Wearing Body Armor Properly

Today, we will be talking and discussing about one type of body armor clothing, the vest.

To assemble your vest, it is critical that the wearer ensures that the several components of the vests are already prepared and assembled. These are the

1.       The front and back carrier

2.       The front and back ballistic panels

3.       A soft trauma insert

4.       And the shoulder and waist straps.

The ballistic panels are inserted into the carrier with the STRIKE FACE facing away from your body. This is important because our ballistic panels are manufactured using a hybrid design with each layer performing a very specific task in a specific order. Improper insertion of a ballistic panel can result in serious injury or death.

Face side of the front and back ballistic panels and is comprised of hook tabs in each area of the shoulder. This system allows the front and back panels to adhere to the inside of the carrier, holding the panels in place. When in place, tug gently on the bottom of the panels to ensure the Velcro is gripped securely. Finally, smooth the ballistic panel in place and close the zipper on the front and back carrier.

It is always best to have some one assist you the first time you adjust your vest, however, if you are adjusting your vest for the first time by yourself, start by laying the front and back of your vest on a flat surface and loosely adhere the shoulder straps. Your vest may come with more than one set of shoulder and waist straps.

Adjust your vest in a seated position. Once seated, re-adjust the shoulder and waist straps for comfort. Remember, the vest will only protect what it covers. Therefore, it is important that you adjust the vest so that it is not too low or too high.

Finally, ensure you have an even amount of front panel over rear panel overlap on each side of your vest. This is how the bullet proof vest, which is a type of body armor clothing, should be worn.