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Levels of Protection in Body Armor
Home » Law Enforcement » Body Armor » Levels of Protection in Body ArmorBody Armor is rated by the National Institute of Justice. The scale is from I to IV. Levels I to III-A are soft body armor, while Levels III and IV are hard body armor. Here is a break down the kind of protection each level offers:
Level I: generally the older versions of body armor that are no longer recommended for use by police or military personnel. The protection may be adequate for .38 Specials and .22 Rifles, but to be safe, Level I gear is best used in good old fashioned fun: paintball games.
Level II-A: is designed for the small caliber weaponry (pistols) encountered in most street crime. These bulletproof vests can withstand the force of some .9 mm and .357 Magnums. The Level II-A is the most concealable.
Level II: offers greater protection with higher velocity 0.9 mm and .357 Magnums.
Level III-A: built to withstand forces of 0.9 mm at higher velocities (such as from a submachine gun) than Level II-A or Level II vests as well as .44 Magnums.
Level III: contains a rifle protection plate made of ¼ inch steel as well as ceramic and polyethylene to protect against the force of a .308 Winchester Full Metal Jacket.
Level IV: offers the highest level of protection against armor piercing ammunition with a ¾ inch steel plate and ceramic.
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