What Level Armor Does the Military Use?
When it comes to protecting military personnel from harm, the use of armor is crucial. The level of armor used by the military is often classified, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed. In this article, we will explore the different levels of armor used by the military and what they are used for.
What is the Ballistic Protection Level System?
The Ballistic Protection Level System is a standardized system used to rate the level of ballistic protection provided by a material. The system is based on a series of tests that assess the material’s ability to stop a bullet or other ballistic threat. The system is used by the US military and other countries around the world.
Ballistic Protection Levels
There are several ballistic protection levels, each with its own specific rating. The levels range from Level I, which provides basic protection, to Level IV, which provides the highest level of protection. Here are some of the most common ballistic protection levels:
- Level I: This level provides basic protection against small-caliber handguns and is typically used for soft body armor, such as vests and jackets.
- Level II: This level provides protection against larger-caliber handguns and is typically used for vests and jackets.
- Level III: This level provides protection against rifle threats and is typically used for body armor, such as vests and helmets.
- Level IV: This level provides protection against armor-piercing rifle threats and is typically used for high-risk applications, such as combat and special operations.
Military Armor Ratings
The US military uses a different rating system than the Ballistic Protection Level System. The military uses a system that rates armor based on its ability to stop a specific type of threat. Here are some of the most common military armor ratings:
- Hard Armor: This rating is used for armor that is designed to stop small-arms fire, such as 9mm and.45 caliber bullets.
- Soft Armor: This rating is used for armor that is designed to stop low-velocity threats, such as fragmentation and shrapnel.
- Explosive Armor: This rating is used for armor that is designed to stop explosive threats, such as hand grenades and artillery rounds.
- AP Armor: This rating is used for armor that is designed to stop armor-piercing threats, such as rifle rounds and anti-tank missiles.
Types of Military Armor
There are several types of military armor, each with its own specific characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types of military armor:
- Kevlar: Kevlar is a type of synthetic fiber that is commonly used in body armor, such as vests and jackets.
- Dyneema: Dyneema is a type of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber that is used in body armor, such as vests and helmets.
- Composite Armor: Composite armor is made up of multiple layers of different materials, such as Kevlar and ceramic plates. It is used in a variety of applications, including body armor and vehicle armor.
- Ceramic Armor: Ceramic armor is made up of hard, brittle materials, such as ceramic plates. It is used in a variety of applications, including body armor and vehicle armor.
- Metallic Armor: Metallic armor is made up of metal plates or panels. It is used in a variety of applications, including vehicle armor and personal armor.
Examples of Military Armor
Here are some examples of military armor and their corresponding armor ratings:
- Modular Body Armor Vest: This vest is designed to stop small-arms fire and is rated as Hard Armor.
- Advanced Combat Helmet: This helmet is designed to stop rifle threats and is rated as Level III.
- Interceptor Body Armor: This body armor is designed to stop rifle threats and is rated as Level III.
- M9 Body Armor: This body armor is designed to stop armor-piercing threats and is rated as AP Armor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military uses a variety of armor ratings and types of armor to protect personnel from harm. The level of armor used depends on the specific threat and the requirements of the mission. The Ballistic Protection Level System is a standardized system used to rate the level of ballistic protection provided by a material, while the US military uses a different rating system that rates armor based on its ability to stop a specific type of threat.
