible beneath clothing. The protection provided reduces the trauma more effectively from bullets travelling at a higher rate of speed, as the thickness is about 5 mm.
Level III-A
The most effective for preventing blunt trauma among soft body armor, it should stop the 9mm bullet at 1,400 fps. This is equal to velocity from a submachine gun or similar weapon, such as the.44 caliber Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter. Measuring between 8 and 10mm in thickness, it provides a heavier level of protection. This reduces the amount of blunt force trauma received, allowing the user to return fire while wearing this grade vest. It is effective for high threat operations.
Level IV
Sometimes referred to as hard body armor, this usually measures between 10 and 12 mm thick. It is much heavier than the lesser levels. More effective for heavy combat, it is less comfortable in hot climates and not recommended for concealment.
