Why would private citizens want to own and wear body armor and/or ballistic helmets? Is it even legal to own these items? Is this realistic, useful gear? Follow along and we’ll shed some light on these and other questions.
Is body armor legal?
First, let’s address whether or not we can even legally own these items. Most people (including myself) would consider these to be PPD (Personal Protection Devices). In fact, I was shocked several years ago when I learned that some jurisdictions regulate these items!
Section 931 of Title 18, United States Code, states that any citizen who is 18 years of age and older and who is not a felon of a crime of violence, can purchase and wear body armor in the US. You’d think that would be the final word, but no. There are always exceptions. I’m not going to cover the laws of each state, but I’ll run over a couple here just to give you an idea.
Body armor cannot be shipped to Connecticut, it can only be purchased face-to-face in that state. In Hawaii, it is illegal to wear body armor while committing a crime (no, I did not make that up). Idaho has a similar restriction.
Illinois has the following law: Individuals are not allowed to wear body armor when in possession of dangerous weapons other than firearms during attempted commission or commission of any offense. In other words, if you commit a crime armed with a knife, you are not allowed to wear body armor, by law. However, if you’re using a firearm, you are allowed to commit a crime wearing body armor. Again, I am not making this stuff up.
In Topeka, Kansas, it is illegal to wear, possess, or carry bulletproof vests during parades, rallies, demonstrations, assemblies, and protests.
In Louisiana, it’s illegal to wear body armor on school property or a campus.
Not surprisingly, New York‘s laws are completely off the charts, in that unless you are police or military, you cannot possess or sell body armor. Period.
These are some highlights. Nearly every state has a statute that makes it a crime to wear body armor while committing a crime.
Why would civilians need or want to use body armor?
There are a few reasons that civilians would choose to wear body armor.
Rampant Crime
Most of us have likely noticed that violent crime is, once again, on the rise. For a long time, it was declining, but that trend is apparently over for now. The reasons are many, and likely include the failing economy, along with the divisiveness that’s sweeping the country. We won’t get into the details, as there is not enough room to cover it in 10 articles and it would just piss people off.
Suffice it to say that we’re seeing riots and civil unrest, mostly in cities. Not only are citizens being attacked, but so are police. Beyond that, robberies and murders seem to be on the rise as well, especially in urban areas.
Training
When we’re engaged in training, especially with other shooters, it’s not a bad idea to don some armor, particularly when rifles are being used. Being in shoot houses or using steel targets, there’s the real possibility that an errant round could connect with us.
When I was training as a member of our Emergency Response Team, there were a few instances where we had team members hit with ricochets bouncing back from steel targets. In fact, I’ve been hit a few times by splashback from steel targets. I wasn’t seriously injured, but still. Accidents can and do happen during training, especially high-speed training.
Cool Guy Factor
Some people really have no need for body armor, but they just enjoy owning it. Since it’s a free country, they are within their rights to do so.
I know some guys who really have no practical use for body armor, but they have an extensive collection, complete with military-type plate carriers. When asked what their profession is, many will reply that they’re a computer programmer or other civilian professional.
Some people refer to these types as “Mall Ninjas,” “Chairborne Rangers.” “Posers,” and other colorful names. I won’t necessarily say that’s a fair statement, as it’s a free country, as I mentioned. It is interesting, though, when you’re at a training and the guy next to you is kitted up in the latest plate carrier, pouches, and is holding an FN SCAR rifle. You might say, “Are you on a SEAL Team?” He replies, “No, I’m a janitor at the local middle school.” One sometimes scratches one’s head. But…it’s a free country.
Case in point. I was in a local gun shop, and one of the gun shop commandos was bragging about how he’s been in shoot houses training next to Navy SEALs and other high-speed operators. He’d captured the attention (and awe) of some of the local folk who happened to be in the shop. He spoke authoritatively about body armor, and what type he had, as well as the high-speed weaponry that he used. He opined that, unless a shooter fires at least 10,000 rounds a year in training, that person could not possibly be competent with a firearm. The man had the look down pat — the beard, gym rat physique, tattoos festooning both arms. To a person who didn’t know him, they’d likely believe he was a Special Forces operator because that’s the image he cultivated. After he’d gone on for some time, I asked him what his occupation was (I already knew the answer). His response was that he’s a history teacher. I smiled, and said, “Uh-huh.”
On the other hand, they might be training for that day when the “Balloon Goes Up”, and can we really fault them for wanting to be ready and protect their family if things become dire? Who am I to judge? As I said, it’s a free country.
I used to wear this gear as part of my work attire on the job, so it’s old hat to me. Truth to tell, I currently don’t have ballistic plates for my chest rigs or helmet. They’re typically expensive, and I’d rather use that money to buy magazines, ammo, or other implements for training.
Do you need body armor? Do an assessment.
If you’re trying to figure out whether or not you need this sort of ballistic protection, do a quick self-assessment. Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:
- Do I expect to be involved in a gun battle in the future?
- Do I live in a high-threat area where the risk of being shot is high?
- Do I have a job that might bring me into harm’s way during my off-duty hours?
- Do I foresee needing to protect my family during a crisis scenario?
Home Invasions
I’ve heard people say that body armor could protect us in the event of a home invasion. Maybe so. But I have to wonder—is it realistic if we’re sleeping (or even if we’re not sleeping)? If we hear a break-in happening, will we have time to don body armor (perhaps after dressing), arm ourselves, and react to the threat? That’s a lot to do in a very compressed time frame. I think it’s overly optimistic. Body armor such as that on a plate carrier takes a little time to don.
How comfortable is body armor?
Wearing body armor is uncomfortable. I wore it for a significant portion of my career. It restricts movement and it is hot! The warmth isn’t bad if it is January and it’s 15° F with high winds.
However, the building where I worked a lot of the time was 120 degrees in the summer with almost no air movement. At the end of my shift, I could literally wring the sweat out of the t-shirt that I wore under the body armor. In those circumstances, the vest had become a torture device that Vlad The Impaler would have been envious of. There were times when I nearly passed out from the effects of the heat combined with the vest holding the heat in. My protective gear was nearly killing me.
This is a real consideration to take into account. I was faced with balancing the good and bad; wear the body armor and reduce the risk of being perforated and bleeding, but at the risk of heat exhaustion. Or don’t wear it and sweat less but maybe bleed more. Great options!
So do civilians need body armor and can they use it?
Whether or not a civilian needs body armor depends on if they are anticipating being in a combat situation or a major civil unrest event. Armor can also protect us during training. It certainly can’t hurt to have a set of armor, just in case. With that said, each person has to ask themselves if the expenditure is worth it, or if that money would have been better spent on other items. For example, training, other gear, or ammo.
Will I tell anyone they’re crazy for acquiring body armor? Never! We never know what’s around the corner as far as events are concerned, so being ready for extreme situations could very well be a prudent move nowadays.
If you’re inclined to pursue body armor, go for it! Just be sure to do your research to be assured of getting the highest quality for the most reasonable price.
