Ballistic safety technology has come a long way and when it comes to suitable body armor, these advancements could ultimately mean the difference between life and death. One of the biggest defences, however, can be made by simple making sure that there is enough adequate knowledge and preparation regarding the situation. When going into a combat zone it is imperative that as much knowledge is gathered before choosing the correct type of body armour. If this is incorrect, then the body armour itself may actually prove to be a liability and could make the wearer a target, or hinder their ability to move. Knowledge can also ensure that the right choice is made regarding the type of projectiles that may need to be stopped, which necessitates a knowledge of different armour levels. For instance, Type I can protect against a .22 rifle which can fire a bullet at 329 m/s. Type IIA, which has largely supplanted Type I and can protect against those projectiles will offer protection from multiple different projectiles including rounds travelling anywhere between 373 m/s and 275 m/s, depending on the type of round. Type II can protect against 9mm FMJ RN bullets travelling at almost 400 m/s as well as .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets travelling at 436 m/s. As the scale rises, Type IIIA can protect against higher velocities over 440 m/s and can withstand shots from the vast majority of handguns, making it a great choice for those who may be engaged in close combat. Type III is conditioned armour that can withstand M80 ball bullets travelling at 847 m/s while Type IV can withstand armour piercing rounds from .30-06 Springfield M2.
It is also important to realise that as each stage builds on the one that goes before, meaning that Type IIIA can withstand all of the projectiles from Types I and II, IIA, for instance. Shrapnel fragmentation from artillery, mortar, grenades and aerial bombs all present a danger and the vest in question should be tested and accredited to withstand the amount that is required for the situation. Vests which provide protection from a .17 gr fragment travelling at 610 m/s is typically used by Special Forces around the world, making it an excellent all round choice which has been proven in many different combat scenarios, which can give it the maximum amount of worth.
Finding a company who can manufacture the best pieces of armour for multiple different scenarios including covert, overt, tactical, and floatation will be imperative, since different jackets may be required in different scenarios. For those involved in NIJ law enforcement, visible body armor is not always recommended so it helps to have something that can be concealed beneath normal clothing. Finding armour that is properly fitted is one of the biggest requirements of people, particularly for those who need their mobility to not be impeded at all. Typical sizes for armour runs from small to extra, extra large.