Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
or cold? Will the wearer be perspiring heavily or working around water?
Vests perform differently under different conditions. In Bangkok, Thailand,
or in Saudi Arabia, temperatures routinely reach above 100 degrees. Some
vests do not perform well at such temperatures. These vests also may become
saturated from perspiration if they do not have water-repellent features.
Some vests that are otherwise satisfactory will fail when saturated with water.
The existence of special threats must be considered as well. If you are
working in a country where there is a great availability of armor-piercing
or steel-core rounds, you have to factor that in to your decision-making
process. As mentioned above, the Russian Tokarev round easily passes
through most SBA. Is that weapon available to the bad guys operating
where you will be working? These concerns should be addressed as part
of any corporate risk assessment.
TACTICAL ARMOR AND RIFLE-RESISTANT PLATES
The next level of available armor prod-
ucts is commonly known as a tactical
vest. As the name implies, the purpose of
the tactical vest is far different from the
function of concealable body armor. It is
worn over clothing and is heavier and
more restrictive than concealable armor.
It also provides the wearer with a much
greater level of protection. More of the
wearer's body is covered; the armor is
thicker and includes functional ballistic
collars, shoulder panels, and groin pro-
tectors (see Exhibit 9.4). Few manufac-
turers seem to understand the proper
function of groin protectors, by the way.
Besides the obvious area that is in need
of protection, groin protectors also need
to be wide enough to protect the femoral
artery from harm. A severed or lacerated
femoral artery will kill you in a matter of
minutes. While David was in the DEA, he
spent a great deal of time designing an
Exhibit 9.4
Author David Katz
wearing a Protech
Body Barricade
Tactical Vest
