Firefighters undoubtedly work in difficult and dangerous environments and are fitted with incredibly protective equipment. However, they are also increasingly called to deal with difficult circ*mstances of a different kind, with far too many incidents reported of firefighters being attacked and subjected to violence. Some firefighters choose to equip themselves with body armor, and even some departments have made bulletproof vests mandatory. Body armor is more accessible than ever, and manufacturers are creating ever more breathable and unobtrusive vests. However, the decision to wear a vest rests with the individual, as only they know if their circ*mstances require body armor. If they do need body armor, they must understand what protection the vest will offer.
Body armor is tested and graded according to the ballistic protection it can offer. This grading is in line with the US National Institute of Justice requirements. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is widely recognized as the world leader in ballistics testing and assigns levels of protection to body armor which outline exactly what size, speed, and strength of ammunition a vest can stop. There are many different styles of body armor available and they can be split into two categories: ‘soft armor’, and ‘hard armor’. Soft armor uses lightweight and flexible materials like Kevlar to provide protection and is available up to NIJ Level IIIa. Hard armor will also use fabrics like Kevlar, but with rigid panels of ceramics encased by Polyethylene to provide protection up to NIJ Level IV.
NIJ Level IIa can protect against 9mm Full Metal Jacketed Round Nose and .40 S&W Full Metal Jacketed ammunition, both of which are used in the majority of handguns. It can also stop similar handgun ammunition, such as the 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and even .45 ACP.
NIJ Level II armor is capable of protecting against all of the above ammunition, as well as .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Points and 9mm Parabellum rounds fired at a higher velocity.
NIJ Level IIIa is the highest level available in soft armor and can stop all of the above ammunition, as well as 9mm Parabellum rounds fired from semi-automatic and .44 Magnum Jacketed Hollow Point rounds.
NIJ Level III armor can protect against the 7.62x51mm NATO Full Metal Jacketed round, as well as the 5.56x45mm NATO. It can also stop the vast majority of rifle and automatic rounds, such as the .30-06 and the .308 Winchester, plus the ammunition listed in the levels above.
NIJ Level IV is the highest level of protection currently available and can protect against all the ammunition outlined above, as well as armor-piercing variants of the 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO.
See the below table for more information.
| | NIJ Level IIa | NIJ Level II | NIJ Level IIIa | NIJ Level III | NIJ Level IV |
| Areal Density | 3.5 kg/m | 4.2 kg/m | 5.9 kg/m | 25.9 kg/m | 32.5 kg/m |
| Thickness | 4mm | 5mm | 6mm | 15mm | 20mm |
| .22mm short | | x | x | x | x | x |
| .9mm | | x | x | x | x | x |
| .45mm | | x | x | x | x | x |
| .380mm | | x | x | x | x | x |
| .38mm | | x | x | x | x | x |
| .22mm long | | | x | x | x | x |
| .44 Magnum | | | | x | x | x |
| .30 Carbine | | | | | x | x |
| 5.56mm | | | | | x | x |
| 7.62mm NATO | | | | | x | x |
| .30-06 | | | | | x | x |
| .30 Armor Piercing (M2 AP) | | | | | | x |
Hard armor will likely be unnecessary for Firefighters; the extra weight and bulk may prove to be a hindrance in the punishing environments they work in. However, for the most extreme threats, these armors are unmatched in protection.
For more information on ballistic protection and NIJ Levels, visit the NIJ’s Official Documentation.
FAQs
06 Standard, there are five protection levels (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV). The “A” in levels IIA and IIIA means that the body armor is more effective than the level below it, but doesn't meet the standards of the next level. Think of it as a half (for example: level IIIA = 2.5).
Is Level 4 body armor legal? ›
Level 4 armor is legal to own in all 50 states if you are an American citizen with no prior felony convictions.
Will Level 3a stop 9mm? ›
Soft armor is available upto and including NIJ Level IIIa, which not only provides the protection offered by lower levels, but can also protect against high velocity 9mm full metal jacketed round nose bullets, as well as . 44 Magnum jacketed hollow points.
Why do firefighters wear body armor? ›
“You can't determine when you will be shot at or stabbed, and because such things are not predictable, we mandate wearing the equipment at every scene.” 1 Dallas (TX) Fire-Rescue firefighters training in their ballistic body armor and ballistic helmets. [Photo 1 courtesy of Dallas (TX) Fire-Rescue.]
What is the strongest level of body armor? ›
Level IV is the highest rifle plate rating under the NIJ personal body armor specs at this time. A level IV must stop a single hit of 7.62MM AP “Black Tip”, which is effectively a . 30-06 Armor Piercing bullet. Note the difference in shot count between a level III (6 shots) and level IV (1 shot) certification.
What is level 7 body armor? ›
UL 752 Level 7 Specifications
Most commonly used as a protection barrier against multiple shots from a military assault rifle, such as the M-16, and the like, with muzzle energy of 1158-1402 foot-pounds (1570-1901J). Nominal Thickness. 1 – 1/8” Nominal Weight.
Is there Level 5 body armor? ›
What is Level 5 Body Armor? Level 5 Armor does not actually exist. The highest rating of body armor on the market to day is Level 4 body armor, which is capable of defeating at least a single round of 7.62 x 63 armor piercing ammunition.
Why is body armor illegal? ›
The rationale for prohibiting many felons from possessing body armor or bulletproof vests is similar to that of prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These laws aim to protect public and officer safety by keeping "weapons" away from those who've shown they're capable of committing a crime.
Is Level 5 body armor legal? ›
A civilian may purchase any level of body armor they wish, from level IIA to level IV. There is no level 5 body armor.
Can a bulletproof vest stop a sniper bullet? ›
A bullet from a strong sniper rifle or machine gun can pierce a bullet-proof vest. If a bullet hits a body part that the bullet-proof vest does not cover, the bullet can hurt or kill the person wearing the vest.
Certified for legal travel, including airline travel, with NIJ level 3 stand-alone ceramic protection. Provides superior protection, stopping various sniper, pistol, assault rifles, and airgun rounds, including AR-15 with 5.56 & AK-47 with 7.62.
Will a bulletproof vest stop a 44 Magnum? ›
Bulletproof vests that have been tested according to NIJ Level IIIA stop most handgun rounds, up to . 44 Magnum ammunition. However some fast traveling 5.7mm rounds can penetrate Level IIIA body armor.
Why do police not wear bulletproof vests? ›
Heat, comfort and weight are all reasons officers choose not to wear their vests every day.
Why do firefighters wear red shirts? ›
From the entire colour spectrum, red is the colour which naturally offers the highest level of protection against radiation and infrared light. Fire emits heat and radiation, and a red-coloured firefighter suit will provide the highest protection against radiant heat.
What do firefighters wear when they get married? ›
Class A Firefighter Uniform
This uniform is worn during special formal events, such as awards giving, weddings, funerals, and other public ceremonial occasions.
Does Level 5 body armor exist? ›
What is Level 5 Body Armor? Level 5 Armor does not actually exist. The highest rating of body armor on the market to day is Level 4 body armor, which is capable of defeating at least a single round of 7.62 x 63 armor piercing ammunition.
Should I get Level 3 or 4 body armor? ›
It is commonly used by military personnel and law enforcement in extremely dangerous environments. When comparing Level 3 and Level 4 body armor, it's important to consider factors such as the level of threat you anticipate and your budget. While Level 4 offers superior protection, it comes at a higher price point.
What can go through level 4 body armor? ›
338 Lapua Magnum and . 50 BMG are generally capable of penetrating level IV. If you are getting shot at by these threats it's probably best to reevaluate your life choices rather than your choice in body armor.
