Written by S. Thompson | Posted in Recreation |

Ever wonder what happened to the knights in shining armor? They have not disappeared, their protective coverings have only become more stylish. Better than just stylistic improvements, modern armor fits much more comfortably, weighs less, and does not clang together when walking as the medieval defense wear did.

Through the years, body armor plates have been used with a degree of success against shrapnel. The flak vest made its name in the past century but did not serve well at stopping high-powered ammunition. Metal shortages prompted the development of a fiberglass-plastic product called Doron around the time of the Second World War.

Time passed after the Korean War before more advances came to protecting US soldiers. Dupont developed a synthetic fiber called Kevlar® in the 1960’s. Years of experimenting with various weaves and thicknesses of this tough cloth developed knife proof vests and bulletproof vests. Late in the 1990’s the Interceptor became the model of choice with detachable ceramic-composite shield tiles or plates. Weighting much less than either its metal or fiberglass predecessors, it offered protection from bullets as big as 7.62 mm.

Equipped with webbing for handguns, a radio, grenades, and much more, the Interceptor (OTV) Outer Tactical Vest provided protection from shrapnel and pistol bullets. (SAPI) Small Arm Protective Inserts, fasten to the vest and bring it up from medium-level protection to being an active combat wall that will defend a soldier against enemy rifle fire.

The Interceptor (SAPI) works with many newer body armor plates carriers since they were so effective and already had millions distributed to military personnel. In addition to the front and back shields, removable pieces included throat, collar, side, underarm, upper arm, and groin protection inserts. Developments and field testing brought out the (IOTV) Improved Outer Tactical Vest a few years ago, and recently the (MTV) Modular Tactical Vest, not the television program, has gained quiet a few fans in the military.

Also, the Marines have spawned the development of the Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC), designed to make the troops not overheat as quickly as other models and providing greater mobility in extreme terrain. These developments have improved weight and load distribution using advances in the already standard, tightly woven fabric vest, and the removable plates. Recently the military has sponsored research and development of female and male specific body armor carriers and hard synthetic fabric plates.

Today, the Knight’s are no longer in shinning armor but they still live to brave danger and protect others. If your going to work in today’s tactical workforce please remember to suit up in the best body armor available for your personal safety and your future.

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