Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
encounter. The first thing they need to do is realize that the vest carrier
(the garment, usually ballistic nylon, taffeta, or Nomex, which contains the
ballistic panels) should serve to identify them as members of the press and
not as combatants. If you are a reporter, you should avoid using the same
type of armor as those in the conflict. To do so is to risk becoming a target
yourself. In the same manner that law enforcement agencies have POLICE
clearly displayed on their vests, you should have the word PRESS on your
vest in large, bold letters. Consider having it written in English as well as
the local language.
Before you order your equipment, you need to research the weapons
used in the conflict. Do this for
both sides
in the conflict. This point is crit-
ically important as you may find yourself on the receiving end of both hos-
tile and “friendly” fire. The differences in the ammunition used could
prove fatal to you if your hard armor is not resistant to any round you are
likely to find in use where you are going. For example, in Afghanistan, the
Taliban and Al Qaeda favored the AK-47 rifle. American troops carry the
M16. Many types of hard armor will stop rounds from one but not from
the other. Make sure yours stops all available varieties of both rounds. The
soft armor in the carrier must be effective against all handgun rounds with
superior ballistic effectiveness near the edges. It also should be tested
against multiple-round bursts and have a seamless collar. The groin pro-
tector should be squared off like an apron and cover the groin and the
femoral arteries in both legs.
It is imperative to understand that the soft body armor in the vest will
not stop bullets fired from any military rifle. It will, however, provide pro-
tection against shrapnel. The hard plates are what will defeat a rifle
round.
OTHER USES OF TACTICAL ARMOR
Tactical vests also have great use while moving a VIP through a potentially
dangerous area by motorcade. Even armored vehicles can be breached,
and there is always the chance that the person being protected (known as
the principal) will need to be evacuated from a stopped car or one that is
burning. A tactical vest, with appropriately designed and selected armor
plates, is the best choice for that type of situation. Additional armored
products, such as helmets and shields, are also indispensable and are dis-
cussed below.
