Why do you need to wear body armor while training

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  Reasons to Wear Ballistic Vests During Training

  
  

  The only way for police officers to learn how a ballistic vest affects their performance is to wear it during training. Hard and soft body armor have different impacts, and by wearing both types during firearms and defensive tactics (DT) training, officers can better prepare themselves. They need to directly experience changes in shooting stance, breathing, and overall physical performance.

  
  

  Just as you wouldn't participate in a grass court tennis tournament if you've only played on hard or clay courts, providing officers with ballistic vests makes no sense unless they wear them during training. They must be prepared to pursue suspects, engage in altercations with domestic violence offenders, and exchange gunfire while wearing protective gear.

  
  

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  Three Ways to Test New Body Armor

  
  

  There are various brands and models of body armor, each with a different feel when worn. Even with the same body armor, proper fitting can vary depending on how the straps are adjusted, potentially causing restrictions.

  
  

  Here are three ways to test new body armor

  Wear the new body armor during controlled subject control techniques training. It is advisable to examine how the armor reacts when under attack. Understanding its impact when pushing a suspect to the ground is crucial.

  
  

  Wear the body armor at the shooting range during qualification courses. Learning how it affects weapon handling is essential. Evaluate your shooting stance and check if it improves the likelihood of bullets hitting the trauma plate instead of yourself.

  
  

  Exercise while wearing the body armor. Pay attention to discomfort, physical limitations, breathing restrictions, and potential choke points.

  
  

  After completing these steps, you may find yourself sweating considerably. However, there's no need to worry. Body armor often comes with replacement liners that are likely still in the box. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for replacing the liner, and your gear will look and smell fresh again.

  
  

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  Importance of Training with Hard Body Armor

  
  

  Unfortunately, mass shooting incidents have increased across the United States in recent years. As a result, more police departments issue heavy ballistic vests and carriers. When budgets are tight, officers may start purchasing their own. Additional protective armor is absolutely necessary when facing rifle bullets.

  
  

  Officers often pack their own customized kits, including additional rifle magazines, restraints, handcuffs, and first aid supplies sufficient for self-treatment and treating others. While these kits may cost several hundred dollars, ensuring officer safety in such incidents is crucial. However, very few officers actually undergo training while wearing heavy ballistic vests.

  
  

  Before using the kit, remember that it can be stressful. To adequately prepare, ask yourself the following questions before the time comes:

  
  

  > Have you considered how carrying the extra weight will affect the gear you already carry and use?

  > Will the body armor change the position of your body camera or impede its function?

  > Can you quickly and easily access your radio, duty weapon, and magazines?

  > What impact will the added weight of the ballistic vest have on your body?

  > How will it affect your breathing, if at all?

  Have someone time how long it takes you to don the hard ballistic vest. The timing should begin from opening the door, exiting the cruiser, and retrieving all equipment from the trunk. Don't forget to include the time it takes to rearrange other gear carried to accommodate the body armor. This is the actual time it takes to be ready for active shooting scenes.

  
  

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  Practice this exercise repeatedly to prepare in advance. To increase comfort levels under stress, practice and train while wearing all the gear. The more you practice and train with all the equipment, the better prepared and safer you will be.

  
  

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