How Many Levels of Body Armor Are There?
When it comes to personal protection, few things are as critical as body armor. Whether it’s for law enforcement, military personnel, or private citizens, having the right level of body armor can mean the difference between life and death. But how many levels of body armor are there?
In the United States, Body Armor is Rated by Level
In the United States, body armor is regulated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The NIJ has developed a standardized system for testing and rating body armor based on its ability to resist penetration from firearms. In 2005, the NIJ replaced its original rating system with a new one that consists of several levels of body armor:
Levels of Body Armor
The current levels of body armor rating system range from Level IIA to Level IV, with a few sub-classes along the way. Here is a breakdown of each level:
NIJ Body Armor Rating System
- Level II: Tested to stop 9mm full-metal jacket (FMJ) rounds at velocities of up to 44 m/s (1476 ft/s).
- Level IIa: Also tested to stop 380 ACP rounds at the same velocity as Level II.
- Level IIA: Stops 38 Special +P rounds (9.13mm bullet) at 38m/s (124 ft/s).
- Level IIB: Stops 10mm full metal jacket rounds at 37 m/s (121 ft/s).
- Level IIIA: Stops 44 Mag +P lead core FMJ rounds (11.43mm bullet) at 39m/s (128 ft/s).
- Level III: Tested to stop 7.62mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rifle rounds at a velocity of 800m/s (2625 ft/s) and.223 Rem Sig FMJ at 1015 m/s (3340 ft/s).
- Level III+: Stops.308 Winchester Rifle Rounds at a velocity of 882m/s (2900 ft/s) and.3006 and 7.62 x 63 MM Rifle Rounds at a velocity of 853 m/s (2820 ft/s).
- Level IV: The highest level of body armor, tested to stop armor-piercing rifle (AP) rounds at velocities of up to 955 m/s (3144 ft/s) and some.30 cal rifle ammunition.
Table: Levels of Body Armor Rating
| Level | Calibre | Bullet Velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|---|
| II | 9mm | 44 (1476) |
| IIa | 9mm | 44 (1476) |
| IIA | 9.13mm | 38 (124) |
| IIB | 10mm | 37 (121) |
| IIIA | 11.43mm | 39 (128) |
| III | 7.62mm,.223 Rem | 800, 1015 (2625, 3340) |
| III+ | .308,.3006, 7.62 x 63 | 882, 853 (2900, 2820) |
| IV | AP 7.62mm,.30 cal | 955 (3144) |
Importance of Body Armor
Body armor is not just for active-duty military or law enforcement personnel. Civilian hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and even drivers and passengers should consider investing in body armor. Here are some scenarios where body armor can prove crucial:
• Assault: When facing a violent assault, body armor can help prevent serious injuries or death from gunfire, stabbings, and blunt trauma.
• Terrorist attacks: In the event of a terrorist attack, body armor can protect innocent bystanders and responders.
• Mass shootings: In crowded areas or schools, body armor can reduce the number of casualties.
• High-risk jobs: Many jobs, such as search and rescue, firefighting, and EMS, can put individuals in harm’s way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several levels of body armor, each with its unique rating system based on resistance to penetration. From the basic Level IIA for everyday civilians to the elite Level IV for high-risk professionals, choosing the right level of body armor requires careful consideration. Remember: body armor is not a guarantee against harm, but it can greatly increase a person’s chances of survival in high-stress, high-risk situations. Whether you’re an individual seeking protection or an organization wanting to provide adequate defense, understanding the various levels of body armor can help save lives.
