What Level Plates Does the Military Use?
The military uses various levels of body armor to protect its personnel from ballistic threats. The level of body armor used depends on the type of mission, the terrain, and the expected level of threat. In this article, we will explore the different levels of body armor used by the military.
What is Body Armor?
Body armor is a type of protective gear designed to absorb or block the impact of bullets or other ballistic threats. It is typically worn on the torso, head, and extremities to protect against ballistic threats. Body armor can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and polymers.
NIJ Standard for Body Armor
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standard for body armor in the United States. The NIJ has established a rating system that classifies body armor based on its ability to stop certain types of ammunition. The NIJ rating system consists of three levels:
- Level I: Designed to stop 9mm FMJ (full metal jacket) and.40 S&W FMJ, Level I body armor provides limited protection against small arms fire.
- Level II: Designed to stop.40 S&W core hollow point and 9mm full metal jacket, Level II body armor provides protection against moderate threats.
- Level III: Designed to stop.44 Magnum jacketed hollow point and 7.62mm full metal jacket, Level III body armor provides protection against high-velocity threats.
Military Body Armor Levels
The military uses various levels of body armor, depending on the specific mission and threat level. Here are some examples of military body armor levels:
- Interim Body Armor (IBA): The IBA is a lightweight, flexible body armor designed to stop small arms fire. It is made from a ceramic material and is typically worn by infantry personnel.
- Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI): The ESAPI is a modular body armor designed to stop small arms fire. It is made from a ceramic material and can be worn with the IBA.
- Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH): The ECH is a helmet designed to stop fragmentation and blunt impact threats. It is made from a Kevlar material and is worn by ground personnel.
- Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV): The MBAV is a modular body armor vest designed to stop small arms fire. It is made from a ceramic material and can be worn with other body armor components.
Comparison of Military Body Armor Levels
Here is a comparison of the different military body armor levels:
| Level | Threat Protection | Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBA | Small arms fire | 3.5-4.5 lbs | Ceramic |
| ESAPI | Small arms fire | 4.5-5.5 lbs | Ceramic |
| ECH | Fragmentation, blunt impact | 3-4 lbs | Kevlar |
| MBAV | Small arms fire | 5-6 lbs | Ceramic |
Conclusion
The military uses various levels of body armor to protect its personnel from ballistic threats. The level of body armor used depends on the type of mission, the terrain, and the expected level of threat. In this article, we have explored the different levels of body armor used by the military, including the IBA, ESAPI, ECH, and MBAV. By understanding the different levels of body armor used by the military, we can better appreciate the sacrifices made by our military personnel and the importance of protecting their lives.
